France will begin their World Cup journey on Tuesday with the goal of making history by reaching a third straight final, continuing their dominance under the guidance of Didier Deschamps.
Central to this ambition is captain Kylian Mbappe, who, at 27 years of age, is now entering the peak years of his career.
Although Mbappe’s challenging season at Real Madrid has reignited debate over whether he was the right successor to Hugo Lloris as captain of Les Bleus following the 2022 World Cup, former France defender Frank Leboeuf believes the decision has already been justified.
The criticism directed at Mbappe has often suggested that he lacks the leadership qualities and selflessness required to lead by example. However, Leboeuf feels that the captaincy presents the perfect opportunity for the former PSG forward to unlock his full potential.
“We’ve seen with other France captains in the past that wearing the armband brought out the best in them,” Leboeuf said in an interview with FourFourTwo.
The ex-Chelsea defender referred to previous French captains and their distinctive leadership traits, which have shaped the national team’s identity over the decades—a blend of composure, accountability, and inspiration.
“By showing quiet authority like Hugo Lloris did, by stepping up in crucial moments as Zinedine Zidane did, or by putting the team before yourself like Deschamps, Kylian knows he has to do the same,” Leboeuf continued.
Leading a team of such stature inevitably attracts immense scrutiny and expectation, but Leboeuf believes Mbappe possesses the temperament and maturity to handle the pressure.
“You also have to be ready to face criticism, because the responsibility of captaining France is enormous. The expectations are always sky-high, and he knows how to deal with that,” he explained.
Despite Mbappe’s impressive record of 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid this season, the club once again fell short of domestic silverware, drawing criticism from fans and media alike. However, Leboeuf emphasised that there is a clear distinction between his club duties and his role with the national team.
“I’ve watched him at Real Madrid, and yes, he can be more of a superstar there, as it’s a club that thrives on big personalities and individual brilliance,” Leboeuf observed.
“But things are different with Deschamps’ France. Kylian understands that the team always comes first.”
— Ed McCambridge, Staff Writer
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