Mbappe Named New France Captain after Lloris Retirement

Kylian Mbappe is Paris Saint-Germain's vice-captain. FRANCK FIFE / AFP/File
Kylian Mbappe is Paris Saint-Germain's vice-captain. FRANCK FIFE / AFP/File
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Mbappe Named New France Captain after Lloris Retirement

Kylian Mbappe is Paris Saint-Germain's vice-captain. FRANCK FIFE / AFP/File
Kylian Mbappe is Paris Saint-Germain's vice-captain. FRANCK FIFE / AFP/File

Kylian Mbappe has succeeded the retired Hugo Lloris as France captain, a source close to the team told AFP on Monday.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe, 24, accepted the proposal after discussions with coach Didier Deschamps earlier in the day, AFP said.

Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris brought an end to his international career in January after losing the World Cup final a month earlier.

Lloris, 36, had been skipper for more than a decade.

Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann was named vice-captain after Manchester United center-back Raphael Varane also hung up his boots following the defeat to Argentina in December.

Mbappe, who has played 66 times for his country, had been heavily linked with the role for weeks and scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final loss after helping Les Bleus to the title in 2018.

The former Monaco attacker is vice-captain at PSG behind Brazil's Marquinhos and led the side in the defender's absence during Sunday's loss to Rennes.

His first game as captain will be Friday's Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at the Stade de France.



Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship Concludes in Taif

The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif - SPA
The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif - SPA
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Saudi Toyota Hill Climb Championship Concludes in Taif

The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif - SPA
The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif - SPA

The first round of the Saudi Toyota Championship Hill Climb concluded with 65 competitors facing challenging mountain twists amid dense fog and hailstones, testing their skills and determination, SPA reported.

The event was held at Al-Muhammadiyah slope in Taif under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

By hosting such championships, Taif aims to boost tourism, attract both local and international participants, and highlight the role of sports in community development, while contributing to the region’s economic growth.