Didier Deschamps to initiate crunch France captaincy talks with Kylian Mbappé as Ibrahima Konaté’s stock grows | OneFootball

Will Kylian Mbappé (25) retain his status as France captain for 2025? It remains to be seen following the Real Madrid striker’s no-shows in the two previous international breaks with Les Bleus. L’Equipe understands that Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps will exchange with the former PSG forward over his desire to continue wearing the skipper’s armband. The manager – a former France skipper himself – reportedly wants to hear from Mbappé if the captaincy has become a burden too heavy for him to bear, and whether or not wearing the skipper’s armband affects his time with his France teammates.

The outlet adds that Deschamps is aware of rumors stating Mbappé considered resigning from his position as France skipper. Should Mbappé state his wish to remain France captain, there are little reasons to believe Deschamps will relieve him of his captain duties. However, if Mbappé confirms he wants to abandon his status, Deschamps will choose another captain. Mbappé’s successor is therefore expected to be one of Aurélien Tchouaméni (24), N’Golo Kanté (33), or Ibrahima Konaté (25), who all started as France captain those last two months.

L’Equipe understands that the Liverpool centre-back’s leadership qualities have grown on members of France’s backroom staff, amid a change of dynamics in the dressing room during the November international break. Konaté captained France to a 3-1 away win against Italy on Monday. The outlet understands that Konaté would be an ideal fit to captain France, should he make himself an undisputed starter with Les Bleus.

The same could be said for Tchouaméni. The Bordeaux academy graduate is far from his commanding best at Real Madrid, and Manu Koné’s (23) spirited performance on Monday is sure to give Deschamps much to ponder. As for Kanté, he remains a popular figure for his teammates and France’s staff, but his age and introverted persona might make him out of the running to captain France in the long term.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval