Zidane Confirms Mbappé as France Captain After Naming First Squad
Zidane Confirms Mbappé as France Captain After Naming First SquadFrance national team head coach, Zinedine Zidane, has confirmed Kylian Mbappé as the captain of the French national team following the announcement of his first squad since taking over from Didier Deschamps.
Zidane made the announcement during a press conference in Paris, where he unveiled his squad for France’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
The decision means Mbappé will continue to lead the French national team as the country begins a new era under one of its most celebrated former players.
Zidane Retains Mbappé as France Captain
Zinedine Zidane confirmed that Kylian Mbappé would remain France’s captain after taking charge of the national team.
Mbappé had already served as France’s skipper and played a prominent leadership role during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Real Madrid forward finished the tournament as the top scorer with 10 goals, although France were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals.
Zidane’s decision to retain Mbappé reflects continuity in the leadership of the national team as the former Real Madrid manager begins his tenure.
The new France coach was appointed as the successor to Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year spell in charge included the country’s 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia.
Zidane and Deschamps previously played together for France and were part of the team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.
Mbappé’s Role in the French Team
During his press conference, Zidane also discussed Mbappé’s role in the France attack.
The coach explained that the forward is capable of playing in three different attacking positions. However, Zidane stated that he particularly likes Mbappé playing from the left side.
Mbappé has played in several attacking roles throughout his career. While he has featured as a centre-forward, he has also operated from the left wing and the right side of the attack at different stages.
His versatility gives Zidane several tactical options as France prepares for its upcoming international fixtures.
The coach also addressed discussions surrounding the defensive work of attacking players, stressing the importance of teamwork when France does not have possession of the ball.
Zidane Names First France Squad
Zidane announced a 23-player squad for France’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
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Several new players received call-ups, including Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet, Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul and Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha.
The squad also features established players such as Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Ibrahima Konaté and Jules Koundé.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram were among the notable players absent from the squad. Reports indicated that Tchouaméni was continuing his recovery, while Thuram was also unavailable.
The squad announcement offers an early indication of Zidane’s plans as he seeks to prepare France for future international competitions.
France’s Upcoming Matches
Zidane’s first matches as France coach will come in the UEFA Nations League.
France is scheduled to travel to Turkey on September 25 before facing Belgium in Brussels on September 28.
The team’s first home match under Zidane is scheduled to take place against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2. France will then host Belgium three days later.
These fixtures will provide Zidane with an opportunity to assess his players, introduce his tactical approach and begin preparations for future international tournaments.
The appointment of Zidane has attracted significant attention because of his history with the French national team. As a player, he helped France win the 1998 World Cup on home soil and the 2000 European Championship.
He also enjoyed a successful managerial career with Real Madrid, where he won several major trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
A New Era for Les Bleus
The arrival of Zidane marks the beginning of a new chapter for the French national team following Deschamps’ departure.
Deschamps guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 World Cup final. His successor now faces the task of managing a squad that combines experienced international players with emerging talent.
By confirming Mbappé as captain, Zidane has settled one of the key leadership questions surrounding his first squad.
Mbappé’s experience at the highest level of international football will be important as France seeks to maintain its position among Europe’s leading national teams.
The forward has already established himself as one of the central figures in French football, and his continued role as captain will place further responsibility on him both on and off the pitch.
Zidane will now focus on preparing his players for the Nations League fixtures while developing a team capable of competing for future honours.
With the new coach and captain combination officially confirmed, attention will turn to France’s first match under Zidane against Turkey on September 25.
The match will be closely watched as supporters look to see how the former World Cup-winning midfielder begins his tenure and how Mbappé leads the team under his management.
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