{
  "id": 8415461,
  "title": "New France boss Zidane confirms Mbappe as captain after naming first squad",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/new-france-boss-zidane-confirms-mbappe-as-captain-after-naming-first",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T08:18:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/world-soccer/new-france-boss-zidane-confirms-mbappe-as-captain-after-naming-first-squad/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Zinedine Zidane has announced his first squad for France as head coach, including Kylian Mbappe as captain. The Real Madrid star delivered an impressive performance as team captain at the 2022 World Cup, leading the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals. Mbappe played both as a centre-forward and left winger during the World Cup but was primarily used on the right during France's 2018 triumph. Zidane, who succeeded Didier Deschamps, unveiled the squad in Paris following the World Cup. The coach highlighted Mbappe's versatility, mentioning his suitability for three positions and his preference for him to play on the left. The 54-year-old former Ballon d'Or winner, who retired from playing in 2006, has added several new faces to his first squad, including Jeremy Jacquet, Esteban Lepaul, Lucas Da Cunha, Andy Diouf, and Guillaume Restes. The squad will primarily focus on the UEFA Nations League, with matches against Turkey, Belgium, and Italy in the coming months. Later, France will participate in Euro 2028 qualifying, with the finals set to be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.",
  "summary": "\"He is capable of playing in the three positions and I also really like him on the left,\" Zidane told reporters.",
  "key_points": [
    "Zinedine Zidane confirms Mbappe as France captain.",
    "Mbappe received World Cup top scorer honors in 2022.",
    "New squad includes Jeremy Jacquet and Esteban Lepaul."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "France: Zinédine Zidane brings a breath of fresh air to Les Bleus",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/france-zinedine-zidane-brings-a-breath-of-fresh-air-to-les-bleus",
        "published": "2026-09-19T08:10:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}