Zidane Announces First France Squad, Mbappé as Captain

Zinedine Zidane unveiled his first France squad on Friday after succeeding Didier Deschamps as head coach of the national team. The announcement came ahead of the country’s upcoming international fixtures and marked a significant shift in the squad’s composition.

Zidane’s selection features five debutants, signalling a fresh direction for the side. Notably, the squad omits former regulars Aurélien Tchouaméni and Khéphren Thuram, both of whom were left out of the roster. The veteran striker Kylian Mbappé has been appointed team captain, reflecting his continued leadership role within the squad.

With the new lineup in place, France prepares to face its next opponents under Zidane’s guidance. The coaching change and roster adjustments will be closely watched as the team seeks to build cohesion and performance ahead of the forthcoming matches.