New France head coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Kylian Mbappe as captain of Les Bleus after naming his first squad since succeeding Didier Deschamps.
Zidane announced his 23-man squad on Friday ahead of France’s upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, with Mbappe retaining the captaincy after leading the national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbappe played a prominent role at the World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals. France, however, were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals, bringing Deschamps’ 14-year spell in charge to an end.
Zidane, who played alongside Deschamps in France’s successful 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 teams, was appointed as his successor in July on a four-year contract.
Speaking after announcing his squad, Zidane was direct when asked about Mbappe’s role as captain.
“Yes, Mbappe will be my captain,” the former Ballon d’Or winner confirmed.
The decision means Mbappe will continue wearing the armband as France begins a new era under one of the most decorated players in the country’s football history.
Mbappe has been France captain since March 2023, having taken over the role following Hugo Lloris’ international retirement. His continuation under Zidane provides stability as the new coach begins reshaping the squad.
Zidane has also made it clear that Mbappe will be expected to contribute defensively like every other member of the team. When asked whether he would demand more defensive work from the Real Madrid forward, Zidane rejected the suggestion that the issue required special treatment.
He described the debate as a false issue and said Mbappe would defend in the same way as the rest of the squad.
The France coach also discussed Mbappe’s position in attack, explaining that he does not consider playing as a central striker to be the forward’s best position.
According to Zidane, Mbappe can operate across all three attacking positions, although he particularly likes the 27-year-old on the left.
The confirmation of Mbappe as captain was one of the major talking points from Zidane’s first squad announcement, which also contained several new faces.
Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet received his first senior call-up after impressing since joining the Premier League club during the summer. Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, who was Ligue 1’s top scorer last season, was also rewarded with his first invitation to the national team.
Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, Inter Milan’s Andy Diouf and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes are among the other newcomers. Adrien Truffert of Bournemouth also received his first call-up.
Zidane has also recalled Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, while several established players remain in the squad.
However, there are notable absences. Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was not selected, while Inter forward Marcus Thuram and Arsenal defender William Saliba are also missing. Saliba is unavailable because of injury.
Zidane’s first competitive assignment will come in the Nations League, with France travelling to Turkey on September 25.
They will then face Belgium in Brussels on September 28 before hosting Italy at the Stade de France on October 2. Belgium will return to Paris three days later for another Nations League encounter.
The demanding schedule will give Zidane an immediate opportunity to assess his squad and introduce his footballing ideas.
The former Real Madrid coach has inherited a France side that remains packed with established international players but is also beginning to incorporate younger talent.
Mbappe’s continued leadership provides an important link between the previous era and Zidane’s new project.
The France captain will now be expected to combine his goalscoring responsibilities with his leadership role as Zidane begins his first international camp.
For Zidane, the decision to retain Mbappe as captain also removes any uncertainty surrounding one of the most important leadership positions in the team.
The coach will now turn his attention to preparing France for their Nations League opener in Turkey, where his tenure will officially begin.
With Mbappe confirmed as captain and several new players entering the squad, Zidane’s first selection provides an early indication of how he intends to combine continuity with changes as France begins a new chapter.
