Zidane Demands from Deschamps to Withdraw the Captain’s Brassard of the French Team in Mbappé After the Match Last Night, Saying: “He is Too Selfish and Lack of Combative Mind.” Immediately, Deschamps Replied.

A storm has erupted in French football following a direct and scathing comment from legendary midfielder Zinedine Zidane regarding national team captain Kylian Mbappé. After France’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Germany in the UEFA Nations League third-place playoff, Zidane did not mince words—publicly calling on head coach Didier Deschamps to strip Mbappé of the captain’s armband. His reasoning? Mbappé, he claimed, “is too selfish and lacks a combative mind.”

The controversial statement was made early Monday morning, June 9, 2025, Vietnam time, during a post-match review aired on national media. Zidane, despite not holding any formal coaching role at present, remains an influential voice in French football. His attack on Mbappé’s leadership immediately stirred strong reactions and reopened long-standing debates about the state of the national team and its internal dynamics.

France’s defeat on home soil at the Stade de France was a bitter pill to swallow. With goals from Germany’s Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané sealing the loss, the French attack, led by Mbappé, appeared disjointed and uninspired. Many fans and pundits noted the Real Madrid forward’s inability to galvanize his teammates and questioned his on-pitch decision-making. Despite his talent, Zidane believes the 26-year-old has grown too focused on individual moments at the expense of team harmony.

“Being captain isn’t just about skill. It’s about spirit, grit, and putting the team first,” Zidane added during the interview. His words echoed with the frustration of a man who has witnessed both glory and collapse with Les Bleus. The comments marked a sharp departure from Zidane’s previous praise of Mbappé and suggested a deepening dissatisfaction with how the national team is being led.

Deschamps wasted no time issuing a response. Speaking to the press just hours later, the veteran coach stood firmly behind his captain. “Kylian remains our leader, and it is I who decides the captain,” he said pointedly. His words were meant to close the chapter quickly—but instead, they fanned the flames of a growing public debate.

The clash between Zidane and Deschamps is not new. The two icons of French football have had an uneasy relationship over the years, often disagreeing on team selection and philosophy. While Deschamps has maintained authority over the squad since 2012, Zidane’s looming presence—especially given his managerial success with Real Madrid—continues to cast a long shadow over the national team setup.

On social media, the division among fans is palpable. Hashtags such as #ZidaneVsDeschamps and #MbappeCaptain are trending, with thousands of fans voicing their support for one camp or the other. Some echo Zidane’s view that Mbappé, while immensely talented, lacks the leadership maturity required to lead France. Others defend the forward, citing his impressive stats—40 goals in 77 caps—and the key role he played in France’s Euro 2020 triumph and the 2022 World Cup final run.

Mbappé’s recent high-profile transfer to Real Madrid adds another layer to the controversy. Some critics argue that his focus has shifted more toward club ambitions and global fame than national duty. Others suggest the transition phase may have left him mentally unsettled, affecting his performances on the international stage.

For Deschamps, the situation is delicate. With World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, he cannot afford division within the camp. His decision to stand by Mbappé might be an attempt to maintain stability, but it also runs the risk of alienating influential voices like Zidane’s and those who agree with him.

The French Football Federation (FFF) has so far remained silent, but insiders report that the issue has been discussed at the highest levels. With the 2026 World Cup just a year away, any fracture in team unity could prove disastrous for a squad that once looked poised for a new golden era.

For Mbappé himself, the criticism may be a wake-up call. He has often spoken about his desire to emulate legends like Zidane and Thierry Henry, but leadership requires more than brilliance—it demands humility, connection with teammates, and the ability to unite a dressing room under pressure. Whether he takes this moment as motivation or retreats into frustration will be telling.

Interestingly, some former players have joined the fray. Ex-France striker David Trezeguet sided with Zidane, saying, “Talent must serve the collective. That’s what made Zidane a true leader.” Meanwhile, Hugo Lloris, the former captain before Mbappé, expressed sympathy, noting that “the captaincy is a heavy crown, especially for a superstar like Kylian.”

The drama highlights an ongoing question for France: Who should lead this talented generation? With young stars like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni emerging, and veterans like Antoine Griezmann still in the mix, the leadership structure of Les Bleus remains in flux.

What is undeniable is the magnitude of Zidane’s statement. Whether intended or not, his words have reignited old tensions and placed a spotlight on a national team that desperately needs cohesion. In many ways, the debate reflects broader themes in sport—balancing individual brilliance with team chemistry, the weight of legacy, and the challenges of generational change.

In the coming days, all eyes will be on Mbappé—not just to see how he performs on the pitch, but how he handles this public criticism from one of France’s most respected figures. Will he rise to the challenge and prove himself as a true leader, or will this signal a turning point in his international career?

As for Deschamps, his handling of this internal pressure could define his final years as France manager. Backing Mbappé now means taking full responsibility for both success and failure going forward. One thing is certain: the French camp is no longer as united as it once appeared.

This saga is far from over. With more fixtures coming and public scrutiny intensifying, France’s footballing family must find a way to reconcile its differences—or risk watching its golden generation crumble from within.