The Greatest French Football Players of All-Time
The 5 Greatest French Footballers
As one of the most successful footballing nations in the world, the French are considered the crème de la crème in the sport. 2 World Cups, 2 European Championships and 1 Olympic Gold medal in football speak for themselves when regarding their history, with 5+ additional medals included in the haul.
Winning all this requires the best players, of which France have produced countless. Artistic by nature, French-born players are often enigmatic yet mesmerizing at their best. Passionate, yet intelligent.
Blessed with immigrants from other regions as well, the French team is often also diverse, which means the kinds of prodigies they produce vary. Be it a world-class striker; an intelligent, imposing defender or a stealthy playmaker, France have produced them all in spades.
Football is the most popular sport in France, but who are 5 of the best French football players of all-time? Read on to find out!
1. Michel Platini
Position: Attacking midfielder
Caps: 72
Goals: 41
Possibly France’s greatest player of all time, Michel Platini was a generational playmaker who achieved much success whilst representing his country.
Platini in the 70s
His senior international debut came in March 1976 during Platini’s fourth season as a pro at French side AS Nancy; the midfielder was 20-years old at the time. Platini left a great impression immediately, scoring from a free-kick as the French drew 2-2 vs then-Czechoslovakia. This form continued throughout his debut year for Les Bleus as Platini netted 4 goals in his first 5 caps.
Platini also represented France at ’76 Olympics summer tournament, where he scored 3 goals as the French reached the QFs. 1977 was a brief period of poor form for the maestro as he only scored 2 goals in 7 caps that year. He continued to shine at club level though, scoring 25 league goals in 1976/77 and 18 league goals in 1977/78. As a result of Platini’s good club form and majestic ability on the ball, he was called up to France’s 1978 World Cup squad.
Playing as a central midfielder in either a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-2, Platini played all 3 of his nation’s games at the tournament, scoring once as Les Bleus crashed out of the group stages in embarrassing fashion.
Then 23-years old, this experience proved valuable to Platini in subsequent tournaments. After the ’78 WC, Platini was made captain and given the #10 shirt. By 1982, Platini had 19 goals in 32 caps for Les Bleus and was clearly the main man in the team.
Platini’s career comes to an end - The 80s
At the 1982 WC, Platini played 5 of France’s 7 games as Les Bleus finished fourth in a valiant team performance. Playing either on the flanks or in central midfield of a 4-4-2, or as a playmaking central midfielder in a 4-3-3, Platini scored twice and dazzled on the world stage, earning himself a place in the WC team of the tournament.
The midfielder only scored once in 4 caps in 1983, but had to be called up to Euro 1984 due to being captain of Les Bleus in addition to his fantastic form for Italian giants Juventus.
Playing as a central midfielder in either a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2, Platini had the most spectacular individual performance ever seen at a European Championship as he dragged France to their first continental trophy.
The maestro started all 5 of France’s games at the tournament, scoring 9 goals of which 2 hat-tricks formed part of. Platini scored the game-winners vs Denmark and Yugoslavia (hat-trick) during the group stage; netted a hat-trick against regional rivals Belgium, scored the winner vs Spain in the semifinals then netted in the final as well.
Platini won the golden boot for his magnificent individual display at the ’84 Euros, whilst also earning a place in the team of the tournament. The 1986 WC was Platini’s last major international tournament. At the WC, Platini started 6 of his nation’s 7 games as Les Bleus earned a bronze medal in a gritty performance from the team.
Playing either in central midfield or on the flanks of a 4-4-2, Platini scored twice in the knockout stages to help his side progress further as the French nearly won their first-ever WC. His ’86 WC performance was rewarded with a team of the tournament place, as Argentina won the World Cup, led by Maradona.
Platini’s last cap came in April 1987 at the age of 31.
Widely regarded as one of the best passers and set-piece specialists in football history, the man known as ‘The King’ was blessed with incredible technique with the ball at his feet. A creative playmaker with speed, quick feet and silky dribbling, Platini also had an eye for goal, scoring over 300 goals in his career despite being a midfielder. A 3-time Ballon d’Or winner, Platini ranks among one of the best players to ever play football.
