Kylian Mbappe Named Captain Under Zidane's Leadership

Zinedine Zidane has wasted no time putting his stamp on France. On Friday, the new Les Bleus coach confirmed what many expected but still carries huge weight: Kylian Mbappe will be his captain.

Mbappe excelled with the armband at the World Cup, dragging France forward and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. It still wasn’t enough to reach the final, as Spain ended French hopes in the semi-finals on their way to the title, but Mbappe’s authority on and off the ball clearly convinced Zidane.

The decision also draws a sharp line under the Didier Deschamps era. Deschamps walked away after 14 years in charge, a spell defined by the 2018 World Cup triumph and regular deep runs at major tournaments. Zidane, his former midfield partner in France’s golden generation that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, now inherits the job on a four-year contract, announced at the end of July.

His reign will begin in the UEFA Nations League. France travel to Turkey next Friday, then face Belgium in Brussels on September 28. The first taste of Zidane on the home touchline comes on October 2 against Italy at the Stade de France, followed by a second meeting with Belgium three days later in Paris. It’s a brutal, high-profile start. Exactly the kind Zidane tends to embrace.

New era, new faces

Zidane, 54, steps into the role with the weight of his own history behind him. A former Ballon d’Or winner, he retired from playing in 2006 after that infamous World Cup final red card for headbutting Marco Materazzi, a night that ended with France losing to Italy on penalties. Now he returns as national coach, with a squad that mixes established stars and bold new picks.

At the back, 21-year-old centre-back Jeremy Jacquet earns a first call-up. His performances for Liverpool since his summer move to the Premier League have caught the eye, and Zidane has moved quickly to reward him. In attack, Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, last season’s top scorer in Ligue 1, also steps into the senior setup for the first time.

The midfield has a fresh twist as well. Lucas Da Cunha, impressing with Como in Serie A, gets his chance, while Andy Diouf of Inter Milan — capable of playing as a midfielder or wing-back — joins up too. Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes completes the list of notable newcomers.

Big omissions

Some established names miss out. Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is absent from the squad, as is Inter forward Marcus Thuram. Arsenal defender William Saliba is also unavailable due to injury. For a first list under a new coach, these omissions are striking and underline Zidane’s willingness to reshape the hierarchy quickly.

The core, though, remains powerful. Mike Maignan leads the goalkeepers, with Robin Risser and Restes behind him. In defence, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano headline a group that also includes Pierre Kalulu, Maxence Lacroix and Adrien Truffert, alongside Diouf and Jacquet.

Midfield belongs to a new French generation: Eduardo Camavinga, Rayan Cherki, Warren Zaire-Emery, Manu Kone, Da Cunha and the experienced Adrien Rabiot. Up front, Mbappe is surrounded by pace and flair — Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Lepaul and Michael Olise.

Zidane’s first France squad

• Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse)
• Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan/ITA), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool/ENG), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid/ESP), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus/ITA), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea/ENG), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)
• Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Lucas Da Cunha (Como/ITA), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool/ENG), Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue (both Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER)

The names are familiar, the structure is not. Mbappe now wears the armband, Zidane calls the shots from the bench, and a refreshed France will be judged immediately against heavyweight opposition. The Deschamps chapter is closed. The Zidane era starts under full glare, with no room for a gentle introduction.