Zidane has not yet decided whether Mbappé will remain France captain
According to Soccernews.
Context
Kylian Mbappé, who captained France at the 2026 World Cup and stood out as the tournament's top scorer, now faces uncertainty about his continued leadership under Zidane's new command. The relationship between the two, as well as the decision on captaincy, will be closely watched, given the impact it could have on the team's performance in upcoming competitions, including the Nations League.
Why this matters
Zidane's decision on Mbappé's captaincy is crucial for the dynamics of the French team, especially after the striker's success in the 2026 World Cup. Mbappé's leadership could influence the team's morale, especially with Zidane's debut in the Nations League approaching. The way Zidane manages this situation could also reflect his approach as the new coach.
Main conclusions
- Zidane has not yet decided whether Mbappé will remain France captain.
- New France coach, Zidane says he will only talk about the captaincy with Mbappé in September.
- Zidane yet to decide on Mbappe captaincy for France.
Zinedine Zidane was presented this Tuesday as France's new coach and left Kylian Mbappé's continuation as captain open. The former Real Madrid coach signed a four-year contract, valid until the end of the 2030 World Cup cycle, and confirmed that he has not yet discussed the armband issue with the striker.
"We haven't spoken to Kylian; the most important thing for him now is to rest. We will have the opportunity to discuss all this, with him and the rest of the players, in September", said Zidane at the presentation press conference. Until then, the doubt about who will lead Les Bleus on the field will remain, after Mbappé captained the team at the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane's debut on the French bench is scheduled for September 25th, against Turkey, in a Nations League game. It is the coach's first role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, after a historic journey with the Merengues: three Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles combined in five years, in a legacy that reinforced his status as a reference in world football. As a player, Zidane was world champion in 1998 and European champion in 2000, pillars of a unique career also serving the national team.
Mbappé, in turn, lived a dream 2026 World Cup. The 27-year-old striker was the tournament's top scorer, with 10 goals, and became the competition's all-time top scorer, with 22 goals accumulated. In the third-place match against England, he scored two goals and one assist, bringing his direct goal appearances in a single edition to 14 – the most since there are official records (1966). He also scored 23 framed shots, the highest figure in an edition since Eusébio (29), in 1966, as it reinforces the size of his performance.
On social media, Mbappé has already welcomed the new coach, publishing a welcome message – “welcome home” – which reflects the respect and expectation surrounding the start of this new era. For Zidane, the decision on the captaincy will be part of a broader process of defining leadership and dressing room for the new competitive cycle, which includes the next edition of the League of Nations and the route to 2030.
Until September, the federation and fans are waiting for news about the armband. What is certain is that France begins a new chapter under the command of one of the most emblematic figures in its history, with Mbappé in absolute prominence in the post-World Cup and ready to discuss the team's next steps with Zidane.
What happens next
Zidane plans to discuss the captaincy with Mbappé and other players in September, before the Nations League game against Turkey. The way this conversation unfolds could define the team's hierarchy and strategy for the future. With the 2026 World Cup in mind, the choice of captain is even more relevant to the success of the French team.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the captain of the French team?
Zinedine Zidane, the new France coach, left Kylian Mbappé's continuation as captain of the national team open.
Who confirmed that the decision on the captain has not yet been made?
Zinedine Zidane confirmed that he has not yet addressed the armband issue with Kylian Mbappé.
Why wasn't the decision about the captain made now?
Zidane stated that the most important thing for Mbappé at the moment is to rest, and that the discussion about the captain will take place in September.
What changes have occurred in the French team?
Zinedine Zidane was presented as France's new coach, signing a four-year contract.
When will the premiere of
Zidane as France coach?
Zidane's debut on the French bench is scheduled for September 25, against Turkey, in a Nations League game.