Lucas Da Cunha, the Quiet Rise of Como’s New Captain

Lucas Da Cunha’s appointment as captain of Como 1907 feels like a natural evolution. At twenty three, the French midfielder is the club’s longest serving player, about to begin his fourth season on the shores of Lake Como. What began as a loan has grown into permanence, consistency, and now leadership, marking him as one of the defining figures of a side that has climbed with patience and ambition.

The announcement from the club came with words from head coach Cesc Fabregas that revealed how deeply Da Cunha has earned respect. “Lucas is now entering his fourth season at the club and stands as our longest serving player. I had the privilege of sharing the pitch with him during my final year as a player here in Como, and I’ve seen firsthand his growth both on and off the field. He represents everything we are building at this club, humility, work ethic, commitment, quality, and a top mentality. His leadership has developed through daily example: he never misses a training session, always puts the team first, and continues to grow every day. At his age, the best is still to come. Supporting him will be a strong leadership group of vice captains: Sergi Roberto, Mërgim Vojvoda, and Álvaro Morata. Together, they will guide this squad to keep growing, pushing forward, and building the culture we believe in at Como. Forza Lucas. Forza Como.”

For Da Cunha, the responsibility of the armband is not a burden but an extension of his role within a very young squad. “Leading a younger team than last year, I don’t think it’s very different because even though the group is young, the lads are very mature, both on and off the pitch. We have to help each other every day, and this will only bring positive aspects to being a young team.” His outlook is pragmatic, rooted in the idea that maturity can come from collective responsibility rather than age.

There is no pretence in how he talks about the job. “Between last season and this one, I don’t feel any more pressure because I’m now familiar with the role of captain, but the responsibility is great. I have to be an example for everyone, play with personality on the pitch, and communicate and be available to the whole group.” For a player still in the early years of his career, there is a striking balance between self assurance and self awareness.

He sees Como’s youth as fuel. “Being captain of one of the youngest teams in Serie A is a great challenge, but we are all very motivated. We are hungry for success. We are here for the same goals and we are all moving forward together in the same direction, with great ambitions.” The emphasis is always collective, his personal ambition inseparable from the ambitions of the squad.

Serie A remains a relatively new stage for him, yet he treats it as both opportunity and duty. “Serie A is still new to me, but even more so for others. It is up to us, the more experienced players, to share our experience of the league and put the team in the best possible position so that everyone can feel comfortable on the pitch. It is a wonderful league where there is so much to experience and enjoy.” The words echo a desire not only to adapt but also to protect, to give younger teammates the tools to thrive in an unforgiving environment.

For Da Cunha, leadership extends far beyond the whistle. “What I have learned about leadership is that it is not just about giving instructions or setting an example on the pitch. Above all, it is about knowing how to listen, being positive and understanding everyone’s needs.” His philosophy captures the essence of modern captaincy, rooted as much in empathy as in authority.

And then there are the supporters, who have watched his steady rise and now see him take on the armband. “On behalf of the whole team, thank you so much to the fans for always being with us and giving us strength every day. We will give our all for you.”