Marcelo will be Brazil's captain for their opener in Russia FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 - Brazil vs Switzerland Will lead side out against the Swiss

The mystery around the Brazil armband at the World Cup has been resolved after the announcement that Real Madrid's Marcelo will captain them in their opener against Switzerland.

It is a recognition that highlights the importance of the defender to the Selecao, who are one of the favourites to win in Russia.

Although it was speculated that coach Tite could change his plan and appoint a single captain for the entire competition, he will continue with the rotation system for the armband.

When he took charge of the national team, he was faced with a problem in that regard.

Neymar, fed up with the criticism from a section of the press and supporters, decided to renounce his position as captain.

When publicly announcing that decision, he insisted he would not be swayed and it left the new man with a decision to make.

Thiago Silva was removed by Dunga in 2014 after his actions in the penalty shootout against Chile, which the coach felt were too emotional, and he wanted a leader who was more level-headed.

Tite has opted to rotate the honour and in their last 21 games, there have already been 14 different captains.

On Sunday, that will rise to 22, although the number of captains will stay the same as Marcelo is one of the group to repeat as skipper.

As of now, Tite's captains have been: Dani Alves (four times), Miranda (three), Neymar (two), Thiago Silva (two), Marcelo (two, as of Sunday), Casemiro, Renato Augusto, Gabriel Jesus, Willian, Philippe Coutinho, Fernandinho, Marquinhos, Filipe Luis and Robinho.

In the event that they reach the final, all bets point to the armband for that game being handed to Neymar.