Kylian Mbappé will remain captain of the France national football team under new head coach Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane confirmed Mbappé’s position when he announced his first France squad on September 18, 2026, beginning a new chapter for Les Bleus after Didier Deschamps left the role. (reuters.com)
The decision keeps continuity in France’s leadership while Zidane begins making changes to the squad and tactical setup.
Mbappé Remains France Captain
Zidane officially confirmed that Kylian Mbappé would continue as France captain when announcing his first 23-player squad.
Mbappé has held the captaincy since 2023, when he succeeded Hugo Lloris as France’s captain. (lemonde.fr)
Zidane’s decision means there will be no change to the national team’s captaincy at the beginning of his tenure.
Zidane and Mbappé Begin a New Chapter
The relationship between Zidane and Mbappé has attracted considerable attention because the two are now working together at international level for the first time.
Mbappé spoke about the appointment on September 21, describing the experience of playing under Zidane for France as being « like something out of a movie. » Reuters reported that Mbappé also recalled meeting Zidane when he was a teenager during a visit to Real Madrid’s training facilities. (reuters.com)
Their first France training camp together began ahead of the September Nations League fixtures.
Mbappé’s Role Could Change
Although Mbappé remains captain, Zidane has indicated that he may use the forward differently.
At his September 18 press conference, Zidane said he particularly likes Mbappé on the left side of the attack, while also saying the player can operate in several attacking positions. (lemonde.fr)
Under Didier Deschamps, Mbappé had increasingly been used as a central striker for France.
Zidane’s comments therefore suggest that Mbappé’s tactical role could be adjusted without changing his leadership responsibilities.
Mbappé’s France Record
Mbappé has become one of the central figures in the history of the French national team.
Reuters reported that he entered the September 2026 international window with 66 goals for France, a national-team record. (reuters.com)
He also played a major role in France’s recent international campaigns, including the 2026 World Cup, where he finished the tournament with 10 goals, according to French Football Federation statistics. (fff.fr)
His continued role in the national team makes the captaincy decision particularly significant from a sporting perspective.
Zidane Names a 23-Player Squad
Zidane announced a 23-player France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
The selection included several experienced internationals alongside five players receiving their first senior call-up. These new players are:
- Guillaume Restes
- Andy Diouf
- Jérémy Jacquet
- Lucas Da Cunha
- Estéban Lepaul
Reuters and Le Monde reported that the squad retained much of the core used during the 2026 World Cup while introducing several new players. (reuters.com) (lemonde.fr)
Continuity and Changes
Zidane has described his first squad as being part of a continuation rather than a complete break with the previous France team.
Established players such as Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Dayot Upamecano, Adrien Rabiot, and Mike Maignan remain part of the squad. (lemonde.fr)
At the same time, Zidane has introduced new players and indicated that he wants a somewhat different tactical balance.
Zidane’s Tactical Plans for Mbappé
Zidane also discussed how he wants to organize France’s attack.
He indicated that the team could use three midfielders and three attacking players, rather than fielding four forwards at the same time. (lemonde.fr)
This could affect where Mbappé operates during matches.
Zidane has also said that he wants Dembélé and Olise to play in positions that correspond to their club roles, giving France a different attacking structure. (lemonde.fr)
Mbappé and Dembélé in the France Squad
Both Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé are included in Zidane’s first squad.
Their relationship has received additional attention because both players were involved in the 2025–26 season’s race for the Ballon d’Or, which is scheduled to be awarded on October 26, 2026. (lemonde.fr)
Zidane was asked about the subject at his squad announcement and said he did not intend to make it an issue within the national team. (lemonde.fr)
A New France Coaching Era
Zidane officially took over from Didier Deschamps in July 2026.
Deschamps had coached France for 14 years, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 World Cup final. (reuters.com)
Zidane’s arrival marks a major coaching change, but his decision to retain Mbappé as captain provides continuity in the leadership structure.
Mbappé’s Relationship With Zidane
Mbappé has spoken positively about Zidane’s importance in French football.
According to Reuters, Mbappé recalled that Zidane had an influence on him from a young age and remembered a meeting at Real Madrid’s training complex when Mbappé was still a teenager. (reuters.com)
Now, several years later, Zidane will manage Mbappé with France.
The first international camp therefore represents an important new stage in their professional relationship.
France’s First Matches Under Zidane
Zidane’s first competitive matches as France coach come in the Nations League.
According to the French squad announcement, France is scheduled to play:
| Date | Opponent | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| September 25, 2026 | Türkiye | UEFA Nations League |
| September 28, 2026 | Belgium | UEFA Nations League |
| October 2, 2026 | Italy | UEFA Nations League |
| October 5, 2026 | Belgium | UEFA Nations League |
These matches will provide the first competitive test of Zidane’s plans for the national team. (lemonde.fr)
Why the Captaincy Matters
The captain of a national football team has both a sporting and representational role.
Mbappé’s continued captaincy means Zidane has chosen to retain an existing leadership structure while introducing changes elsewhere in the squad.
The decision also ensures that one of France’s most experienced current internationals remains the principal player wearing the captain’s armband.
What to Watch
Several aspects of France’s new era will receive attention during the upcoming international matches:
- Mbappé’s position on the pitch
- How Zidane uses the captain
- The integration of the five new players
- France’s midfield structure
- The relationship between Mbappé, Dembélé, and Olise
- Zidane’s overall tactical approach
The answers will become clearer once France begins playing under its new coach.
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappé will remain captain of France under Zinedine Zidane, who confirmed the decision when announcing his first national-team squad on September 18, 2026. (lemonde.fr)
Mbappé enters the new international cycle with 66 France goals, while his tactical role could change under Zidane, who has indicated that he likes the forward operating on the left side. (reuters.com)
On September 21, Mbappé also spoke publicly about working with Zidane for the first time, describing the experience as being like a movie. (reuters.com)
With France entering a new coaching era, the September Nations League matches will offer the first competitive look at Zidane and Mbappé working together for Les Bleus.