Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté in three-man shortlist to captain France

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté (25) is reportedly one of three candidates to captain France in the absence of Kylian Mbappé (25), according to a report from RMC Sport. With midfield stalwart N’Golo Kanté also absent and Antoine Griezmann announcing his retirement from international football, there is growing uncertainty within the France camp regarding the identity of the player who will lead Les Bleus for their next away games in the UEFA Nations League.

France will travel to Budapest, Hungary, to face Israel this Thursday before a rematch of their Euro 2024 RO16 game against Belgium, at Brussels on Monday. Despite playing no part in Germany with Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps putting his faith in Dayot Upemecano and William Saliba, Konaté has emerged as a serious candidate. The Liverpool man himself claimed this Tuesday his name should be thrown into the hat.

RMC Sport understands that Konaté is indeed highly appreciated by Deschamps and that his infectious charisma and personality have won over his France teammates. The outlet adds that Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni (24) also ticks all the boxes, although his self-assured personality has not always been unanimously appreciated. Furthermore, Barcelona’s Jules Koundé’s (25) latest performances with France have given him enough credit for his candidacy. The Bordeaux Academy graduate has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind in the dressing room and is seen as a caring figure at Clairefontaine.

RMC Sport adds that AC Milan goalkeeper and undisputed France No.1 Mike Maignan won’t inherit the skipper’s armband.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval