Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe confirmed as new France captain

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 21 March 2023

France manager Didier Deschamps confirms that Kylian Mbappe has replaced Hugo Lloris as Les Bleus' new captain, while Antoine Griezmann is appointed vice-captain.

France manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed the appointment of Kylian Mbappe as Les Bleus' new captain, while Antoine Griezmann has been named vice-captain.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker takes over the armband from Hugo Lloris, who retired from international football following the 2022 World Cup.

Mbappe has already captained PSG on three occasions this season, including in their last two Ligue 1 clashes with Brest and Rennes, the latter of which ended in a 2-0 home defeat on Sunday.

The 24-year-old has already earned 66 caps for France, scoring 36 goals and setting up 23 more, and Deschamps believes that Mbappe "ticks all the boxes" for a captain.

"Kylian Mbappe is in the new France captain. Antoine Griezmann is the vice-captain. Kylian ticks all the boxes to have this responsibility. On the pitch as well as within the squad, by being a key element," Deschamps told the press.

Manchester United's Raphael Varane previously served as vice-captain before he also retired alongside Lloris, but Griezmann has allegedly been left upset at being overlooked for the armband.

The Atletico Madrid striker, who has won 117 caps for his nation, is now said to be considering his future with Les Bleus, who face the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland in their opening Euro 2024 qualifying matches this month.