Zidane taps Barcelona's Kounde as France vice-captain
The short version
- Zidane named Kounde one of France's vice-captains, per RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins.
- Mbappe stays captain; Dembele, Rabiot and Kounde form the rest of the leadership group.
- Kounde has five Barcelona appearances this season, two starts, after losing his place to Eric Garcia.
- France begin the Zidane era after Deschamps left following the 2026 World Cup.
Jules Kounde joins a leadership group under new France coach Zinedine Zidane despite a reduced role at Barcelona this season.
Jules Kounde has been handed a leadership role with the France national team, according to RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins. The Barcelona defender was selected by new head coach Zinedine Zidane as one of several vice-captains, a decision reportedly rooted in each player's experience at international level.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid remains France's captain, while PSG's Ousmane Dembele, formerly of Barcelona, serves as vice-captain alongside Adrien Rabiot and Kounde. Cap counts of 106 for Mbappe, 67 for Dembele, 66 for Rabiot and 56 for Kounde reportedly shaped the hierarchy Zidane put in place.
The appointment comes as France opens a new chapter following Didier Deschamps' departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Zidane is overseeing his first squad during the current international window, and Kounde received a call-up despite limited minutes at club level.
At Barcelona, the 27-year-old has made just five appearances this season, only two as a starter, after Eric Garcia moved ahead of him in the pecking order. France face Turkiye, Belgium twice and Italy in UEFA Nations League play, and Kounde may find renewed opportunity at his club when he returns, with Andreas Christensen currently sidelined by injury.
