The professional relationship between France head coach Zinédine Zidane and national team captain Kylian Mbappé is currently facing internal strain, marked by tactical disagreements and a notable decline in communication.
The friction primarily stems from tactical decisions made during the most recent international break. Zidane opted to deploy Mbappé on the left wing, shifting Ousmane Dembélé into the center-forward role. L’Équipe reported that this adjustment did not sit well with the Real Madrid star, who prefers to occupy the central attacking position to maximize his speed and proximity to the goal.
Communication between the manager and his captain also appeared limited during the last training camp. El Correo noted that this dynamic contrasts significantly with the rapport Mbappé previously maintained with former coach Didier Deschamps. Goal.com added that the situation was further complicated by Mbappé’s health during the camp, as the forward was confined to his room due to illness, which restricted opportunities for face-to-face dialogue.
Zidane said he is considering returning Mbappé to his preferred central role for the upcoming matches against Italy and Turkey. However, a hamstring strain has now thrown those plans into doubt. The injury kept the forward out of the team’s collective training session on Wednesday, making his participation in the match against Italy highly unlikely.
The potential absence of Mbappé forces Zidane to look for immediate alternatives. The injury to Dembélé, who is not part of the current squad, had previously opened a window for the manager to experiment with his attacking structure. With the captain’s fitness now in question, the coaching staff is forced to adjust their strategy on the eve of competition.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding the attacking line, Zidane has elevated 20-year-old Senny Mayulu to the senior squad. Mayulu, who had been training with the U-21 team at Clairefontaine, has seen his stock rise rapidly following his progression through the Paris Saint-Germain ranks. The young forward notably scored in the 2025 Champions League final against Inter Milan.
While the current tension between Zidane and Mbappé is not viewed as an irreversible conflict, it remains a relationship that requires further development. Zidane is reportedly aware that he must secure a stronger connection with his captain, as the forward remains the focal point of the team’s offensive project.
The upcoming international window will serve as the first test of their ability to align their objectives and stabilize the atmosphere within the squad.
France is scheduled to face Italy this Thursday, with the team’s medical staff expected to provide a final update on Mbappé’s availability shortly before kickoff.
