The contrast between the facial expressions and body language of France teammates Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann over the past two days could not have been bigger. Mbappe, who was named the new France captain on Monday by Didier Deschamps, after the international retirement of Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane, has been all smiles and full of energy; it's clear he's already in leadership mode. Griezmann, who was passed over for the role, cut a different figure.
When he arrived at Clairefontaine, Les Bleus' HQ in the south of Paris, Mbappe was wearing sunglasses and a long cashmere coat from two of his sponsors. He looked like the boss of the place, almost like he knew that he would be given the captaincy. At 24, he is one of the youngest French captains and after his incredible performances at the 2022 World Cup -- he scored eight goals, including three in the final defeat to Argentina -- it is understandable why Deschamps picked the Paris-Saint Germain star.
On the other hand, Griezmann has been hurt by the snub. He really believed that he would be named the new captain, and he has a compelling case. There's his national team experience -- the Atletico Madrid forward turned 32 on Tuesday and he has 117 caps for France, compared to Mbappe's 66 -- his strong bond with Deschamps since winning his first cap back in 2014, and his form in LaLiga, where he has been one of the best players this season, as well as at the World Cup.
Griezmann could see himself leading France at Euro 2024 in Germany, which is likely to be his last international competition, but instead he will only be vice-captain. To say that he was upset by the decision is an understatement. He didn't complain to Deschamps directly, but in private he was fuming and you could clearly see it in the days after he was informed. He won't quit the national team -- he will play on Friday against Netherlands and on Monday against the Republic of Ireland -- but he is not in a good mood right now.
The announcement marks the start of a new era for France -- the Mbappe era -- beginning with Euro 2024 qualifying this week. But with that choice come the obvious critiques.
