Zidane Names Mbappe Captain for France's New Era

Zinedine Zidane did not waste his first big decision. On Friday, the new France coach confirmed what many suspected but few could take for granted: Kylian Mbappe will captain Les Bleus.

The Real Madrid forward had already worn the armband with authority at the World Cup, dragging France through games and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. His run ended in the semi-finals against eventual champions Spain, but his status within the squad was settled long before that night. Zidane has simply made it official.

Zidane’s era begins

This is the first squad named by Zidane since he succeeded Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year reign yielded the 2018 World Cup and defined a generation of French football. Zidane, who lifted the World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000 alongside Deschamps as players, now steps into the job with a four-year contract and the weight of a nation’s expectations.

His opening tests come quickly. France travel to Turkey next Friday to launch their UEFA Nations League campaign, then head to Brussels to face Belgium on September 28. The first home outing under Zidane arrives on October 2 against Italy at the Stade de France, followed by another meeting with Belgium three days later in Saint-Denis.

The calendar is unforgiving. So is the squad list.

A ruthless refresh

Zidane’s first selection makes one thing clear: reputation alone will not guarantee a place. Several World Cup squad members are missing, including Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and Inter forward Marcus Thuram. Arsenal defender William Saliba is also absent through injury.

In their place, Zidane has turned to form, profile and potential.

• Jeremy Jacquet, a 21-year-old centre-back, earns his first call-up after impressing since his move to Liverpool in the close season.
• Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, last season’s top scorer in Ligue 1, also steps into the senior setup for the first time, rewarded for his ruthless domestic finishing.
• Lucas Da Cunha of Como in Serie A is included in midfield, a nod to his growing influence in Italy.
• Inter’s Andy Diouf, capable of operating both in midfield and at wing-back, joins him, while Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes is handed an opportunity to stake a claim behind established No. 1 Mike Maignan.

This is not a token refresh. It is a statement that the door is open, and just as easily shut.

The spine around Mbappe

Around the new faces, Zidane has kept a strong core. Maignan (AC Milan) anchors the goalkeeping group, with Robin Risser (Lens) and Restes (Toulouse) behind him.

In defence, there is power and pedigree: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth) and Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich). It is a back line built for aggression and recovery speed, designed to play high and squeeze opponents.

Midfield carries a familiar elegance. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) and Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain) bring energy and control, Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan) offers balance and experience, while Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Manu Kone (Roma) and Lucas Da Cunha (Como) add creativity and drive between the lines.

Up front, Mbappe leads a group rich in flair and variety. Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue (both Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes) and Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) give Zidane pace, dribbling, and finishing from every angle.

The message is unmistakable: this is Mbappe’s team, but not a one-man show.

From Deschamps’ discipline to Zidane’s vision

Deschamps built France on structure, resilience and tournament nous. Zidane inherits that foundation but has never been shy about trusting talent, especially young talent, during his club career. The inclusion of emerging names alongside Champions League regulars hints at a similar approach with the national side.

Mbappe as captain crystallises the shift. At 54, Zidane brings the authority of a former Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup icon, yet he has chosen a leader whose peak may still be ahead of him. The armband is both a reward and a challenge: to turn individual brilliance into a lasting era of dominance.

The Nations League will not define Zidane’s legacy, but it will reveal his instincts. How bold will he be with Jacquet and Lepaul? How quickly will he integrate Da Cunha, Diouf and Restes? And how will Mbappe carry the weight of a country that now looks to him not just for goals, but for guidance?

The Deschamps chapter is closed. The Zidane era starts in Turkey, with Mbappe at the front of the line and a refreshed France behind him, chasing the next great story in blue.