Islamabad, March 14, 2025: France captain Kylian Mbappe returns for the UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, alongside PSG’s Desire Doue, who earns his first senior call-up.
Mbappe had been omitted from the last two squads due to fitness concerns Coach Didier Deschamps had previously stated that the decision was in the striker’s best interest.
However, the Real Madrid forward has since regained top form, scoring 28 goals in all competitions this season. Deschamps confirmed that Mbappe would continue as captain after recent discussions with the player.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Doue’s impressive club performances have earned him a spot in the squad.
The teenager has contributed to 17 goals in 23 appearances since December, playing both as a winger and midfielder.
His standout moment came in PSG’s Champions League clash against Liverpool, where he scored the decisive penalty in the shootout.
Deschamps praised Doue’s progress, highlighting his impact despite not always being a starter. The young talent was also part of France’s U-23 squad that secured silver at the Paris Olympics.
France will face Croatia in Split on March 20 for the first leg, followed by the return fixture at the Stade de France on March 23. The winners will advance to the final four in June.
N’Golo Kante is a notable absentee, with Deschamps revealing the midfielder is recovering from a minor muscle injury.
France Squad for Nations League Quarter-Final
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| 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 (PSG) |
| Forwards | Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue (all PSG), Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus, on loan from PSG), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan) |
