Kylian Mbappe chosen as new France captain

Kylian Mbappe, 24, will reportedly take over the France captaincy after being selected by Les Blues manager Didier Deschamps.

After December's World Cup final defeat to Argentina, Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international duty, leaving France without a captain.

Now, it seems, Deschamps has chosen Mbappe to take on the mantle of leadership, according to French outlet L'Equipe.

The report revealed Deschamps had a discussion with Mbappe on Monday at Clairefontaine, the France team training center. 

There was also communication with Antoine Griezmann, who was believed to be a leading candidate to replace Lloris.

Deschamps was asked about the captaincy during his press conference on Monday and he stressed that the main quality in his choice was the legitimacy of the candidate and that in the end, "the common interest will prevail”.

Mbappe has solidified his status as one of the best footballers in the world and his performances at last year’s World Cup in Qatar set him on an even higher pedestal on the global stage 

He will now be rewarded for his excellent performances and leadership by succeeding Lloris who kept the armband for 14 years, from 2008 to 2022.