Zinedine Zidane Names Ousmane Dembélé France Captain After Kylian Mbappé Injury

France will visit Belgium on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League after raising questions with their win over Turkey, where Kylian Mbappé suffered an injury.

Ousmane Dembélé Set to Lead France Against Belgium After Kylian Mbappé Injury

Kylian Mbappé’s injury has forced France to look for a new leader ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash with Belgium. Zinedine Zidane has turned to Ousmane Dembélé, who had already been named one of the team’s vice-captains for the new era and is now expected to take on greater responsibility.

DEMBÉLÉ, A LEADER WITHOUT NEEDING THE ARMBAND

Zidane was clear when discussing Dembélé’s role within the French dressing room.

“For me, Dembélé is already a leader. He plays that role even if he is not the official captain, and that is obvious,” the France manager said during a press conference.

The coach also praised the PSG forward’s personality and influence on his teammates.

“He is a great person and always supports others, and we have to make the most of his experience,” Zidane added.

The decision is not a surprise. Dembélé, 29, was named by Zidane as one of France’s three vice-captains for this cycle, alongside Adrien Rabiot and Jules Koundé.

MBAPPÉ LEAVES A VOID IN FRANCE’S CAPTAINCY

Kylian Mbappé had been confirmed as France’s captain by Zidane at the beginning of his tenure as manager. However, a left knee injury ruled him out for the remainder of the international break and will keep him sidelined against Belgium.

The Real Madrid forward’s absence opens the door for Dembélé to wear the captain’s armband. During France’s 1-0 win over Turkey, Mbappé even handed the armband to Dembélé when he left the pitch.

ZIDANE ALSO TRUSTS DEMBÉLÉ ON THE PITCH

Beyond his leadership qualities, Zidane highlighted Dembélé’s footballing ability and his capacity to play the full 90 minutes.

“Against Turkey, he played in the same position he occupies at Paris Saint-Germain, and he performs that role excellently. He has admirable commitment and work rate, tremendous energy, and he can easily play the full 90 minutes,” the manager explained.

The forward will be one of France’s main attacking threats against Belgium, in a game that will also test how the team responds without its regular captain.

FRANCE LOOKS TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM IN THE NATIONS LEAGUE

France opened its Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Turkey, while Belgium defeated Italy 2-0.

The matchup in Brussels will be Zidane’s second game in charge of Les Bleus and will put the spotlight on Dembélé’s response to Mbappé’s absence.

For now, the manager’s message is clear: even if the armband changes hands, Dembélé already has a leadership role within the French national team.

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How serious is Kylian Mbappé's injury?

THREE KEY STORYLINES

Dembélé, France’s leader: Zinedine Zidane has highlighted Ousmane Dembélé’s leadership, making him one of the main candidates to wear the captain’s armband in Kylian Mbappé’s absence.
Mbappé ruled out: France’s regular captain will miss the match against Belgium due to a left knee injury, leaving a void both in attack and in the team’s leadership.
Greater attacking responsibility: Dembélé will also play a key role in France’s attack. Zidane is counting on his experience, commitment and ability to play all 90 minutes.