Zinédine Zidane has officially named his four leaders for the French national football team, designating Ousmane Dembélé, Adrien Rabiot, and Jules Koundé to share leadership responsibilities alongside Kylian Mbappé ahead of their UEFA Nations League campaign. The new manager announced the leadership group during a press conference on the eve of his debut match on the French bench against Turkey.
A Shared Leadership Structure Under a New Era
The appointment marks a clear shift for Les Bleus as the team enters a new chapter under the former Real Madrid coach. Zidane made it clear that Mbappé would not carry the captain’s armband alone. While Mbappé remains the primary choice to wear the armband when he plays, the manager confirmed that three vice-captains will support him in guiding the squad through upcoming fixtures.
“Ce sont Kylian, Ousmane, Adrien et Jules,” Zidane stated to reporters when revealing the quartet, establishing a group designed to relay tactical instructions and maintain cohesion across the roster.
Continuity and Change in the French Roster
Among the selected players, Jules Koundé is no stranger to the role, having served as a vice-captain under former manager Didier Deschamps. Ousmane Dembélé and Adrien Rabiot step into the leadership group for the first time, expanding the core circle of responsibility within the squad.
The announcement also arrives amid notable roster adjustments. Aurélien Tchouaméni was omitted from the squad for this initial gathering as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained with Real Madrid. Under Deschamps, Tchouaméni frequently served as a primary deputy behind Mbappé, leaving the newly appointed quartet to step into the leadership void for the current international window.
Upcoming Nations League Fixtures
France’s new leadership group faces an immediate test with four UEFA Nations League matches scheduled against Turkey, Italy, and a double-header against Belgium.
