Ousmane Dembélé set to lead France under Zidane's rule

Ousmane Dembélé is in line to captain France against Belgium, a decision that would reinforce his place among the team’s senior figures. His appointment depends on being selected to start, but it would reflect more than his current standing or influence within the squad.

Kylian Mbappé remains France’s captain after reaching 107 international appearances. Behind him, coach Zinédine Zidane has placed Dembélé, Adrien Rabiot and Jules Koundé in the deputy-captain order. Dembélé wore the armband for the first time on Friday in Turkey after Mbappé was substituted, then handed it to Rabiot when he left the pitch.

The potential change is rooted in a principle Zidane has held since his own international career. After France’s 2002 World Cup failure, coach Jacques Santini wanted Zidane to take over as captain. Zidane declined while Marcel Desailly was still in the squad, believing the established senior player should retain the role. He only accepted the responsibility on a lasting basis after returning to the national team in 2005.

That approach remains visible in Zidane’s management of France. Dembélé’s likely elevation would therefore recognise both his present status and his seniority within the group, while keeping Mbappé at the top of the leadership structure.