Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has emerged as one of three potential candidates to captain the France national team in their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. With the absence of regular captain Kylian Mbappé, coupled with the sidelining of N’Golo Kanté and the recent retirement of Antoine Griezmann from international duties, the captaincy role within the French squad remains vacant, and a new leader is set to be chosen ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Konaté, who has solidified himself as a vital player for Liverpool, has attracted considerable attention from France’s national team manager, Didier Deschamps, due to his growing influence and impressive performances at the club level. Despite not having played a significant role during France’s Euro 2024 campaign, his leadership qualities, combined with his calm and commanding presence on the field, have made him a serious contender for the captain’s armband.
In addition to Konaté, two other players are being considered for the prestigious role. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni and Barcelona’s Jules Koundé have also emerged as strong candidates to lead the team. Both players are well-respected figures within the French squad and have demonstrated leadership capabilities throughout their careers.
However, according to a report by RMC Sport, Konaté’s leadership qualities, his growing influence within the national team, and his impressive club performances with Liverpool may give him an edge over the other contenders. Konaté’s ability to rally his teammates and his mature approach on the field have not gone unnoticed by Deschamps and his coaching staff.
France will kick off their Nations League campaign by facing Israel in Budapest this Thursday, followed by a crucial match against Belgium in Brussels next Monday. The decision regarding who will take up the captaincy is expected to be revealed in the coming days, as the French team looks to establish strong leadership moving forward in these important fixtures.