2. Zinedine Zidane
Position: Attacking midfielder
Caps: 108
Goals: 31
The most talented French footballer of all-time, Zinedine Zidane on the ball was often akin to watching poetry in motion. Zidane’s senior international debut came in August 1994 during his seventh season as a pro, and his third at French side Bordeaux; he was 22-years old at the time.
Zidane came on as a substitute with France 2-0 down vs Czech Republic, then proceeded to net 2 goals to rescue a draw for Les Bleus. As a result of his magnificent debut, Zidane immediately became a regular in the national setup.
By Euro ’96, Zidane had established himself in the France team and had scored 5 goals in 12 caps. This and his best season for Bordeaux meant Zidane was called up to France’s Euro squad.
At the tournament and wearing the #10 shirt Platini had won, Zidane started all 5 of Les Bleus’ games as his country earned a bronze for their efforts. Playing either as a #10 in a 4-3-2-1 or a central midfielder in a 4-4-2, Zidane gained insight into international tournaments which would prove vital later on.
Now seen as the playmaker of the team, Zidane became a nailed-on starter after Euro ’96, garnering 8 caps in 1997 alone. this growing importance and good form for Italian side Juventus meant Zidane was guaranteed a call-up to France’s 1998 World Cup squad.
World Cup Glory for Zidane in 1998
At the WC, Zidane played 5 of his side’s 7 games as Les Bleus went all the way to win their first-ever FIFA World Cup trophy. Playing as either the #10 in a 4-2-3-1, central midfield of a 4-4-2 or an inside forward in a 4-3-3, Zidane scored a brace in the final to secure victory over Brazil and confirm his country as champions.
The maestro’s marvellous performances at the ’98 WC earned him a place in the team of the tournament, this was sufficient redemption after Zidane had been sent off in France’s second group game. The playmaker would also win the Ballon d’Or later that year.
Now a national icon and still the team’s primary playmaker, Zidane was certain to be picked for Euro 2000 if fit. At the tournament, Zidane started 5 of France’s 6 games as Les Bleus joined an exclusive club of nations to hold both the WC and European Championships titles simultaneously.
Playing either in central midfield of a 4-3-3 and the #10 in a 4-3-1-2 or a 4-2-3-1, Zidane’s class at the tournament was evident yet effortless, as he scored twice during the knockout rounds to propel his team towards the title (the opening goal of the 2-1 win vs Spain in the QFs and the winner vs Portugal in extra-time of the SFs). His virtuoso display at the Euros earned him the player of the tournament award, as well as a place in the team of the season.
Zidane was called up to France’s 2002 WC squad, but suffered a thigh injury in the buildup to the tournament.
As a result, he only played 1 of his side’s 3 games as Les Bleus suffered an embarrassing elimination from a group consisting of Senegal, Denmark and Uruguay. Zidane was named captain of the national team after the WC. At Euro 2004, Zidane started all 4 of France’s games as his side reached the QFs only to exit at the hands of Greece.
Playing on either flank of a 4-4-2 formation, Zidane netted 3 goals in a world-class individual display despite his team’s mediocre performance.
2 of these goals came in an injury-time brace to defeat England in the group stage, with the next being the opening goal of a 3-1 thrashing of Switzerland also in the group stage.
A team of the tournament nod was inevitable with Zidane performing at such a high level. Zidane initially retired after Euro 2004 but as France struggled without their talisman, he rescinded this decision in August 2005 after being convinced by then-national team head coach, Raymond Domenech.
Zidane’s last World Cup
The 2006 WC was Zidane’s last major international tournament. At the WC, Zidane started 6 of France’s 7 games as Les Bleus just missed out on their second-ever WC, earning a silver medal as a result. Playing as the #10 and the team’s creator in a 4-2-3-1, Zidane scored 3 times as he almost dragged his country to another WC. All 3 of his goals came in the knockout rounds; as he scored against Spain in the RO16, the winner vs Portugal in the SFs and the opening goal of the WC final. As the reader likely knows, Zidane was later sent off in the final as France lost on penalties to Italy.
The maestro retired definitively from international football after the 2006 WC, but not before winning the golden ball for the best player at the WC as well as being included in the team of the tournament. He was aged 34 when he retired.
Undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time, Zinedine Zidane epitomized elegance when on the ball. His vision and passing were elite, whilst his dribbling was a joy to behold. A player for the big moments, he won the FIFA World Player of the Year 3 times (1998, 2000 and 2003). He also scored over 100 goals in his career, with most of them being rather important.
3. Thierry Henry
Position: Forward
Caps: 123
Goals: 51
France’s top scorer of all-time, Thierry Henry is also one of the greatest attackers in the history of the sport. His senior international debut came in October 1997 during Henry’s fourth season as a pro at French giant AS Monaco; he was 20-years old at the time. Initially a sporadic member of the team, Henry had only earned 3 caps for his country yet received a call-up to France’s 1998 World Cup squad.
As he had scored double figures as a winger for Monaco in 1996/97 and 1997/98, Henry was seen as a hot prospect based on his club form.
The forward had also impressed then-head coach of Les Bleus, Aime Jacquet, in his debut game for France. At the tournament, Henry played 6 of his country’s 7 games as France won their first-ever World Cup trophy. Playing as either a winger in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, or a striker in a 4-4-2, Henry was France’s top scorer at the tournament with 3 goals.
Despite his fantastic individual performances throughout the tournament, Henry didn’t play a minute of the final, illustrating the striker still wasn’t seen as invaluable to the team yet. Henry wasn’t called up to the national team at all in 1999, yet was called up to Euro 2000.
This was due to his poor club form with Juventus from 1998-1999, before his transfer to English giant Arsenal. Henry went on to score 17 league goals for the Gunners in 1999/2000, which led to his Euros call-up.
At Euro 2000, Henry started 5 of France’s 6 games as Les Bleus romped to their second-ever European Championship. Playing either as a left winger in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 or a striker in a 4-3-2-1 alongside Nicolas Anelka,
Henry scored 3 times, providing the goals his country required to triumph at the competition. His impactful displays led to the forward’s inclusion in the team of the tournament. After Euro 2000, Henry became a nailed-on starter for his country.
In 2001, he earned 7 caps for Les Bleus, scoring 3 goals in the process. His increased status in the national setup and 24 league goals for Arsenal in 2001/02 meant Henry was guaranteed a call-up to the 2002 WC, if fit. At the tournament, Henry started 2 of France’s 3 games as Les Bleus crashed out the group stages in an embarrassing defence of their ’98 trophy. Henry was sent off in France’s second group game vs Uruguay, hence why he missed the 1 game.
Henry next opted to participate in France’s 2003 Confederations Cup campaign. At the CC, Henry played all 5 of Les Bleus’ games as the French retained their CC trophy (France won the 2001 edition).
Playing as a forward in a 4-3-3 or as a striker alongside Djibril Cisse in a 4-4-2, Henry netted 4 goals to win the golden boot at the tournament; as well as the golden ball for best player. His goals included the opening goal of the 3-2 SF win vs Turkey and the winning goals in the final vs Cameroon.
Henry was now undoubtedly France’s main striker following his 2003 CC display, so after he scored 30 league goals in 2003/04 in a historic campaign for Henry and Arsenal, he was called up to France’s Euro 2004 squad. At the Euros, Henry started all 4 of his nation’s games as Les Bleus only reached the QFs in a mediocre display from the team. Playing alongside David Trezeguet as strikers in the 4-4-2, Henry scored 2 goals at the tournament, a respectable return considering the team’s progression at the Euros.
The attacker continued to be vital to the national setup after Euro 2004, netting 3 goals in 6 caps amassed in 2005. He also scored 27 goals for Arsenal in 2005/06. As he was fit to go, Henry represented France at the 2006 WC. At the tournament, Henry started all 7 of his side’s games as Les Bleus made it all the way to the final only to falter in the penalty shootout, earning a silver medal as a result.
Playing as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 or alongside Trezeguet in a 4-4-2, Henry scored 3 goals at the tournament to propel his nation to the cusp of victory. His most important was undoubtedly the winning goal vs Brazil in the QFs. Henry’s impactful performance at the WC earned him a place in the team of the tournament. Henry was in great form for France after the WC, as he netted 5 goals in only 6 caps in 2007. Now a footballing icon, Henry was certain of a place in France’s Euro 2008 squad.
