Mbappe is the new captain of the French national team. Griezmann seems offended – and may even leave

Passion.

After the end of Hugo Lloris’ international career, the French national team has a new captain – 24-year-old Kylian Mbappe. Antoine Griezmann was appointed vice-captain. 

“Kilian fits all the boxes and is ready to take on this responsibility. He is a key element both on the field and within the team,” commented Didier Deschamps.

True, according to the French media, Griezmann was categorically not satisfied with this.

The 32-year-old Atlético leader has doubts about his future in the national team. He is unhappy with Deschamps’ decision, and the March camp could be his last.

Le Figaro notes: Griezmann dreamed of captaining France for Euro 2024 and thought he had more reason to get the armband. Antoine is one of the team’s most experienced players (of the current roster, only Giroud has made more appearances), and he and Mbappé are the only ones who have played in every match in recent World Cups. Antoine also has a good relationship with Deschamps and respect for the dressing room.

But all this was not convincing enough for the coach.

Looks like Mbappe is just too influential and global. Yet Griezmann was not consoled by French President Emmanuel Macron after the lost final in Qatar. Not Griezmann, the same Macron tried to keep PSG and Ligue 1 in general.

Mbappe has shown himself to be a leader on numerous occasions, including off the pitch. If you remember, in January he stood up for Zinedine Zidane , when the president of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Gré, spoke about it inaccurately. As a result, Le Gret even lost his post – Mbappe was supported at the very top (and Macron, yes, yes).