Zinedine Zidane Confirms Kylian Mbappé as Captain in First France Squad Announcement
Newly appointed France head coach Zinedine Zidane has officially confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will remain as team captain after unveiling his inaugural 23-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Taking over from Didier Deschamps on a four-year contract following the World Cup, Zidane begins his tenure with a blend of established stars and international newcomers. Mbappé, who finished as the World Cup’s top scorer with 10 goals, retains the armband as Les Bleus prepare for a busy schedule.
Zidane introduced five uncapped players to the senior team setup, including 21-year-old Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet following his move to the Premier League. Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul—last season’s Ligue 1 top scorer—also earns his first call-up alongside Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, Inter Milan’s Andy Diouf, and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.
Notable omissions from the squad include Aurélien Tchouaméni, Marcus Thuram, and N’Golo Kanté, while defender William Saliba misses out due to injury.
France will begin their UEFA Nations League campaign away to Turkey before facing Belgium in Brussels. Zidane’s first home fixture in charge will take place against Italy at the Stade de France, followed by a second meeting with Belgium three days later.
Full France Squad
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Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse)
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Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
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Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Como), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
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Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
