Zidane Names First France Squad and Keeps Mbappe as Captain
Zinedine Zidane has named his first France squad, selecting 23 players for the Nations League and keeping Kylian Mbappe as captain for the start of his reign.
Mbappe could move to the left
Zidane has signalled that Mbappe may not be used through the middle, despite the forward’s ability to cover every role across the attacking line. The new France coach said his preference is to use the captain from the left side.
- France’s 23-man group contains five players yet to win a senior cap.
- Mbappe remains skipper under Zidane.
- Zidane believes the forward can operate in any of the three attacking positions.
- The coach said he particularly likes Mbappe playing on the left.
The decision will be closely watched after Mbappe’s recent club move and the debate over where he is most effective in a front three.
Zidane dismisses work-rate concerns
The France boss also rejected suggestions that Mbappe could be a defensive problem. Questions over the attacker’s off-ball contribution have followed scrutiny of Real Madrid’s forward line in Spain.
Zidane said the issue was a “false debate” and made clear that every member of his side, including Mbappe, will be expected to work when France lose possession. He added that he does not expect the captain to have any difficulty meeting those demands.
Coach avoids political discussion
Zidane was asked about the 2027 French presidential election and the controversy surrounding Mbappe’s refusal to wear a shirt fully backing Ceuta residents.
He declined to set out his political views, saying his priority is his new role with the national team. Zidane acknowledged that he has personal convictions as a citizen, but stressed that he intends to focus on managing France.
What happens next
- France open Zidane’s tenure away to Turkiye in Kocaeli on September 25 in League A.
- Three days later, Les Bleus travel to Brussels to face Belgium.
- The opening matches will show whether Zidane immediately places Mbappe on the left and how quickly the reshaped squad responds to his defensive instructions.
