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PSG’s Mbappe Named New France National Football Team Captain

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PSG's Mbappe Named New France National Football Team Captain

24-year-old Kylian Mbappe has been named the new captain of France’s national football team.

Mbappe, who currently plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), will replace Hugo Lloris, who stepped down following the World Cup final defeat to Argentina in Doha last December 2022.

Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris, 36, ended his international career after Lionel Messi’s Argentina side denied the French team in a penalty shootout to win the World Cup trophy after a thrilling match ended 3-3 following extra time.

Naija News understands that Lloris had been the France team’s skipper for over a decade. Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann was named vice-captain after Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane also hung up his boots following the defeat to Argentina in December.

AFP reported that Mbappe accepted the captainship role after coming to an understanding with coach Didier Deschamps.

His first game as captain will be Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at the Stade de France, the first match for Les Bleus since the World Cup final in Doha.

It could be recalled that Mbappe scored a hat-trick during the world cup final match against Argentina in December. The youngster had been in the news for the captain’s role for weeks.

He helped Les Bleus to World Cup glory as a teenager in 2018 and has established himself as arguably the leading forward on the global stage.

The Paris-born former Monaco player is vice-captain at PSG behind Brazilian defender Marquinhos and led the side in the defender’s absence during Sunday’s loss to Rennes.

Mbappe has been outstanding in his club performance. The 24-year-old player has scored 19 goals in 24 Ligue 1 matches this season and contributed seven goals in PSG’s run to the last 16 of the Champions League, where Bayern Munich knocked them out.