Zidane names Mbappé captain and leaves Tchouaméni and Benzema out of his first France squad

Zinedine Zidane opened his era as France head coach on Friday with a first squad selection for the opening four rounds of the Nations League. The former midfielder and French football legend delivered two clear messages: Kylian Mbappé will serve as captain, and Aurélien Tchouaméni is not included because he is still working his way back from physical problems. The 1998 and 2018 world champions begin their new chapter against Turkey on September 25.

Key points from Zidane's first France squad

• Mbappé will captain the French national team under Zidane.
• Tchouaméni is left out as a precaution after starting just once this season.
• Benzema and Kanté will not return: the coach wants younger players.
• France face Turkey, Belgium twice and Italy in September and October.
• Five debutants make the list: Lepaul, Da Cunha, Restes, Jacquet and Diouf.

France's Nations League schedule: Turkey, Belgium and Italy

France open the tournament on September 25 against Turkey. They will then visit Belgium on September 28, host Italy on October 2 and close this window against Belgium at home on October 5. The French team arrive after finishing fourth at the last World Cup and with the goal of regaining prominence in the continental competition.

Why Zidane did not call up Tchouaméni for France

The Real Madrid midfielder has been dealing with physical issues and has started only one match so far this season. Zidane explained that the smartest move for his recovery was to leave him in Madrid. "He has played only once as a starter and I think it is better for his recovery that he stays in Madrid," the coach said.

Mbappé, captain and centerpiece of Zidane's France project

Zidane confirmed that the Real Madrid forward will wear the captain's armband. The press conference produced a curious moment: the coach accepted a question in Spanish about Mbappé's supposed lack of defensive work and translated it for the rest of the journalists. "It is a false debate, I will manage Mbappé like the other players," he replied.

The new head coach also discussed where the forward can perform best. He stated that Mbappé is "capable of playing in all three positions" across the front line, although he admitted he likes him "a lot" when he operates on the left.

Benzema and Kanté will not return to the French national team under Zidane

Zidane closed the door on two world champions. N'Golo Kanté, 35 and currently at Fenerbahçe, and Karim Benzema, 38 and without a club, will not play for Les Bleus again. The coach thanked them for their careers but explained that he is looking for "younger players" in the new cycle.

With Karim, I spent extraordinary years in Madrid. But he is a bit like N'Golo: I admire what he has done, his career, but today I need to see younger players. That does not take anything away from his international career.

The five debutants of the Zidane era in the French national team

The coach's first list features new faces in every line. Forward Estéban Lepaul (Rennes), midfielder Lucas da Cunha (Como), goalkeeper Guillaume Restes (Toulouse) and defenders Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool) and Andy Diouf (Inter) all earn their first call-ups to the senior France squad. Their inclusion confirms Zidane's intention to refresh the group and give opportunities to players with potential.

Frequently asked questions about Zidane's first France squad