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France kick off their World Cup campaign on Tuesday looking to make history by reaching a third consecutive final, after having established themselves as one of the era’s best sides under Didier Deschamps.
At the heart of these ambitions is skipper Kylian Mbappe, who at the age of 27, should now be entering his prime years.
And while a tough season at Real Madrid has reignited the debate over whether Mbappe is the right man to have succeeded Hugo Lloris as Les Bleus skipper after the 2022 World Cup, former France defender Frank Leboeuf believes the decision has already been vindicated.
Lebouef on Mbappe’s captaincy
The criticism levelled at Mbappe has suggested that the striker lacks the leadership and selflessness to lead but example, but Leboeuf believes this is the best way for the former PSG forward to reach his full potential.
“We’ve seen with other France captains in the past that wearing the armband brought out the best in them,” Leboeuf tells FourFourTwo.
The former Chelsea defender points to previous French skippers and their different leadership styles that have shaped the team over the years, combining a mixture of calm presence and inspirational influences.
“By showing quiet authority in the way Hugo Lloris did, by taking responsibility in big moments like Zinedine Zidane, or by sacrificing yourself for the team like Deschamps,” he continues. Kylian understands that he has to do the same.”
Captaining any high-profile side will always bring high levels of scrutiny and expectation, but Leboeuf believes Mbappe is well equipped to carry that burden.
“You also have to be ready to face criticism, because the weight of captaining France is massive. The expectation is always huge, and he knows how to cope with that.”
While Mbappe has been able to net 42 times in 44 games for Real Madrid this season, the club again failed to win a domestic trophy amid growing criticism, but Leboeuf believes that is a clear divide between his club role with what he needs to do on the international front.
“I’ve watched him at Real Madrid, where it’s true that he can be more of a superstar, because it’s a club that thrives on individuality and superstar dressing rooms.
“But things are different with Deschamps’ France. Kylian knows the team comes first.”
