New France head coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Kylian Mbappe as captain of Les Bleus after unveiling his first squad since succeeding Didier Deschamps.
The Real Madrid forward will continue to lead the national team after wearing the armband during the World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. France, however, exited the competition in the semi-finals after losing to eventual champions Spain.
Zidane’s appointment marks the end of Deschamps’ 14-year tenure, which included France’s 2018 World Cup triumph. The former France midfielder, who played alongside Deschamps in the teams that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, was unveiled as the new head coach in July on a four-year contract.
His first assignments will come in the UEFA Nations League, with France travelling to Turkey next Friday before facing Belgium in Brussels on September 28.
Zidane’s first home match will be against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2, followed by another home fixture against Belgium three days later.
The 54-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner has also introduced several new faces to the national team.
Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, 21, earned his first call-up following his performances since joining the Premier League club during the close season.
Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, who finished as Ligue 1’s leading scorer last season, has also received his first senior invitation, while Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha has been included.
Inter Milan midfielder/wing-back Andy Diouf and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes are also part of Zidane’s maiden squad.
Several established players who featured at the World Cup were left out, including Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram. Arsenal defender William Saliba misses out through injury.
France Squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse)
Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Como), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
