"In my opinion, central striker is not Kylian's best position. He can play all three attacking positions, but I prefer him on the left wing", coach Zidane stated after announcing the France national team squad on 18/9.

Mbappe played as a left winger during his debut at Monaco, then excelled in this position for PSG and the France national team from 2017-2024. Playing in his preferred role not only helped him set a series of scoring records but also maximized his speed and dribbling ability.

Coach Zidane smiles while announcing the France national team squad on 18/9, in Paris, France. *Photo: AP*

Since joining Real Madrid in 2024, with Vinicius already established on the left wing, Mbappe has been deployed as a central striker. While he continued to score many goals, he could not fully utilize his individual abilities. This period as a central striker also coincided with a trophy drought for both his club and national team. At the 2026 World Cup, the 27-year-old striker was the top scorer for the second time, becoming the highest goal-scorer in the tournament's history, but France finished 4th.

This positional adjustment may be the only change Zidane implements for Mbappe. He will retain the "number 10" as captain, interacting with teammates as he did under former coach Didier Deschamps. Addressing concerns about Mbappe's defensive contributions, Zidane stated: "That is a misguided and baseless debate. He will contribute defensively like any other player."

Mbappe and national team teammate Ousmane Dembele are central to a debate surrounding the Ballon d'Or. The captain initiated this by stating Dembele is a talented player, but he himself is "the chosen one". The 2025 Ballon d'Or winner responded with some irritation, asserting that he never makes noise, preferring to focus on his work, contributions, and the rewards of a successful season with PSG.

Coach Zidane, a Ballon d'Or winner in 1998, downplayed the verbal exchange between the players. He remarked: "I understand the feelings of someone who has won the Ballon d'Or. Sometimes there are small discussions, but we don't necessarily need to talk about that in a public forum."

The new French coach aims to rejuvenate the national team from his first squad selection. He called up only two players aged 30 or older: goalkeeper Mike Maignan and midfielder Adrien Rabiot (both 31), while omitting goalkeeper Brice Samba (32), left-back Lucas Digne (33), center-back Lucas Hernandez (30), and midfielder N'Golo Kante (35). Regarding Aurelien Tchouameni's absence, Zidane believes the player needs time for optimal recovery from injury.

Zidane also indicated that players would need to focus extensively on tactics and movement during matches. However, he stated he would not implement major changes compared to Deschamps' tenure. "I have always followed the national team. There will be no disruption; rather, it will be a continuation of my ideas", Zidane added.

France is set to play 4 matches in Nations League A Group 1: against Turkey on 25/9, Belgium on 28/9, Italy on 2/10, and Belgium on 5/10 (return leg).

France national team squad called up by Zidane for the first time:

Goalkeepers: Maignan (AC Milan), Risser (Lens), Restes (Toulouse)

Defenders: Kounde (Barca), Upamecano (Bayern), Konate (Real Madrid), Lacroix (Chelsea), Kalulu (Juventus), Truffert (Bournemouth), Diouf (Inter Milan), Jacquet (Liverpool)

Midfielders: Rabiot (AC Milan), Camavinga (Real Madrid), Kone (Roma), Cherki (Man City), Zaire-Emery (PSG), Da Cunha (Como)

Forwards: Mbappe (Real Madrid), Dembele, Doue (PSG), Olise (Bayern), Barcola (Liverpool), Lepaul (Rennes)

Thanh Quy (according to Marca)