Desire Doue of PSG is called up for the first time, and Kylian Mbappe returns as captain of France.

Desire Doue, a teenager for Paris Saint-Germain, received his first call-up, and captain Kylian Mbappe was back in the France squad on Thursday for this month’s UEFA Nations League quarterfinal matchup against Croatia.
Coach Didier Deschamps excluded the 26-year-old Mbappe from France’s last two selections for the October and November Nations League group stage.

The Real Madrid player was first benched due to fitness issues, and then he was excluded amid reports concerning his personal life.

At the moment, Deschamps claimed that the commotion around Mbappe was “for the best” when he decided to forego the striker. Since joining Real Madrid last year, Mbappe has been playing well for the team, scoring 28 goals across all competitions this season.

When asked about Mbappe’s continued role as captain, Deschamps responded, “I have chatted with him and I confirm what I already said a few weeks ago, that he will be the captain.”

Conversely, the adaptable Doue has received recognition for his outstanding club play.

Since joining PSG as a regular in mid-December, the 19-year-old has made 23 appearances and scored or assisted on 17 goals.

In Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg against Liverpool, Doue, who can play both in midfield and as a winger, came off the bench for PSG and scored the game-winning penalty kick.