Jules Koundé named in France captaincy group as Zinedine Zidane takes charge

Barcelona star Jules Koundé has this week been rewarded for his ongoing importance in the French national team setup, earning a place in a newly formed leadership group for Les Bleus.

The recognition comes as a new era kicks into gear in French football. After agreeing to take over the reins from Didier Deschamps this past summer, Zinedine Zidane linked up with his maiden squad of players, marking the start of his tenure as international head coach.

Koundé, despite a difficult start to the new season at club level, featured front and centre in France's panel, having shone at the World Cup in North America over the summer. The 27-year-old's prominence in the plans of his new international boss was on Wednesday reiterated with his inclusion in the leadership group.

Zidane confirms four-man leadership group

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo, citing French outlet L'Équipe: “Barcelona defender Jules Koundé has been named one of the captains of the French national team by Zinedine Zidane.”

Koundé joins a group also featuring Ousmane Dembélé and Adrien Rabiot, and headed by Real Madrid standout Kylian Mbappé. The four-man captaincy structure signals Zidane's intent to build his project around a core of experienced, high-profile internationals as he begins life after Deschamps.

For Koundé, the appointment caps a remarkable rise within the France setup and provides a timely confidence boost amid early-season struggles with Barcelona.