Mbappé named French team's captain after Hugo Lloris retirement

SPORT  22 March 2023 - 08:00

Kylian Mbappe has succeeded the retired Hugo Lloris as France captain, a source close to the team told AFP.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe, 24, accepted the proposal after discussions with coach Didier Deschamps earlier in the day, France24 reports citing AFP.

Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris brought an end to his international career in January after losing the World Cup final a month earlier.

Lloris, 36, had been skipper for more than 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.

Mbappe, who has played 66 times for his country, had been heavily linked with the role for weeks and scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final loss after helping Les Bleus to the title in 2018.

The former Monaco attacker is vice-captain at PSG behind Brazil's Marquinhos and led the side in the defender's absence during March 19 loss to Rennes.

His first game as captain will be on March 24 at Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at the Stade de France.

Caliber.Az