Zinedine Zidane believes that Ousmane Dembele has the ability to take on the role of captain for France following Kylian Mbappe’s withdrawal from the squad due to injury.
Dembele donned the captain’s armband during France’s 1-0 victory against Turkiye in their Nations League opening match, after Mbappe had to exit the game post scoring the only goal in the 54th minute.
It has now been confirmed that the Real Madrid player experienced hyperextension of his left knee, but the extent of the injury has not been disclosed.
Mbappe’s absence will be significant not only in terms of leadership but also in showcasing his skills on the field. He recently achieved his 12th goal for France this year, matching his own record for a French player in a calendar year in the 21st century, set in 2022.
During the match at Turka Arac Muayene Kocaeli Stadyumu, Dembele contributed notably, leading the team with four chances created and seven touches in the opponent’s box.
“He’s already showing leadership. As vice-captain, he plays that role even when not wearing the armband,” Zidane commented on Dembele’s contribution as a captain.
“He’s a great teammate, always supporting others, and his experience is invaluable. I have expectations from everyone, not just the captains. This is a harmonious group.”
“We’ve spent a week together, and I can see they enjoy being around each other. This is the French team; we have some exciting matches ahead. Football moves quickly.”
“At 54, I can no longer play, so I tell them to cherish these moments because they pass swiftly. The French team is remarkable, and I want them to fully experience these times.”
On se prépare pour notre deuxième rencontre face à la Belgique pic.twitter.com/VN1ifjlw5F
— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) September 27, 2026
Zidane has made history as the first coach to win his debut match in charge of France since Aime Jacquet against Italy in 1994, breaking a streak of four draws and one loss before him.
He mentioned feeling emotional about leading his country for the first time but acknowledged there’s still work to be done for the team to improve.
Before their upcoming match at Stade Roi Baudouin on Monday, he indicated that he plans to make several adjustments to the squad due to the quick turnaround.
France currently ranks second in Group A1, tied on points with Belgium after they defeated Italy in their first match.
When asked if the result or the performance was more crucial against Mark van Bommel’s team, Zidane replied, “Both are important, but the most critical aspect is building our chemistry.”
“We focused more on recovery and treatment than training due to time constraints. The aim is to prepare for the matches and, of course, to win, as we are competitors who prioritize victory.”
“We need to enhance our game; improvement is on the horizon. But primarily, the goal is to regain possession quickly and focus on holding the ball rather than chasing it.”
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it showcases the evolution of leadership in the French team, with young talents like Dembele stepping up in crucial moments. Such transitions could shape the future dynamics of the national team and ultimately influence their success in international competitions.
Source: www.soccernews.com
