L’Équipe report that PSG striker Kylian Mbappé has successfully positioned himself as a unifying leader following his appointment as France captain after the international retirements of senior figures, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Manchester United defender Raphaël Varane.
Captain Mbappé has not changed his attitude with Les Bleus, one insider tells the paper, but does now deliver short rallying speeches during matches or warm-ups to players individually or in small groups. Yet to indulge in grand, verbose team talks, the 24-year-old has continued to focus on leading by example on the pitch. Away from the games themselves, Mbappé has also clearly recognized the responsibility that his position increasingly carries and has proactively spoken out on French societal issues or problems affecting the whole squad when needed.
Despite considering retiring from international football after being overlooked for the role, vice-captain Antoine Griezmann remains a solid and positive ally for Mbappé – the Atlético Madrid man’s attitude has quietly impressed the France staff. Defender Lucas Hernandez is also a key lieutenant. Having played with much of the squad during spells at Atléti, Bayern Munich, and now PSG, the defender is respected, well-connected, and confident enough to point out mistakes by others when needed and is seen as a natural leader.
Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman are quiet but strong supporters of the group and Mbappé’s leadership, while the jovial Ousmane Dembélé played a key role in ensuring that the new captain and vice-captain did not fall out at the start of their tenure. Olivier Giroud’s work rate and longevity also make the Milan striker a respected figure on the training ground, while Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano, and Mike Maignan have all seen their importance rise in this new era.
For a national team that has historically suffered from ego clashes, Mbappé’s understated but powerful leadership could be an underrated factor in the continued success of an era in which coach Deschamps has placed harmony above all else.
