Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is in the running to become France’s captain during the current international break, as Didier Deschamps has been impressed with the defender’s performance at the start of the 2024/25 season.
The French player didn’t begin the season’s first match under Arne Slot against Ipswich Town, but after coming on at halftime for Jarell Quansah, the 25-year-old has since started every Premier League and Champions League match for Liverpool.
Konate has excelled alongside Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool’s defense, which is currently the best in the league.
His strong performances at the club level could lead to international recognition, as he is reportedly one of three candidates considered to captain France in Kylian Mbappe’s absence for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
France will head to Budapest to play Israel this Thursday, followed by a rematch against Belgium in Brussels on Monday.
Alongside Mbappe, N’Golo Kante will also be absent from Les Bleus during this international break, and Antoine Griezmann has recently announced his retirement from international play. This has created uncertainty around the captaincy, with three players in contention.
Could Ibrahima Konate lead France?
Being appointed captain of France would be a significant honor and a well-deserved recognition for Konate’s performances this season.
As reported by RMC Sport, Deschamps holds Konate in high regard, and his engaging personality has endeared him to his teammates. The other candidates for the captaincy are Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Barcelona’s Jules Kounde.
It remains to be seen who will receive the captain’s armband; whoever it is will gain a considerable boost in confidence from leading one of the most successful football nations in the world.
