Zinedine Zidane has named his first group of players as France head coach. 'Zizou' unveiled his first Les Bleus squad on Friday, with Kylian Mbappé remaining captain, Eduardo Camavinga returning, Aurélien Tchouaméni missing out and new faces such as Estéban Lepaul and Lucas da Cunha getting their opportunity.
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Zidane's first France squad: Mbappé stays captain, Camavinga returns and Tchouaméni misses out
The 1998 World Cup winner officially begins his tenure as the successor to Didier Deschamps, who managed France from 2012 to 2026.
Zidane's first international window will feature four Nations League matches, beginning against Turkey on September 25.
Camavinga returns in Zidane's first squad
One of the standout names on the list is Eduardo Camavinga.
The Real Madrid midfielder returns to Les Bleus and joins established players such as Kylian Mbappé, Ibrahima Konaté and Jules Koundé.
Zidane also made room for new faces in his first squad, with Rennes striker Estéban Lepaul and Como's Lucas da Cunha among the newcomers.
Why is Tchouaméni not in the France squad?
While Camavinga returns, Aurélien Tchouaméni is one of the most notable absences.
Zidane explained that he preferred to leave the midfielder at Real Madrid to continue his recovery.
“He has only started once and I think that, for his recovery, it is better for him to stay in Madrid,” Zidane said.
Mbappé remains France captain under Zidane
The arrival of a new head coach will not mean a change of captain.
Zidane confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will continue to wear the France armband, maintaining one of the key leadership roles from the previous era.
Mbappé will be one of the leading figures in a France side that finished fourth at the most recent World Cup and is now beginning a new cycle.
n will Zidane make his France debut?
Zidane's new-look France will face its first test against Turkey on September 25 in the Nations League.
Les Bleus will then visit Belgium on September 28, host Italy on October 2 and welcome Belgium on October 5.
