Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has been handed a new leadership role with France after Zinedine Zidane reportedly named him one of the national team’s vice-captains.
The appointment represents another sign of Kounde’s growing status at international level, with the defender now entering a new era under one of French football’s greatest figures.
Zidane has taken over from Didier Deschamps following the 2026 World Cup, bringing an entirely new chapter for Les Bleus.
According to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, Kounde is part of the new leadership group alongside Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Adrien Rabiot.
Mbappe remains France’s captain, while Dembele is reportedly the first vice-captain ahead of Rabiot and Kounde.
Kounde’s inclusion is particularly notable given his position within the Barcelona squad.
The 27-year-old remains an important part of Hansi Flick’s defensive plans and is currently listed among Barça’s first-team defenders alongside players such as Pau Cubarsí, Eric García and Andreas Christensen.
His versatility has also been one of his biggest strengths since arriving at Barcelona, with the Frenchman capable of operating both centrally and at right-back.
Barcelona have relied heavily on that flexibility over recent seasons, while Kounde has continued to develop into one of the more experienced members of Flick’s squad.
He joined Barça from Sevilla in 2022 after establishing himself as one of La Liga’s standout defenders and has since collected three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups and a Copa del Rey.
Hawkins reports that Zidane’s decision is partly linked to seniority within the France squad.
Mbappe leads the way with 106 international appearances, followed by Dembele on 67, Rabiot on 66 and Kounde on 56.
That experience has now seen the Barcelona defender move into a more prominent position within the national team dressing room.
Kounde has already featured prominently for France at major tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup final, while he was also part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
His latest appointment therefore adds another layer to his international career, with Zidane seemingly placing significant trust in the Barcelona star.
From Barca’s perspective, Kounde’s new responsibility with France can only add to the player’s growing profile.
He was one of 16 Barcelona players selected for the 2026 World Cup, with Kounde representing France during the tournament.
He has since returned to Barcelona and resumed work with the first team ahead of the new campaign.
With Jules Kounde now entering his fifth season as a Barcelona player, his experience is becoming increasingly valuable to a squad containing several younger defenders.
Zidane’s decision to place him among France’s vice-captains suggests his influence is growing beyond what he produces on the pitch, with the Barcelona defender now taking on greater responsibility at international level.
🚨 Zinédine Zidane a choisi ses 4 capitaines chez les Bleus 🇫🇷
Kylian Mbappé (106 sélections) conserve le brassard, avec Ousmane Dembélé (67) comme vice-capitaine. Adrien Rabiot (66) et Jules Koundé (56) complètent la hiérarchie.
Un choix notamment guidé par l’ancienneté en… pic.twitter.com/iz8ZwRiBFG
— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) September 23, 2026
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