Nations League: Zidane takes charge of the Blues, Mbappé remains captain

Zinédine Zidane led his first training camp as head coach of the French national team on Monday, gathering the squad at Clairefontaine ahead of the Nations League. Kylian Mbappé will continue as captain for this initial phase under the new manager.

The Blues arrived at the National Football Centre on September 21 to begin their preparations under Zidane’s guidance. The 54-year-old coach returns to the sidelines five years after his second stint at Real Madrid.

On Friday, Zidane revealed his first squad of 23 players, which includes five newcomers. He also confirmed Mbappé’s role as captain, a decision upheld at the start of this gathering.

Mbappé expressed enthusiasm for the beginning of this collaboration. The French captain explained that working with Zidane felt surreal, fifteen years after their first meeting when the then-teenage forward visited Real Madrid’s facilities.

France will kick off their Nations League campaign on Friday, September 25, in Turkey, followed by a trip to Belgium on September 28. The Blues will then host Italy at the Stade de France on October 2, and Belgium on October 5.