By Nadia Ntiamoah
New France head coach Zinédine Zidane has wasted little time putting his stamp on the national team, confirming Kylian Mbappé will remain captain while drawing the curtain on the international careers of veteran midfielder N’Golo Kanté and former striker Karim Benzema.
Zidane’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era for Les Bleus following Didier Deschamps’ 14-year spell in charge. The former France international has already indicated that his plans will involve a generational transition while retaining key figures around whom he intends to build the team.
Mbappé remains central to that project. Zidane has reaffirmed the Real Madrid forward as France’s captain, describing him as the best player in the world and entrusting him with leadership of the national team.
The decision maintains continuity in the dressing room despite the change in coaching leadership and places further responsibility on Mbappé as Zidane begins his tenure.
One of the biggest changes, however, concerns Kanté. Zidane has ruled out further France call-ups for the 35-year-old midfielder, effectively bringing an end to his international career.
Karim Benzema, 38, has similarly been ruled out as Zidane looks towards a younger generation. Both players were important figures in France’s recent history, with Kanté playing a key role in the team’s run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title.
Zidane’s tactical plans could also bring a change in how Mbappé is deployed. Rather than relying exclusively on him as a central striker, the new coach has indicated a preference for using his captain from the left side, where his pace and attacking qualities can be maximised.
