Zidane explains Real Madrid midfielder’s exclusion from France squad: ‘For his recovery process…’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid player, manager, and club legend Zinedine Zidane is now the head coach of the France national team.

Having taken over the reins from Didier Deschamps after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the legendary Frenchman announced his first national team squad list earlier today.

Les Bleus are set to play four games in the UEFA Nations League over the next three weeks in Zidane’s first assignment, and he has called up three players from Real Madrid in his squad.

Indeed, Kylian Mbappe, Ibrahima Konate, and Eduardo Camavinga have all been included in the roster, but Aurelien Tchouameni did not make the cut.

Zidane explains decision to leave Tchouameni out

Speaking to the media after the announcement of the squad, Zidane explained his thinking behind not calling Tchouameni up for France’s upcoming matches.

“He’s a player who was sidelined for two months. For his recovery process, it was better for him to stay in Madrid,” the French manager said, as quoted by RMC Sport.

Tchouameni has not been called up by France. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Tchouameni returned to Real Madrid after the World Cup carrying an injury and did not play a part in pre-season under Jose Mourinho.

Having recently recovered, the midfielder made his comeback only recently, coming off the bench against Inter Milan, before getting more minutes against Rayo Vallecano, and then going on to start his first game of the season vs Elche.

While he has been steadily building up his fitness and match rhythm, Zidane felt it was best that Tchouameni was spared from international duty so that he can stay in Madrid focus on his complete recovery.

On Kylian Mbappe

Meanwhile, during the media interaction, Zidane also confirmed that Mbappe will continue as the France captain under him.

“Yes, he is now my new player and will be my captain,” the Real Madrid legend said.

Zidane confirms Mbappe will continue as France captain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On being asked about the French superstar’s Ballon d’Or candidacy, Zidane refused to speculate, saying:

“I’m not going to blow the whistle to end play. I know what it’s like to be a Ballon d’Or winner. Every now and then there are a few little chats. But we won’t necessarily be talking about that behind closed doors.”

Giving his two cents on the criticism laid at Mbappe over his lack of defensive work, Zidane dismissed the notion as false, saying:

“It’s a bogus issue, a bogus debate; we’ll have to deal with him just like any other player. When we don’t have the ball, we’ll have to work hard. That won’t be a problem for Kylian.”

On whether he saw the Real Madrid ace as France’s best No. 9, Zidane added: “I don’t think so, he can play in all three positions, I really like him on the left.”