Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFrance 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 eras 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 Mbappes captaincyThe 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.Weve seen with other France captains in the past that wearing the armband brought out the best in them, Leboeuf tells FourFourTwo. You may like The offensive talent France possesses is special. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele can both lead the team this summer Olivier Giroud on Frances World Cup firepower How to watch Kylian Mbappe at the 2026 FIFA World Cup 'Kylian Mbappe was something new for French football, and he's already an all-time great' Clairefontaine, pressure and pressing: ESPN journalist Julien Laurens on how France's captain reached the top 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.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.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.Ive watched him at Real Madrid, where its true that he can be more of a superstar, because its a club that thrives on individuality and superstar dressing rooms.But things are different with Deschamps France. Kylian knows the team comes first.TOPICSFranceWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromEd McCambridgeStaff Writer
