Leboeuf backs Mbappe to fulfil France captaincy as third World Cup looms

Frank Leboeuf has backed Kylian Mbappe to grow into the France captaincy at the 2026 World Cup, dismissing criticism of the striker’s leadership qualities as France prepare to open their campaign chasing a third consecutive final.

Mbappe, 27, took the armband from Hugo Lloris after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but a difficult season at Real Madrid — in which the club failed to win a domestic trophy despite Mbappe scoring 42 goals in 44 games — has renewed questions over whether he is the right man for the role. Leboeuf, the former France and Chelsea defender, is unconvinced by those doubts.

“We’ve seen with other France captains in the past that wearing the armband brought out the best in them,” Leboeuf told FourFourTwo. “Kylian understands that he has to do the same.”

Leboeuf drew a direct line between Mbappe and the skippers who preceded him, each of whom led in their own way. “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 said.

The former World Cup winner also acknowledged the unique pressure that comes with leading Les Bleus. “You 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.”

On the club-versus-country distinction, Leboeuf suggested Mbappe’s style naturally adapts to the demands of international football. “I’ve watched him at Real Madrid, where it’s true that he can be more of a superstar, because it’s a club that thrives on individuality and superstar dressing rooms. But things are different with Deschamps’ France. Kylian knows the team comes first.”

France, who have reached the final in both 2018 and 2022, kick off their 2026 campaign on Tuesday under Didier Deschamps, with Mbappe appearing in his third World Cup finals at an age when most forwards are considered to be entering their peak years.