Mbappe Sidesteps Zidane-France Coach Talk: Here’s What He Said
The French national team is currently a hotbed of discussion, not just for their upcoming matches but also for the looming question of who will take the coaching reins after the 2026 World Cup. Current captain Kylian Mbappe recently sat down for an insightful interview with ‘L’Equipe,’ where he addressed the swirling rumors linking legendary Zinedine Zidane with the head coach position.
Mbappe’s Stance: Respecting the Hierarchy
Mbappe made it unequivocally clear that he believes it’s not his place to weigh in on such a significant decision. “I don’t know who will succeed him,” Mbappe stated, referring to current coach Didier Deschamps. “I know who you want me to talk about, but I won’t talk about him because that’s not my role. There is a president of the Federation, and he is the one who is going to make that decision.”
This response highlights Mbappe’s maturity and understanding of the organizational structure within the French Football Federation. While acknowledging the widespread speculation surrounding Zidane – a name that resonates deeply within French football – Mbappe firmly defers to the authority of Federation president Philippe Diallo.
Deschamps’ Departure: A Surprise Even for Mbappe
Interestingly, Mbappe revealed that even he was unaware of Didier Deschamps’ decision to step down after the 2026 World Cup, which was announced at the beginning of 2025. “He did not tell me anything,” Mbappe admitted. “It’s a personal decision, it’s up to him. When I make decisions like that, I don’t like to take people into my confidence, so I’m grateful that they don’t either.” This suggests a level of professional respect between the player and the coach, with Deschamps keeping his future plans close to his chest.
The Zidane Factor: Acknowledging the Obvious
Despite his reluctance to comment directly, Mbappe did acknowledge the elephant in the room – the strong possibility of Zinedine Zidane taking over. “Everyone is talking about Zidane, so we’re not going to pretend we live in a cave and don’t know what’s going on,” Mbappe conceded. However, he reiterated his stance: “It’s not for me to talk about it. It’s Zinedine Zidane! But as I said, it’s Philippe Diallo (Federation president) who will decide. We will see what criteria he uses and what decisions he takes.”
Captaincy Under the Microscope: Mbappe’s Perspective
The interview also touched upon Mbappe’s role as the captain of the French national team, a responsibility that has come under some scrutiny. Mbappe expressed his slight frustration with the constant questioning surrounding his captaincy. “I’m the only one who gets asked that question,” he noted. “I’ve been given the armband, I take it and I try to assume it as best I can. But I don’t understand why, when I’ve been in the French national team for eight years and the captaincy has never been a problem, it has become a problem.”
Mbappe’s comments suggest he feels he is fulfilling his duties as captain and is somewhat perplexed by the ongoing debate around it, especially considering his long tenure with the national team.
Looking Ahead: Stability Amidst Speculation
As the French national team prepares for upcoming challenges, the speculation surrounding the coaching succession will undoubtedly continue. However, Kylian Mbappe’s measured and respectful comments highlight a sense of professionalism within the squad. While the prospect of Zinedine Zidane potentially leading ‘Les Bleus’ is an exciting one for many, the decision ultimately rests with the French Football Federation. Mbappe, as the team’s leader on the pitch, remains focused on his role and respects the process in place for this crucial appointment.