Under the conference-room lights on Friday, Zinédine Zidane made his first major decision as France head coach clear: Kylian Mbappé will remain captain of Les Bleus.
Key takeaways
- Zidane confirmed Mbappé’s captaincy while unveiling his first 23-man France squad.
- The new coach described the Real Madrid forward as “my player” as he set out his plans.
- Mbappé keeps the armband following Zidane’s appointment as France manager.
- Zidane declined to discuss the Ballon d’Or race involving Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
Zidane makes an early call on France leadership
France’s new manager has chosen continuity in the dressing room, confirming that Mbappé will retain the role he held before Zidane took charge.
“Yes, Kylian will be my player and he will be my captain,” Zidane said on Friday during the announcement of his 23-player selection.
The statement removes any immediate uncertainty over the leadership of the national side. Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, remains the central figure in Zidane’s first squad and will continue to lead France on the pitch.
No comment on Ballon d’Or contest
Zidane was less willing to be drawn into the individual awards debate. He did not address the Ballon d’Or situation, in which Mbappé is among the contenders alongside fellow France international Ousmane Dembélé.
The new coach instead kept the focus on his first selection and the captain he has chosen to carry France’s armband.
