Zinedine Zidane’s search for a Benzema-style striker creates tension with Kylian Mbappe

Zinedine Zidane is facing a significant selection problem as France search for a reliable centre-forward following Olivier Giroud’s international retirement, with no outstanding replacement having emerged so far.

According to Marca, Zidane is looking for a striker with qualities similar to Karim Benzema, a player he has long admired. During his time as Real Madrid manager, Zidane described Benzema as the best striker in French football history.

Zidane presented Benzema with the 2022 Ballon d’Or and previously told L’Equipe: “I don’t like saying he is the best, because everyone has their own choice. For me, he is Karim, because I worked with him and I know his value.”

France have traditionally had a succession of prominent forwards, including Just Fontaine, Jean-Pierre Papin, Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet. However, Giroud’s departure has left a vacancy that none of the current candidates has convincingly filled.

Mbappe preference creates tension

During the two most recent major tournaments led by Didier Deschamps – UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup – Kylian Mbappe was used through the middle despite being primarily a left winger.

Zidane made clear from his first appearance as France manager that he wanted Mbappe to play on the left, which he considers the forward’s best position. He repeated that view when announcing his squad for the November international window, although Mbappe’s physical problems mean he will miss the meeting with Italy.

French media reports have suggested that moving Mbappe from centre-forward back to the wing has upset the Real Madrid star, contributing to a muted strain between the player and his manager.

Zidane initially selected Esteban Lepaul as the only specialist centre-forward in his squad, rewarding his excellent season with Rennes. Lepaul had led the Ligue 1 scoring charts with 21 goals.

“He has different qualities from what we usually see,” Zidane said. “I like this type of player in tight spaces, and he can be useful against teams that defend in a compact block. He is a player who interests me and I want to watch him closely.”

Lepaul’s movement, link play, finishing and variety in front of goal appeared to offer some of the characteristics associated with Benzema. He started against Belgium twice and came on as a substitute against Turkey, but failed to score or do enough to convince Zidane. An ankle injury then ruled him out of the latest squad.

Injuries reduce Zidane’s options

Zidane used Ousmane Dembele as a false nine against Turkey and Italy, a role he also performs for Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique.

“He moves a lot and constantly leaves his position, and that is what we are looking for,” Zidane said. “Some people focus too much on goals, but I see things differently.”

Dembele was subsequently removed from the second squad because of injury, leaving France without an attacker who offered flexibility and regular positional changes.

Marcus Thuram was recalled after missing Deschamps’ 2026 World Cup squad. He had impressed with Inter Milan, scoring six goals and providing two assists late in the season while benefiting from Lautaro Martinez’s absence. But an injury also forced him out of the camp.

Thuram is more dependent on attacking transitions than Benzema and contributes less to build-up play, though Zidane had been keen to assess him.

Kroupi added to the squad

Zidane then promoted 20-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi from France Under-21s. Kroupi had previously rejected the chance to represent Portugal and Cote d’Ivoire, choosing France after scoring 13 goals for Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Often deployed behind Evanilson, he can operate between the lines and is known for his dribbling and powerful right-footed shooting.

“We will see whether he starts one of the two matches,” Zidane said. “He is with us, and we know what he has been through. He did not play his first match until 25 October because of a foot injury, but he is available now. We know his potential and at this stage he is here and ready to play.”

Bradley Barcola could be used as France’s central striker against Italy on 12 November 2026, while Zidane is also waiting for Hugo Ekitike to return as he continues his search for a forward with Benzema-like qualities.