Kylian Mbappé has succeeded the retired Hugo Lloris as France captain, a source close to the team told AFP on Monday. The 24‑year‑old Paris Saint‑Germain forward accepted the proposal after discussions with coach Didier Deschamps earlier in the day.
Lloris, the Tottenham goalkeeper, ended his international career in January, a month after France’s loss in the World Cup final. The 36‑year‑old had been skipper for more than a decade. Antoine Griezmann, the Atlético Madrid attacker, was named vice‑captain, following the retirement of Manchester United centre‑back Raphaël Varane after the defeat to Argentina in December.
Mbappé, who has earned 66 caps for his country, had been heavily linked with the role for weeks. He scored a hat‑trick in the World Cup final loss after helping Les Bleus to the title in 2018. The former Monaco attacker is vice‑captain at PSG behind Brazil’s Marquinhos and led the side in the defender’s absence during Sunday’s loss to Rennes. His first game as captain will be Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at the Stade de France.
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