21 March 2023 , 09:24
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Didier Deschamps has named Kylian Mbappe as France's new captain following the retirement of Hugo Lloris.
Mbappe, 24, will wear the armband this week when his nation begin their qualifying campaign for the 2024 European Championships this week. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar succeeds the Tottenham goalkeeper after he announced his retirement from international football following their World Cup final defeat to Argentina.
Head coach Deschamps, who signed a new three-and-a-half year deal with the French Football Federation in January, has chosen Mbappe over experienced candidates Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud. Griezmann - who's played the last 73 international games as an ever-present under Deschamps - was left bitterly disappointed upon learning of the news, according to Le Figaro and is, it's claimed, contemplating his international future.
The 32-year-old Atletico Madrid ace is apparently set to deputise as vice-captain, starting with the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying matches in Group B against the Netherlands and Republic of Ireland. But Deschamps is facing backlash from a player who selflessly sacrificed himself in a midfield role in Qatar when injuries robbed France of both Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante.
Mbappe has already shown his ability to lead France on the pitch through his star performances - look no further than his sublime hat-trick in December's World Cup final - but is also considered a key figure in the dressing room, despite his tender age.
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Before Les Blues embarked on their campaign in Qatar, eventually reaching a second successive final but failing to retain their title as world champions, the 24-year-old played a major role in resolving an image rights issue which had threatened to derail the French camp. Mbappe refused to take part in sponsor activities during last September's international window, a decision which was backed by senior players. The PSG forward didn't want to endorse some brands, including fast food chains and betting companies which were under contract.
Kylian Mbappe arrived at France's Clairefontaine training base on Monday before news emerged that he's to become their new captain (FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)Have your say! Has Dechamps made the right decision? Join the debate in the comments section.
"I have decided to not take part in the photo shoot after the French federation's refusal to change the image rights agreement with the players" Mbappe said in a statement. "My representatives and I fully regret that no agreement could be reached, as asked, before the World Cup."
The former Monaco starlet was joined by Lloris, Manchester United defender Raphael Varane - who's also now retired from international football - Deschamps and then-FFF president Noel Le Graet in a 45-minute meeting to discuss the matter. Shortly after, the FFF confirmed that they were to review their players' image rights as quickly as possible.
Entering a new era with Mbappe leading the charge, France host the Netherlands in Paris this Friday before travelling to Dublin next Monday to face Ireland. Their qualifying group also includes Greece and Gibraltar.