By Oyindamola Folorunsho
Kylian Mbappe has been announced as the new captain of the France national team, replacing former captain Hugo Lloris who retired from international football earlier this year, Sportivationng.com reports.
The 24-year-old has already earned 66 caps for France since making his senior debut in 2017.
France manager Didier Deschamps praised Mbappe’s leadership qualities and said that he is a “unifying element” both on and off the field.
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the news on their social media platform on Tuesday, adding that Antoine Griezmann has been named as the vice-captain.
Kylian Mbappé's France career by numbers so far:
◉ 66 games
◉ 36 goals
◉ 19 assists
◎ 1x World Cup
◎ 1x World Cup Golden Boot
◎ 1x World Cup Best Young Player
◎ 1x World Cup Silver Ball
◎ 1x Nations LeagueThe new @equipedefrance captain at 24 years old. © pic.twitter.com/JIvGleWzmS
— Squawka (@Squawka) March 21, 2023
Mbappe was the top scorer at the 2018 World Cup and helped France reach the final, where they lost to Argentina.
He scored two goals in the final against Croatia and was named as the tournament’s best young player.
Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Argentina.
He is expected will to lead the team against Netherlands on Friday in their Euro 2024 qualifier.
