In the previous decade, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has had a clear focus on how each event ties into the next, and nowhere was that more clear than when Sam Wilson acquired the shield and became Captain America. As Marvel Studios continues its wave of Phase 4 content, many fans regard it as messy and disconnected. With every addition, viewers seem less certain about where each project is taking its main and legacy characters.

RELATED: The 10 Best Marvel Legacy Heroes, Ranked

One show that breaks the mold is The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Previous films set up Sam Wilson's character to be the Captain America the MCU needs, but Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcased exactly why and how Sam deserves the to hold the shield. Regardless of the future, fans can rest easy knowing Wilson's Captain America is forever a symbol of hope within the MCU.

10 He Stayed True To Himself While Learning From The Best

Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers talk in Washington D.C. after a run

Sam Wilson's been true to himself since he made his MCU debut in 2014's Captain America: Winter Soldier. Sam always had an air of confidence, humor, and he was dedicated to helping his friends. Throughout his time in the MCU, he never deviated from these traits.

From trying to keep up with Steve, to his banter with Bucky Barnes, to joking while fighting Spider-Man, Sam Wilson has an unmatched optimism, and he gives his all in a fight. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier showcases Sam's self-doubt for a brief second, but in the end, he stands true to his beliefs, which is what Captain America truly represents.

9 Isaiah Bradley Showed Him The True Weight Of The Shield

Falcon with Isaiah Bradley in a museum with Isaiah's statue

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier focuses on Sam's lived experience as a Black man and hero. When Sam discovers the dark truth concerning what happened to Isaiah Bradley, Bradley urges him not to take the mantle. "They will never let a Black Man be Captain America. And even if they did, no self-respecting Black Man would ever want to be" warns Bradley, giving Sam a glimpse at how people may view him.

RELATED: 10 Most Inspiring MCU Characters

The conversations with Bradley came only hours after Sam's nephews showed their admiration for him, and it made Sam's speech at the end of the show much more impactful. Sam knew some people wouldn't like him or approve of his decisions, but he didn't let that deter him because he knew he could make a genuine change as Captain America.

8 He Speaks Up For The Truth

Sam Wilson Talking Outside In Captain America Suit

Wilson's speech at the end of TFATWS brought tears to viewers' eyes, and watching the faces of those Sam addressed revealed a shift in the crowd's perception of the new hero. Sam fought by Steve Rogers' side during Captain America: Civil War because he knew the Avengers were fighting for the right to choose.

Whether fans agree with Tony Stark or Steve Rogers, how each team addresses the Sokovia Accords reveals who stands up for their beliefs and who stands aside. Sam directly counters Black Widow and War Machine in the initial debate because he believes in Steve and in protecting people the best they can.

7 Sam Fights For What's Right No Matter What

Captain America, Falcon and Winter Soldier confront each other in the MCU

Captain America will always stand up for the little guys and the big issues, no matter who stands with him. Sam Wilson gives no exception to this key characteristic, and his compassion for others is unmatched. In TFATWS, Sam knew how much people loved John Walker, and he knew what the man was supposed to represent, but he also knew how dangerous Walker could become.

Sam Wilson stood up for people like Isaiah Bradley and Karli Morgenthau, knowing he'd be standing alone but would make a difference in the end. Wilson's powerful speech after debuting himself as Captain America was reminiscent of the original "no, you move" speech Rogers gave in Amazing Spider-Man #537 by J. Michael Straczynski, Ron Garney, Bill Reinhold, Matt Milla, and Cory Petit.

6 Sam Wilson Is Dependable

Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Sam has consistently showcased what a good friend he is. His relationship with Bucky is complex, but ultimately the two care about each other. Sam fights by his side, just as the pair did with Steve, and he shows up when he's needed.

Sam's confident personality and lighthearted joking inspires hopes in audiences (and heroes) when he returns in Avengers: Endgame, just in the knick of time. Sharing Steve Rogers' courage and compassion, Sam will never let someone fight a bully alone if he knows he can help.

5 He Doesn't Need the Serum To Fight With The Best Of Them

An image of the Falcon and the Winter Soldier webbed to the ground during Civil War

A running joke among Marvel fans is how frequently Sam Wilson loses fights in the MCU, but few viewers address the fact Sam is one of the few heroes who doesn't have super-powers. Similarly, his wings and drone can't really compete with an Iron Man suit. ​​​​​​

RELATED: Falcon's 5 Best Fights In The MCU (& Who Won)

Despite having the odds stacked against him, Sam has worked hard to keep up since he was first introduced to the MCU. He's fought just as many battles as the rest of the Avengers, and even though he can get knocked down, he always gets back up stronger than before.

4 Falcon And The Winter Soldier Showed Sam Is Today's "Every Man"

Sam Wilson in Captain America The Winter Soldier

Sam's lack of powers and his day-to-day experience in TFATWS help audiences relate to the hero on a whole new level. Sam struggles to get a loan, he goes out of his way to help his family, and he's frequently underappreciated by the people he regularly interacts with.

Despite the hands he's dealt, Sam persists. He tries his best to achieve his goals and, while he wants to be known for who he really is, Sam knows how people perceive him ultimately doesn't matter. What matters is whether he's remained true and kind of heart.

3 Steve Chose Him For A Reason

Old Steve Rogers gives Sam Wilson the Captain America shield in Avengers: Endgame.

Even though he takes a while to come to grips with Steve's decision, Sam comes to accept that he was given the shield for a reason. Steve Rogers knew Sam had earned the shield, just like he did.

Sam doesn't need a super serum to be compassionate, and he doesn't need a team of superheroes to back him up. He'll fight for what's right either way. Sam didn't see these qualities within himself at first, but Rogers did. Similar to how Steve's character made him a hero, Sam's character helped him become Captain America.

2 Sam Is Always Growing

Sam Wilson holds Captain America's shield in Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Sam was met with anger when he relinquished the shield. Sam defended his choice by saying he did what he thought he was right, something Steve Rogers would've wanted, but the events of TFATWS changed his opinion.

RELATED: 10 Things That Makes Sam A Better Captain America Than Steve

Sam grappled with the responsibility and learned more about what it meant to be Captain America. Ultimately, this ability to evolve and learn, combined with his compassion and tenacity, made Wilson the best candidate for the Captain America mantle.

1 He Represents Hope and What America Could Become

Sam WIlson/Captain America from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Many fans believe Steve Rogers represented what America thinks it is, John Walker portrays what many assume it is, Isaiah Bradley portrays America's past, and Sam represents what America's future could and should be. This hyperbole drives home what makes Sam the perfect person to carry the mantle.

Sam understands symbols mean nothing if the people behind them don't uphold their meaning. He knows people need to face ugly truths in order to grow a more promising tomorrow, cementing once and for all that he's the hero people deserve.

NEXT: 10 Best Episodes In MCU Disney+ TV Shows, Ranked According To IMDb