Kylian Mbappe has been named the new captain of the France national team, France head coach Didier Deschamps announced on Tuesday.
Monday, according to sources, Deschamps advised the France squad of the decision.
Deschamps told the French publication Telefoot, “Kylian Mbappe is the new commander of France.” Antoine Griezmann is the second-in-command.
“Kylian meets all requirements for this responsibility. On the field and within the team, by being a crucial component.”
Mbappe, who has 66 caps and 36 goals for France, is replacing Hugo Lloris, who retired from international football after the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
According to sources, Deschamps spoke with Mbappe on Monday at the France team’s training facility in Clairefontaine. He also spoke with Griezmann, the other candidate for captain, during this time. The head coach had already made his decision and informed his team on Monday evening.
Mbappe will become one of the youngest France commanders in history, following in the footsteps of Lloris, who served as captain from 2008 to 2022.
Deschamps stated at his Monday news conference that “legitimacy” was the most important factor in his selection and that “the common interest will prevail.” Deschamps added that he believes Mbappe’s leadership has improved since the World Cup.
Mbappe, who wore the captain’s armband for Les Bleus once against Denmark in September, will begin his new stewardship tenure on Friday against the Netherlands at the Stade de France in a 2024 European Championship qualifying match. They then travel to Dublin, Ireland, three days later.
