Zinédine Zidane’s first France squad has arrived with a clear message from the new head coach: Kylian Mbappé will not automatically be placed through the middle. At the French Football Federation headquarters on Friday, Zidane said he particularly values the captain on the left of the attack, while insisting that balance will shape every decision in his first camp.
The former France great, appointed on 28 July, has selected 20 outfield players for a gathering containing four matches. He said the compact group was deliberate, with no intention of bringing players only to leave them in the stands.
“There has been a lot of work since my appointment,” Zidane said. “It is the first squad and the first camp, but my ideas were fairly clear.”
He added that recent returns from the World Cup, injuries and a lack of club minutes had all been considered. One or two absences were intentional, he indicated, but not necessarily permanent.
Mbappé viewed as a wide forward
Asked whether Mbappé remains France’s leading centre-forward, Zidane gave a direct answer: “No, I do not think so.”
Mbappé can operate across all three attacking roles, Zidane said, but the coach made clear that he likes the 2018 World Cup winner on the left side. France’s attacking players will begin in their natural roles, although their movement and combinations will be worked on during the camp.
Zidane rejected suggestions that Mbappé’s defensive work could create a problem for the new regime. He described the discussion as a “false debate”, saying every player will have responsibilities both with and without possession.
“We must be clear about what we want to do,” he said. “It is not an issue for Kylian.”
While France have several attacking stars available, Zidane warned against simply loading the side with forwards. Team equilibrium, he said, remains essential.
A wider pool and new solutions at full-back
The new coach has broadened his options in areas where France have recently lacked depth, particularly at full-back. Andy Diouf and Adrien Truffert have been chosen as fresh options, with Zidane backing both players to handle the demands of international football.
On the opposite flank, Jules Koundé will compete alongside Pierre Kalulu. Zidane said Diouf’s role under him will be different from the one he performs at Inter Milan: he wants to assess him at left-back.
Warren Zaïre-Emery, meanwhile, has been called up as a midfielder. Zidane dismissed the possibility of using him on the right wing, saying his selection in the middle reflected exactly where he wants to watch him play.
Malo Gusto and Maghnes Akliouche, both involved at the World Cup, have not been included. Zidane stressed that their absence does not represent a fall in the hierarchy. His decision to limit the selection to 20 outfield players was designed to ensure that everyone can take part.
“They remain selectable,” he said, adding that both could return for the next international window.
Creative players given their chance
Estéban Lepaul has earned a place because of a profile Zidane believes offers something different. The coach highlighted his ability to work in tight areas and his potential value against opponents defending deep, while also pointing to his goalscoring record.
Rayan Cherki has also been praised as one of the increasingly rare genuine No. 10s. Zidane described him as a creative player capable of finding space between opposition lines, and said the 15-day camp will give the staff time to work closely with him.
Jérémy Jacquet is another player Zidane wants to examine. The coach said he has followed the defender for a long time, having first seen him in youth football alongside his son, Elyaz.
Zidane said every member of the squad will be involved across the four fixtures. He intends to speak individually with his players before putting his tactical ideas into practice.
“The way I see football will become clear,” he said. “I am driven by the game. I want to see this team play, and I believe we have the players to do it.”
Captaincy group and France memories
Mbappé remains the central captain, but Zidane revealed that three more members of a four-man leadership group have already been identified. Their names will be announced shortly.
Reflecting on his own years as a France player, Zidane said he had taken lessons from each of the national-team managers he worked under: Aimé Jacquet, Roger Lemerre, Jacques Santini and Raymond Domenech.
Jacquet, who guided France to the 1998 World Cup, remains the defining figure in Zidane’s international career, while Lemerre was remembered for his closeness to the squad.
Zidane also ruled out any involvement in France’s political contests ahead of 2027. He said he has personal convictions but will devote himself entirely to his role with the senior national team.
