Captain of the French team: Deschamps' justifications for Mbappé and Griezmann

Kylian Mbappé has been appointed as the new captain of the France team while Antoine Griezmann is now the vice-captain

He had to feed his reflection with the players, Didier Deschamps finally decided without much surprise, Kylian Mbappé is the new captain of the France team. At only 24 years old, the PSG striker, already vice-captain in his club, seemed to be a natural leader for this new French team after the retirements of Hugo Lloris or Raphael Varane. This armband entrusted to Kylian Mbappé also changes a lot of things on the pitch since it is now a player in the heart of the game who will be able to give instructions. The Frenchman has also demonstrated it, he is able to raise his voice in the locker room as he did during the World Cup, a leadership role on and off the pitch is simply essential to take on this role.

The French also has convictions and if at one time his personal interest was above, the team and particularly the France team is above everything. He is also fighting a fight with the FFF over image rights and does not intend to give in. This armband entrusted to Mbappé also satisfies the fans. In a poll published by L'Equipe in January 2023 after the World Cup, 36% of respondents wanted to see Kylian Mbappé as the next captain, ahead of Antoine Griezmann 30%, Raphaël Varane 28% while 6% hope to see another player wear the cuff.

Asked about his choice, Didier Deschamps indicated that the 2018 world champion obviously filled in all the boxes. “It is natural and logical that he is, from the moment he wants it too, explained the coach during an interview with Tout le Sport, Tuesday March 21 on France 3. costume is too big, you have to have the shoulders to carry it, but there is no problem on that side." He knew very well that he had the possibility of being so, I exchanged with him, but despite everything it's not giving to Kylian and taking away from Antoine, still justified Didier Deschamps. Antoine, he has something more too, he has always been a very important player, I have always maintained my confidence in him even during much more difficult periods for him. Antoine, by what he does on the pitch, is a unifier in the motor sense. He was, and he will remain so in the future."

Hugo Lloris had given his opinion a few weeks ago in the columns of L'Equipe and believed that Kylian Mbappé was a real contender for this armband. "He showed strong leadership during this World Cup and even more during the final. There is a kind of handover between players who are in the last phase of their career and a new generation at the head of which find Kylian."