# Mbappe Excels as France Captain in Pursuit of World Cup Glory

*Kylian Mbappe is embracing his role as France captain at the World Cup, aiming to guide Les Bleus to a third title.*

July 8, 2026 · Sports

## At a glance

- Kylian Mbappe is thriving as France captain at the World Cup.
- He has scored seven goals in five games, aiming for the golden boot.
- Mbappe's leadership and resilience are crucial for France's success.

Kylian Mbappe, often criticized for not being a team player, is flourishing in his role as France captain at the ongoing World Cup. The 27-year-old forward is determined to lead Les Bleus to their third World Cup title.

## A Season of Struggles and Triumphs

Mbappe faced a challenging end to his last season with Real Madrid, where he was booed by fans questioning his commitment due to an injury. Despite scoring 86 goals in two seasons, he couldn't secure a major title for Madrid. Similarly, he left Paris Saint-Germain as their all-time top scorer but without a Champions League win. However, his relationship with the World Cup has been transformative.

## World Cup Legacy

Mbappe, the breakout star of France's 2018 World Cup win and scorer of a hat-trick in the 2022 final defeat by Argentina, recently became France's all-time top scorer. He has netted seven goals in five games at this World Cup, positioning himself to potentially win the golden boot and become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. Yet, he insists his focus is on team success rather than personal accolades.

## Leadership and Resilience

Mbappe's leadership was evident in the last 16 match against Paraguay, where he scored the winning goal despite facing opposition aggression. He stood firm against provocation and refused to shake hands with Paraguay's goalkeeper after the match. When racially abused by a Paraguayan politician, Mbappe responded strongly, calling her 'despicable' and 'unworthy' of her position.

## Coach's Confidence

France coach Didier Deschamps appointed Mbappe as captain in March 2023 following Hugo Lloris' retirement. Despite initial doubts, Deschamps believes Mbappe can handle the responsibility. Their close relationship was highlighted when Mbappe celebrated his first goal against Sweden by embracing Deschamps, whose mother had recently passed away.

## Why This Matters

Mbappe's performance at the World Cup is crucial not only for France's chances of winning but also for his personal legacy. His ability to lead and perform under pressure will be closely watched by fans and critics alike. For Bangladesh readers, Mbappe's journey underscores the importance of resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence in sports.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/mbappe-france-captain-world-cup