No one can be a political leader without a polity, and no one heads a "government" that does not derive its just authority from the consent of the governed. The gangsters you admire a little men who aren't worthy of kissing George Washington's ass.
Then name me a great political leader before George Washington? Were there none? By your reckoning there can only be great political leaders in a democratic republic. But politics happens in all political systems. If you think not you are naieve. I’m not confusing greatness with notoriety. You are confusing greatness with goodness.