Zinédine Zidane has finalized the leadership structure for the France national football team by naming Ousmane Dembélé, Adrien Rabiot, and Jules Koundé as his three vice-capitaines, according to reports in L’Équipe. The appointments establish the designated lieutenants who will support permanent team captain Kylian Mbappé as Les Bleus embark on a new era under the incoming manager.
Methodology Behind the Selection
Zidane implemented a straightforward hierarchy to determine his leadership group for the current international window, relying on a system of squad longevity and experience.
Under this system, Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé steps into the role of first vice-captain. With 67 international appearances and 13 goals for his country, Dembélé assumes a formal leadership post he did not hold during the tenure of former manager Didier Deschamps. AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot takes the position of second vice-captain, bringing his own tally of 66 caps and 7 goals to the leadership committee. Barcelona defender Jules Koundé completes the quartet, carrying 56 international appearances and continuity from the previous regime after serving as a vice-captain under Deschamps.
Shifting Dynamics in the Squad
The restructuring introduces notable changes to the leadership hierarchy following Deschamps’ departure. Aurélien Tchouameni, who functioned as the primary alternative to the captaincy toward the end of the previous managerial cycle, is absent from the current squad selection due to fitness or roster adjustments. Other high-profile squad members such as goalkeeper Mike Maignan and central defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano do not feature in the newly minted vice-captain group, allowing Zidane to prioritize established caps.
Media analysis from outlets including RMC Sport notes that the reliance on strict seniority aligns with traditional leadership models often favored in Spanish footballing culture—a reflection of Zidane’s extensive career and tactical upbringing in La Liga.
Upcoming Fixtures and Competitive Context
The newly organized leadership group takes charge immediately as France navigates a demanding slate of UEFA Nations League fixtures. Les Bleus are scheduled to face Turkey away on Friday evening in their opening group-stage fixture, with kickoff slated for 20:45 local time (18:45 UTC). Kylian Mbappé, boasting 106 career caps, is expected to wear the armband from the opening whistle under Zidane’s command, provided he starts the fixture.
The current international break will test the depth of Zidane’s squad across a compressed schedule. Following the trip to face Turkey, the national team faces a busy autumn calendar in the continental competition, with subsequent matches lined up against Belgium and Italy in late September and early October.
What Comes Next
France continues its UEFA Nations League campaign on Friday night against Turkey. Fans and analysts will monitor how the newly appointed leadership group functions on the pitch as Zidane oversees his competitive debut on the French bench.
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