New France head coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Kylian Mbappé will remain captain of the national team after unveiling his first squad since replacing Didier Deschamps.
Zidane made the announcement on Friday, September 18, as he named a 23-man squad for France’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.
“Kylian will be my player and he will be my captain,” Zidane said, confirming that Mbappé will continue to wear the armband he has held since 2023
The Real Madrid forward was included in Zidane’s first squad alongside teammates Ibrahima Konaté and Eduardo Camavinga, while Barcelona defender Jules Koundé also received a call-up.
Zidane’s first selection also features several new faces, including Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet, Guillaume Restes, Andy Diouf, Lucas Da Cunha and Estéban Lepaul.
The appointment marks the beginning of a new era for France following the end of Deschamps’ 14-year spell in charge. Deschamps led Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup title and also guided the team to the 2022 World Cup final.
Zidane, a former France captain and 1998 World Cup winner, was appointed in July to succeed Deschamps. His first competitive matches will come against Türkiye and Belgium, followed by a meeting with Italy and another fixture against Belgium.
Mbappé will now lead the team into the Zidane era as the coach begins preparations for France’s next major international challenges.
ALSO READ:Deschamps Bows Out, Zidane Ready for France Job
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