Kylian Mbappe has returned to the France squad for this month’s UEFA Nations League quarterfinal against Croatia, while Paris Saint-Germain teenager Désiré Doué has earned his first senior call-up.
Mbappe, 26, was left out of the previous two France squads by coach Didier Deschamps during the Nations League group stage in October and November.
Initially omitted due to fitness concerns, he was later excluded amid speculation about his private life.
However, the Real Madrid forward has since been in top form, netting 28 goals across all competitions this season.
Deschamps confirmed that Mbappe remains the team’s captain, stating, “I have chatted with him, and I confirm what I already said a few weeks ago, that he will be the captain.”
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Doué has been rewarded for his impressive displays at PSG. Since becoming a regular starter in mid-December, he has contributed to 17 goals in 23 appearances.
The versatile winger and midfielder made a significant impact in PSG’s recent Champions League clash against Liverpool, scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout.
“He is not always a starter for his club, but whenever he plays, he has made a lot of progress,” Deschamps said. “I could have waited, but I have called him up now because I think it is the right time.”
France will travel to Split for the first leg of the quarterfinal against Croatia on March 20, a rematch of the 2018 World Cup final.
The return leg is set for March 23 at the Stade de France. The winners will advance to the tournament’s final four in June, hosted in either Italy or Germany.
The squad notably excludes midfielder N’Golo Kanté, who is nursing a minor muscle injury.