At Euro 2008, Henry started 2 of France’s 3 games as Les Bleus crashed out of a group consisting of the Netherlands, Italy and Romania. He scored France’s only goal at the tournament. Henry’s last major international tournament was the 2010 FIFA World Cup. At the WC, Henry played 2 of France’s 3 games from the bench as Les Bleus crashed out of another group stage, an embarrassing period for a nation of France’s pedigree. He retired after the WC, aged 33.
A winger who evolved into a striker, Thierry Henry synergized the qualities of both positions to become an unstoppable attacking force. Quick yet elegant, Henry would often drift past opposition players with ease whilst still possessing the frame (6ft 2in) to handle himself if required. Blessed with a lethal right foot, Henry finished countless chances with aplomb either inside or outside the box. He was also a set-piece specialist, with many of his goals coming from freekicks and penalties. Henry is Arsenal’s highest goalscorer of all time, with 228 goals.
4. Lilian Thuram
Position: Defender
Caps: 142
Goals: 2
France’s most-capped player of all-time, Lilian Thuram was part of the solid foundation trough which France’s success was built.
His senior international debut came in August 1994 during Thuram’s fifth season as a pro at French giant AS Monaco; he was 22-years old at the time. Initially a sporadic member of the team, Thuram started to appear more regularly for his country the next year, earning 5 caps in 1995. Now a familiar face in the team, Thuram was called up to France’s Euro 1996 squad.
At the Euros, Thuram played all 5 of France’s games as Les Bleus earned bronze in a gritty team performance. Playing in a back 4 of a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, Thuram was immense defensively, helping his national side keep 3 clean sheets throughout the tournament.
After looking so assured at the Euros, Thuram became a certain member of the national setup for any occasion afterwards, earning 9 caps in 1999 alone. Thuram was also a starter at Italian side Parma at the time, playing 32 league games in 1997/98. As a result, the defender was called up to France’s 1998 World Cup squad.
Thuram started 6 of France’s 7 games at the tournament as Les Bleus went all the way to win their first-ever WC trophy. Playing in a back 4 of a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2, Thuram helped secure 5 clean sheets throughout the tournament in a resolute defensive performance from the French. He also netted twice in the semifinals vs Croatia to win the tie 2-1 for his country in an almost superhuman performance on the day. These would be the only goals Thuram ever scored for France.
Thuram earned a place in the team of the tournament for his assured performances at the WC; he also won the bronze ball as the third-best player at the tournament. Now an undisputed starter for Les Bleus, Thuram amassed 9 caps in 1999 alone.
By 2000, the defender had 52 caps for France. He also continued to start regularly for Parma, meaning Thuram was guaranteed a call-up to Euro 2000. At the tournament, the defender started 5 of his nation’s 6 games as France won their second-ever European Championship. Thuram’s impressive displays earned him a place in the team of the tournament.
Thuram opted not to participate in France’s 2001 Confederation’s Cup triumph, but was fit enough to be called up to the 2002 WC squad. He played all 3 of France’s games as Les Bleus crashed out of the group stages in an embarrassing fashion.
In a back 4 of a 4-2-3-1, Thuram managed only 1 clean sheet alongside his teammates in a dreadful collective display. After missing out on 2001’s CC, Thuram opted to participate in France’s 2003 CC campaign.
At the CC, Thuram played 4 of France’s 5 games as Les Bleus retained their CC trophy with ease. Playing in a back 4 of a 4-4-2, Thuram marshalled the defence and ensured 3 clean sheets were kept at the competition. After the CC was Euro 2004; Thuram was called up to France’s squad as he was then an invaluable member of the defence. He started all 4 of his country’s games at the tournament as Les Bleus crashed out in the QFs at the hands of Greece.
Now more a centre-back in 2006 than a full-back, Thuram’s experience was increasingly important to the French team, as were his versatility and football intelligence. At the 2006 WC, Thuram started all 7 of his nation’s games as France narrowly missed out on a second WC trophy, earning silver as a result. Thuram was immense in defence for Les Bleus, keeping 4 clean sheets as he illustrated his strong mentality throughout the tournament. The defender’s resolute performances earned him a place in the WC team of the tournament.
