Zidane names Mbappe France captain for first squad as manager

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Kylian Mbappe will captain France after announcing his first squad since succeeding Didier Deschamps as manager of Les Bleus.

Mbappe established himself as France captain at the World Cup, where he scored 10 goals to finish as the tournament’s leading scorer. France were eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual champions Spain.

Zidane’s appointment marks the end of Deschamps’ 14-year spell in charge. The 2018 World Cup triumph was the defining achievement of his tenure.

The new France manager played alongside Deschamps in the teams that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Zidane was unveiled as Deschamps’ successor at the end of July, signing a four-year contract.

His first games will come in the UEFA Nations League, beginning away to Turkey next Friday. France will then face 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 ended his playing career in 2006 after being sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the World Cup final. France lost that match on penalties to Italy.

New faces in Zidane’s first squad

Zidane has rewarded several players with their first call-ups, including 21-year-old centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, whose performances for Liverpool after joining from the Premier League club during the close season earned him selection.

Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul is included after finishing as Ligue 1’s leading scorer last season. Midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, who plays for Como in Serie A, also receives his first call-up.

Inter Milan midfielder or wing-back Andy Diouf and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes are the other new additions.

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and Inter forward Marcus Thuram, both members of the World Cup squad, have been left out. Arsenal defender William Saliba is absent because of injury.

France squad

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse)

Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan/ITA), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool/ENG), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid/ESP), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus/ITA), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea/ENG), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Lucas Da Cunha (Como/ITA), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool/ENG), Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue (both Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER)