Captaincy in the Spotlight: Maignan Leads France as Mbappe Misses International Window
12 October 2025
Captaincy Change on the International Stage
France’s national team announced a new captain during the current international window, with their first-choice skipper Kylian Mbappe sidelined by an ankle injury.
Head coach Didier Deschamps had already confirmed Mbappe’s withdrawal from the camp after the setback against Azerbaijan, with no direct replacement called up at that moment.
Deschamps then revealed that goalkeeper Mike Maignan would wear the armband for the upcoming match against Iceland.
"Mike Maignan will wear the captain's armband for France against Iceland tomorrow," Deschamps said in his remarks to reporters.
Mbappe suffered the ankle problem in the right ankle during the Azerbaijan game, and as he left the pitch he handed the captaincy to Maignan.
France currently sit first in Group D with 9 points from three matches, five points clear of second-placed Ukraine, underscoring the team’s ongoing control in the qualifiers.
Speculation about Deschamps’ decision to field Mbappe as a starter in the Azerbaijan match drew responses, but the coach replied on TF1 that such questions are common and that he has spoken with Mbappe since joining the camp, including discussions at halftime and after the second half.
Deschamps emphasized that Mbappe’s injury wasn’t the result of his selection decisions, noting that players can be struck by tackles in football and that the problem isn’t necessarily due to a single decision.
Rádio Monte Carlo previously reported that Mbappe’s injury isn’t serious and that he could rejoin Real Madrid’s training after a short rest.
In line with Mbappe’s absence, Deschamps confirmed that Maignan, the Milan goalkeeper, would captain the Doves against Iceland the next day.
France’s October squad
The French squad for October was a 23-player list, featuring a mix of veteran and emerging talents, including Maignan, who steps into the armband role.
The group also highlights a broad defense, midfield, and attack backbone across clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Milan, Chelsea, Arsenal, and more, reflecting the breadth of France’s talent pool during the window.
World Cup Qualifiers Standings
France leads Group D with nine points from three matches, following wins over Ukraine, Iceland, and Azerbaijan. Ukraine sits in second with four points, Iceland third with three, and Azerbaijan at one point. France’s remaining fixtures include matches against Ukraine at the Parc des Princes and away to Azerbaijan on the 13th and 16th of November, continuing the battle for European qualification.
In short, a captaincy shake-up without Mbappe’s presence, a strong start to the qualifiers, and a squad rotation under Deschamps’ watchful eye—the new armband bearer is ready to lead the Ducks have their wings. May the armband be light, and the goals heavy.
Two quick punchlines to close it out: If leadership were a jersey, Maignan just stitched it to his sleeves—now that’s a real “keeper” move. And remember, in football as in life, if you can’t score, at least keep your captaincy; Maignan just turned defense into a pep talk for the team. Punchline done, let’s hope the scoreboard keeps smiling.
