Mbappé named captain as Zidane announces first France squad with three Real Madrid players

Zinedine Zidane has officially started his time in charge of the French national team. The former Real Madrid coach announced his first squad on Friday, with three Madrid players included: Kylian Mbappé, Ibrahima Konaté and Eduardo Camavinga. Zidane also confirmed that Mbappé will wear the captain's armband as France prepare for four Nations League fixtures in their opening window.

• Zidane unveils his first France squad after replacing Didier Deschamps in August.
• Kylian Mbappé leads the list and is confirmed as the new France captain.
• Ibrahima Konaté and Eduardo Camavinga are the other Real Madrid players called up.
• Barcelona defender Jules Koundé also keeps his place in the national team.
• France begin their Nations League campaign against Turkey on September 25 in Izmit.

Zidane takes charge of France with Mbappé as captain

The Zidane era for the French national team has begun. The former Real Madrid boss took over in August 2026, following Didier Deschamps in the role. Zidane won the 1998 World Cup with France as a player next to Deschamps, and now he takes on the challenge of guiding Les Bleus from the dugout after a long period under his former teammate.

The biggest headline from his first selection is the captaincy given to Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid forward becomes the clear leader of the new French project, a decision that reinforces his status as the key figure in the national team. Zidane did not hesitate when explaining the role his star attacker will take on.

Mbappé will be my captain.

Three Real Madrid players in Zidane's first France squad

Real Madrid have a strong presence in Zidane's first call-up. Alongside Mbappé, the France coach has selected centre-back Ibrahima Konaté and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Both players know Zidane well from his time in Madrid, and they are expected to play important roles as the new boss starts to build his side.

Jules Koundé of Barcelona has also been included, confirming that the spine of the squad retains some familiar names from recent years. The blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent gives Zidane a broad base to work with as he prepares for his first competitive matches.

Five new names and several high-profile absences for France

Zidane has used his first squad to introduce fresh faces. Guillaume Restes, Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, Lucas Da Cunha and Estéban Lepaul are the main new additions, offering a glimpse of the renewal the coach wants to bring to the national setup after taking over from Deschamps.

Injury problems rule out William Saliba and Theo Hernández for this international window. A number of other regulars also miss out for different reasons, including Brice Samba, Lucas Digne, Wesley Fofana, Lucas Hernández, Nordi Mukiele, Matthieu Udo, Boubacar Kamara, N'Golo Kanté, Enzo Le Fée, Pablo Pagis, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Khephren Thuram, Magnes Akliouche, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Senny Mayulu and Marcus Thuram. That creates opportunities for less familiar faces in the France squad.

Zidane's debut comes against Turkey in the Nations League

France launch their Nations League campaign with four matches in a tight schedule. Zidane's first match in charge arrives on September 25 in Izmit, where Les Bleus face Turkey in their opening Group 1 clash. The game will be the first serious test of the new project and an early indicator of what to expect under the new coach.

Three days later, France travel to Brussels to play Belgium on September 28. Italy visit the Stade de France on October 2, and the international window concludes with another meeting against Belgium at the same venue on October 5. It is a demanding start for Zidane, with three major European rivals awaiting in his first four games.

France look to rebuild momentum under Zidane's leadership

Zidane's appointment has raised expectations across French football. His status as a World Cup winner and three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid makes him one of the most respected figures in the game, and his deep connection with the national team dates back to the 1998 triumph on home soil.

The Nations League gives Zidane a competitive platform to shape his team right away. The mix of established stars such as Mbappé and Koundé with players looking to establish themselves points to a project built on solid foundations and long-term ambition.

France's opening Nations League fixtures under Zidane

• September 25: Turkey vs France in Izmit.
• September 28: Belgium vs France in Brussels.
• October 2: France vs Italy at the Stade de France.
• October 5: France vs Belgium at the Stade de France.

Frequently asked questions about Zidane's first France squad