Zinedine Zidane keeps Kylian Mbappe as France captain under seniority-based system

Zinedine Zidane has retained Kylian Mbappe as France captain and introduced a clearly defined order of leadership based on international experience, one of the new manager’s first major decisions in charge of Les Bleus.

According to French network RMC, Ousmane Dembele has been appointed vice-captain, with Adrien Rabiot third in line and Jules Kounde fourth. The order is primarily determined by the number of appearances each player has made for France.

Mbappe has won 106 caps, while Dembele has played 67 times for the national team. Rabiot follows on 66 appearances and Kounde on 56.

The decision means Mbappe will continue to wear the armband after Didier Deschamps, Zidane’s predecessor, made him captain in 2023. However, Deschamps had not established a fixed or formal hierarchy among the other potential leaders.

When Mbappe was absent or substituted, the captaincy had been shared by Mike Maignan, Ibrahima Konate, Aurelien Tchouameni, N’Golo Kante and Lucas Digne. There had been no permanent sequence determining who should take over from the France captain.

Zidane’s approach reflects a principle traditionally associated with Spanish football, and particularly with Real Madrid, where seniority within the dressing room can carry significant weight when team leaders are chosen. The former Real Madrid manager is familiar with that system after his long association with the club.

Mbappe spoke to Zidane before France camp

RMC also reported that Zidane held a conversation with Mbappe before the start of his first France squad gathering. The discussion covered several subjects, including the player’s position on the pitch.

Mbappe already knew that he would remain France captain under Zidane. The new manager is understood to want clear foundations within the group and defined responsibilities for his players from the beginning of his tenure.

The appointment of the four-man leadership group is therefore one of the most significant early decisions of Zidane’s time as France manager. Mbappe remains at the top of the hierarchy, with Dembele as his deputy and Rabiot and Kounde completing the order.