Didier Deschamps has decided.
Between Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, the Paris SG striker has been chosen to wear the captain's armband of the France team in the future, replacing Hugo Lloris who has retired from international football.
A choice approved by some noting the importance taken by the striker with the Blues but misunderstood by others given the aura of his 32-year-old compatriot.
Read alsoWhy Didier Deschamps chose Kylian Mbappé as captain of the Blues
This is particularly the case of Robert Pirès (79 selections between 1996 and 2004) who wonders about the relevance of the coach's choice.
"
Given the longevity of the past years, I expected it to be Griezmann who was named
", explained the native of Reims, even saying he was "
surprised
" because Griezmann is, according to him, "
the strong man of Didier (Deschamps), the one who counts the most, who has the most tenures in a row
”.
Read alsoMbappé captain of the Blues: disappointed and touched, Griezmann thinks about his future in selection
The former Gunner goes even further in his reflection and his misunderstanding: "
It's a lack of respect vis-à-vis Antoine I find even if, I insist, I have nothing against Kylian
", said continued the former international speaking to AFP.
If he admits that Mbappé "
has had the keys for a while
", Pirès recalls the contribution of Griezmann for almost a decade and 117 selections: "
we must not forget what Antoine did at the last World Cup, where he has been the best and the most regular ”, adds the
Canal +
consultant
who would have found “
more sensible
” to give the armband to Griezmann “
now and Kylian in two years
” for the 2026 World Cup.
Griezmann, "the ideal gateway to transmit Deschamps' messages"
In the columns of Figaro, before Didier Deschamps made his decision, Robert Pirès had supported Griezmann's candidacy for the armband.
“
My choice, in a certain logic and hierarchy, would be Antoine Griezmann.
He has been in the France team for years.
Didier and him know each other very well
.
It's not a question of being nice or gentle, but you have to have some recognition for Antoine, he was very good at the last World Cup, he's an irreproachable boy.
Find me someone who will have something to say about his state of mind?
That's also what a captain is.
Does he have the soul to wear and assume this armband?
I think so.
With his age, his experience, Antoine has the stature to manage all that and the proximity to Didier is an undeniable plus.
Everything is clear in their relationship, and I find that Antoine is the ideal bridge to transmit the coach's messages to the rest of the group.
No need to yell in the locker room and on the field or always show up to the referee to hold this position.
On the contrary,
»