Kylian Mbappe has returned to the France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, while Paris Saint-Germain’s young star Desire Doue received his first call-up.
Mbappe, 26, had missed the last two France squads for the Nations League group stage in October and November due to fitness concerns and controversies surrounding his personal life.
Speaking on Thursday, March 13, 2025, France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed Mbappe’s return and his continued role as the team’s captain.
“I have chatted with him and I confirm what I already said a few weeks ago, that he will be the captain,” Deschamps said.
Mbappe has been in top form for Real Madrid this season, scoring 28 goals in all competitions since joining the Spanish club last year.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Doue has been rewarded for his impressive performances at PSG, having scored or assisted 17 goals in 23 appearances since breaking into the first team in December.
Doue recently shone in PSG’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against Liverpool, scoring the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.
Deschamps praised Doue, saying, “He is not always a starter for his club but whenever he plays or comes on he has made a lot of progress. He is a very young player but he is an interesting one for us. I could have waited but I have called him up now because I think it is the right time.”
France will play the first leg of the quarter-final against Croatia in Split on Thursday, March 20, with the return leg set for Sunday, March 23, at the Stade de France.
The winner will move on to the final four in June, which will take place in either Italy or Germany.
Notably, N’Golo Kante was left out of the squad due to a minor muscle injury, according to Deschamps.
Full France Squad:
Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue (all Paris Saint-Germain), Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus, on loan from PSG), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
