Zidane puts Dembélé in charge of the Bleus after Mbappé's injury

While the Real Madrid injury leaves Kylian Mbappé out of the squad, Zinédine Zidane has named Ousmane Dembélé as the new captain for the match against Belgium, a choice that reshuffles the hierarchy of the French and emphasizes the Parisian's attacking role.

Struck in the left knee when scoring the winning goal for the French against Turkey (0-1) on Friday, the Real Madrid striker left the camp and will not be replaced by Zinédine Zidane.

Mbappé's absence shakes up the squad

Kylian Mbappé's injury is already reshuffling the cards for the French national team, forcing the manager to reorganise the setup. The French team's doctor, Fabrice Bryand, mentioned an absence of three to six weeks, versus the ten to twelve days initially announced. This uncertainty pushes the staff to rethink each player's responsibilities.

Ousmane Dembélé collected the armband on Friday, when Real Madrid had to leave the field, marking his first stint as interim captain.

Jules Koundé quells rumours of a rift between Mbappé and Dembélé

Dembélé named captain against Belgium

Zinédine Zidane is said to have chosen Ousmane Dembélé to wear the armband against Belgium, according to L’Équipe, provided the Parisian starts. PSG, whose player is the most capped behind Mbappé among the three vice-captains, thus sees his leader confirmed for the duel.

Zidane places Dembélé at the heart of his project, already viewing him as his forward and destined to lead the French attack.

At 29, the Parisian is the most capped player behind Mbappé among the designated vice-captains, alongside Adrien Rabiot and Jules Koundé.

Zidane hands the armband to Ousmane Dembélé during Mbappé's absence

Thus, Mbappé's absence paves the way for Dembélé, who moves from the vice-captain role to that of leader, while strengthening his tactical importance within the French.