Zinedine Zidane names Kylian Mbappe as France captain

Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will captain France under his management, describing him as “the best player in the world”.

“ Kylian Mbappe, the Real Madrid striker, will be my captain with France,” Zidane said at a news conference. “He is the best player in the world.”

France are preparing for four matches during the international break, facing Turkey, Belgium twice in home and away fixtures, and Italy.

Zidane has also announced his first France squad for the European Championship matches. The selection includes two uncapped players, while several established names have been left out.

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, Fenerbahce midfielder N’Golo Kante and Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Hernandez were not included.

Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet and Como midfielder Luka da Cunha have received their first call-ups.

Bournemouth defender Adrien Truffert returns to the squad after a four-year absence from France duty. Andy Diouf has also been recalled after last featuring for the national team in 2024.

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is back in the squad after missing the 2026 World Cup.

France’s squad is:

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

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

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Luka 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).