Tottenham Hotspur and France captain Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international football after serving his country for 14 years and leading them to a World Cup victory in 2018.
Announcing his retirement, Lloris said: “There comes a time when you have to know how to hand over the reins. I have always said over and over again that the French team doesn’t belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure that’s the case, me first. I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a family choice, I feel the need to spend more time with my wife and children.”
World Cup winner, UEFA Nations League winner, 2x World Cup finalist, and Euro 2016 finalist 🏆
Hugo Lloris has done it all for France 👏 pic.twitter.com/EREFOLV4vb
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 9, 2023
With the space left void by the goalie, the French Football Federation has the decision to make as to who to appoint as their next captain after different opinions from fans and pundits contradicting the matter.
Kylian Mbappe made his debut for France in 2017, taking part in the squad representing France in the World Cup and scoring against Croatia in the final making him the youngest-ever player to score in a World Cup final after Pele.
On this day in 2018, 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe scored his first goal at a World Cup.
The start of something 🌟 pic.twitter.com/ElP2V4tZEg
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 21, 2021
Raphael Varane is ever present in France’s defense and arguably their most consistent performer on the pitch as the Frenchman is at the core of everything as far as France’s success is concerned.
Wavy Defender of the Year is Raphael Varane. Center back for Real Madrid & France, he won UCL, World Cup & Club World Cup while displaying world class defending with unique awareness, speed & positioning. He’s got quite the trophy cabinet 🏆🌊#WavyAwards #wavyfooty pic.twitter.com/nYPVukq5uP
— WF (@old_wf) December 31, 2018
With both the players having potential and leadership quality on and off the pitch in them, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Didier Deschamps and the French hierarchy to call spade on the decision to appoint a new captain.
Every coin has both sides as some fans believe Kylian Mbappe should be their leader, while others believe that Raphael Varane, due to his vast experience and calm demeanor, provides the team with a sense of balance.
Is it time for 24-year-old Kylian Mbappé to wear the captain's armband for France? 👀🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/PwtNoZQhSh
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 9, 2023
Mbappe became the first player since Sir Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final when Argentina defeated France in Qatar, but Varane is not far behind in terms of performance, having won four UCL titles and acting as a leader for the historic Real Madrid club.
Manchester United fans are most vocal about the appointment of Varane as the Next captain of Les Bleus, and they are quick to submit judgment on the situation.
Raphael Varane>> https://t.co/vVjGrf2Vav
— GLAZERS OUT (@iam_serero) January 9, 2023
Varane will now be the official captain of Le Blue as Hugo Lloris has retired 😌 congratulations to Raphael Varane 👌
— Iyawo Bruno (@ayo_olah) January 9, 2023
RAPHAEL VARANE Captain Finally 😎
— Ibrahim Lasteni (@ILasteni) January 9, 2023
It will be a really tough decision for Deschamps to decide the fate of the players. We have you covered. Keep an eye on SportsZion.
