Zinedine Zidane Begins New Era as France Coach with Kylian Mbappe as Captain

Zinedine Zidane has wasted no time putting his stamp on France. On Friday, the new Les Bleus coach confirmed what many expected but still carried real weight: Kylian Mbappe will be his captain.

The Real Madrid forward, already the face of French football, now officially becomes its on‑field leader under Zidane. Mbappe thrived with the armband at the World Cup, driving France to the semi-finals and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals before Spain ended their run on the way to the title. Zidane has seen enough. The team is his now.

Zidane era begins after Deschamps’ long reign

Zidane steps into a role defined for more than a decade by Didier Deschamps. The former coach’s 14-year spell brought stability, a World Cup crown in 2018 and regular deep runs in major tournaments. It also set a standard Zidane knows intimately.

They were teammates when France lifted the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Now Zidane, unveiled at the end of July on a four-year contract, inherits the job Deschamps turned into a benchmark of modern international management.

His own playing career ended in unforgettable fashion: a red card for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final, which France then lost on penalties to Italy. The 54-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner returns to the national team in a very different role, but the scrutiny will be just as fierce.

New cycle, new faces

Zidane’s first squad makes it clear this is not just a gentle continuation of the Deschamps years. Several new names are in, and some World Cup regulars are out.

At the back, 21-year-old centre-back Jeremy Jacquet earns a first call-up after impressing with Liverpool since his summer move to the Premier League. His rise has been rewarded quickly.

Up front, Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, last season’s top scorer in Ligue 1, finally gets his chance with the senior side. In midfield, Lucas Da Cunha of Como in Serie A is included, another nod to form rather than reputation.

Inter’s versatile Andy Diouf, who can operate in midfield or at wing-back, is also drafted in, as is Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, adding fresh competition in goal.

Some big names miss out. Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and Inter forward Marcus Thuram, both present at the World Cup, are absent from this first list. Arsenal defender William Saliba is sidelined through injury and therefore not involved.

Nations League: Zidane’s first tests

The Zidane era will start in competitive mode. France open their UEFA Nations League campaign with a trip to Turkey next Friday. After that comes a high-profile meeting with Belgium in Brussels on September 28.

Then comes the home unveiling. Zidane’s first match at the Stade de France will be against Italy on October 2, before France host Belgium three days later. It is a demanding start, loaded with history and rivalry, and an immediate examination of his choices.

France squad in full

• Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse)
• Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan/ITA), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool/ENG), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid/ESP), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus/ITA), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea/ENG), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)
• Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Lucas Da Cunha (Como/ITA), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool/ENG), Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue (both Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER)

A new coach, a new captain, and a squad that blends World Cup stars with ambitious newcomers: France are not easing into this next chapter. Under Zidane, they are expected to chase trophies again. The only question is how quickly this reshaped side can turn promise into silverware.