Kylian Mbappe will reportedly assume the leadership of France after being chosen by Les Blues manager Didier Deschamps as captain.
Hugo Lloris, the goalkeeper for Tottenham, announced his retirement from international competition in January following France’s World Cup final loss to Argentina in December, leaving the number one position and captain’s role open for competition.
According to the French publication L’Equipe, Deschamps has chosen Mbappe to assume the enormous duty after carefully weighing the nation’s remaining players.
In preparation for the forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against the Netherlands and Ireland, Mbappe met up with his France teammates on Sunday at their headquarters in Clairefontaine.
The 24-year-old’s outstanding goal-scoring performances for France helped the country win the 2018 World Cup and came close to adding a second world championship in Qatar the previous year, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the world of football.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mbappe’s future at Paris Saint-Germain, Deschamps continues to turn to the young attacker to guide his nation into a new era of success.
Raphael Varane of Manchester United, Karim Benzema of Real Madrid, and 37-year-old Steve Mandanda joined Lloris in ending their international careers after France’s World Cup disappointment.
Deschamps was left with a choice between Mbappe and fellow forward Antoine Griezmann, with the former receiving the manager of France’s preference.
Before a formal statement is scheduled for Thursday, Deschamps and Mbappe are reportedly in conversation.
Mbappe would be one of the youngest captains in Europe, along with Martin Odegaard of Norway, who is 24 years old, but he would probably accept the position without hesitation given his outstanding club and international exploits.
The prolific striker has 66 appearances for his country and 36 goals in all. He has also been awarded France’s best player award four times.
For Paris Saint-Germain, where Mbappe has previously failed to bury his anger, his attitude has occasionally been questioned, but for France, he is recognized as a vital leader in the locker room.
Didier Deschamps, France’s head coach, said on Monday that Mike Maignan will be the nation’s top goalkeeper.
Deschamps also named West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba to his squad.
He said, “The number one keeper will be Mike Maignan. I’ll have a chat with him. There will be a pecking order.”
Kylian Mbappe
French professional footballer Kylian Mbappe Lottin (born December 20, 1998) captains the France national team in addition to playing forward for Ligue 1 Club Paris Saint-Germain.
He is regarded as one of the top players in the world and is well known for his shooting, dribbling, and outstanding speed.
Mbappé earned his senior debut for France in 2017 at the age of 18 on the international stage.
Mbappé became the second teenager, after Pelé, to score in a World Cup Final at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He also became the youngest French player to score at a World Cup.
When France won the competition, he finished as the joint second-highest scorers, and for his efforts he was awarded the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player and French Player of the Year awards.
France made it to the FIFA World Cup final in 2022, where Mbappé set a record for most goals ever scored in a World Cup final while also winning the Golden Boot and Silver Ball.
