MY ACCOUNT
Didier Deschamps backed Kylian Mbappe to bring a “unifying” influence to his new role as captain of France.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was the outstanding candidate to replace Hugo Lloris, who retired from international duty after the World Cup.
Mbappe was reportedly told of his appointment by coach Deschamps after a dinner on Monday, and Antoine Griezmann has been confirmed as vice-captain.
Reports said Griezmann, who turned 32 on Tuesday, was disappointed not to be handed the captaincy, having been a mainstay of the team for many years.
However, Mbappe is himself richly experienced on the international stage after making his debut as an 18-year-old some six years ago. He has gone on to score 36 goals in 66 appearances.
Twelve of those goals have come in World Cups, with Mbappe helping France win the 2018 tournament before their runner-up finish at Qatar 2022, where he won the Golden Boot.
Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1: “Kylian Mbappe is the new captain of Les Blues. Antoine Griezmann is the vice-captain.
“Kylian ticks all the boxes to have this responsibility. On the field as in group life, by being a unifying element.”
Mbappe will lead the team into their Euro 2024 qualifiers, which start against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland this fortnight.
His first game as skipper will be against the Dutch on Friday at the Stade de France.
France’s squad gathered at their Clairefontaine training base on Monday. They trained on Tuesday with the crucial question of who might be captain having been resolved.