Thuram’s last major international tournament was Euro 2008. He was made captain of France prior to the tournament. At the Euros, Thuram played 2 of France’s 3 games as Les Bleus were embarrassed in the group stages, crashing out early. Playing in a back 4 of a 4-4-2, Thuram managed only 1 clean sheet in his final tournament, a disappointing ending for a fantastic footballer. Thuram retired from international duty after Euro 2008, aged 36.
A physically dominant, mentally attentive defender; Lilian Thuram was the perfect defender. Standing at 6ft, the Frenchman was capable of taking the ball off the strongest of players whilst his speed meant Thuram often played as a full-back early in his career. He was also capable with both feet and used his passing ability to launch attacks. Aggressive in the tackle yet sharp in the mind, Thuram was known as an excellent 1v1 marker. He is possibly France’s greatest-ever defender.
5. Didier Deschamps
Position: Defensive midfielder
Caps: 103
Goals: 4
The captain of France’s ’98 World Cup-winning side and manager of their 2018 World Cup-winning side, Didier Deschamps is a name etched forever in the history books of the French. His senior international debut came in April 1989 during Deschamps’ fourth season as a pro at French side FC Nantes; the midfielder was 20-years old at the time. A hard worker with a sharp mind, Deschamps immediately became a regular within the national setup, earning 5 caps already within his first year.
His first major tournament for Les Bleus was Euro 1992. Prior to the tournament, Deschamps had amassed 21 caps and scored 3 goals. At Euro ’92, Deschamps started all 3 of his nation’s games as France crashed out of a group consisting of eventual Champions Denmark, Sweden and England. Playing in a central midfield of a 5-3-2, this served as one of Deschamps’ few disappointments in France’s colours, an anomaly in an otherwise successful international career.
After the Euros, Deschamps became a nailed-on starter for Les Bleus as he had performed well individually at the tournament. By Euro ’96, Deschamps had garnered 50 caps and was seen as one of the senior members of the squad. Eric Cantona, initially captain of the national team, was banned for a year after assaulting a fan whilst playing for Manchester United. As a result, Deschamps replaced Cantona as captain of the national team for Euro 1996.
At the Euros, Deschamps started 4 of France’s 5 games as Les Bleus earned a bronze medal in an impressive showing at the competition. Playing in central midfield of a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2, Deschamps’ tireless effort on the pitch directly led to 2 clean sheets for Les Bleus. This virtuoso display earned the Frenchman a place in the team of the tournament. He continued to be important to the team afterwards, earning 6 caps in 1997.
As Deschamps was also a regular at Italian giants Juventus, he was certain of a place in France’s 1998 World Cup squad. At the tournament, Deschamps captained his side in 6 of his country’s 7 games as France lifted their first-ever World Cup trophy. Playing as a central midfielder in either a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, Deschamps led his side to 5 clean sheets at the tournament in a collective display filled with grit and determination.
Deschamps’ last major international tournament was Euro 2000. At the Euros, Deschamps started all 6 of France’s games as Les Bleus won their second-ever Euros trophy. Playing in central midfield of a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, the Frenchman performed admirably in his last hurrah on the big stage for his country. His last cap came in September 2000, aged 31.
Nicknamed ‘The Water-Carrier’, Didier Deschamps was an exceptional defensive midfielder who thrived at winning the ball back as quickly as possible from the opposition. His leadership qualities were evident for all to see from the start, as he frequently led through both his words and actions. A tactically intelligent player who also possessed good technique, Deschamps had immense stamina which he required to cover the pitch in case of danger. He was a player who made the most of his talent, and an iconic figure who will likely never be forgotten.
Honourable Mentions, some of France’s other great Footballers:
Marcel Desailly, Just Fontaine, Raymond Kopa, Hugo Lloris, Patrick Viera, David Trezeguet, Daniel Xuereb, Laurent Blanc, Jean-Pierre Papin, Youri Djorkaeff, Jean Tigana, Manuel Amoros, Dominique Rocheteau, Emmanuel Petit and N’golo Kante.
