The 10 best France football players of all time

With a rich football history and filled with historic moments, French football is an organization that has experienced impressive ups and downs. On the field, the great names of French football have been marked not only by their illustrious international victories but also by their continuous contributions to the development of this royal sport. From the stars of the past decade to the legends of the past, the best French football players of all time played an important role in creating an undeniable football history of this country. With the following article, kingsoccertips will summarize the 10 best France football players of all time, helping you understand more about this world’s leading football industry.

10 France football best players up to now

France, a country with an extremely impressive football history, has formed and supported many excellent and classy names on the world football field. Among the best football players in the “country of fire and flowers”, some outstanding faces cannot help but be mentioned as follows:

1. Karim Benzema

• Position: striker
• Career: 2005–present
• Appearances: 826 (club) + 97 (international)
• Goals: 441 (club) + 37 (international)

In 2022, Karim Benzema officially marked his name on the list of France football team best players when he became the 5th player from this country to win the Ballon d’Or award. His impressive achievements include 44 goals in 46 matches, along with winning the Champions League – his fifth win in this prestigious tournament (2014, 2016–2018 and 2022), a Unrivaled record for French players (up to that point, the overall record was 6).

During 14 seasons with Real Madrid, Benzema not only enriched his trophy cabinet with 4 national championships and 3 domestic cups, but also made his mark with the previous Lyon team, winning 4 championships and 3 domestic cups. a domestic cup. At the age of 35, he decided to end his career in Europe and move to play in Saudi Arabia.

However, Benzema’s career is not without challenges and difficulties. He was punished by the blackmail scandal, which cost him the opportunity to participate in the 2018 World Cup. But with excellent finishing ability, intelligence, delicate movement and flexibility, Benzema continued continues to contribute to making its name and position in the world of international football.

2. Jean Tigana

• Position: midfielder
• Career: 1975–1991
• Appearances: 544 (club) + 52 (international)
• Goals: 38 (club) + 1 (international)

Jean Tigana is an icon of French football, having conquered the world with an impressive and successful career. Part of the French national team, Tigana won Euro 1984 and finished third at the 1986 World Cup. His consistency and performance were demonstrated by being selected for the All-Star team at both tournaments. Big tournament, and being runner-up at the Golden Ball in 1984 is proof of his class.

Tigana’s uniqueness is not only excellent at the team level, but also proven through his colorful club career. He stuck with French football, playing for Toulon and Lyon before moving to Bordeaux, where he won 3 championships and 2 domestic cups. The success continued as Tigana conquered both major titles in Marseille, something very few players can achieve in their career.

3. Jean-Pierre Papin

• Position: striker
• Career: 1984–1998
• Appearances: 462 (club) + 54 (international)
• Goals: 254 (club) + 30 (international)

Jean-Pierre Papin, who won the Golden Ball award in 1991, is one of best France football players, with a brilliant and successful career. The period he spent with Marseille was a golden period, where he not only scored more than 30 goals in four consecutive seasons but also helped the team win four national championships and one domestic cup. This success opened the door for Papin to move to AC Milan, where he won two domestic championships and the Champions League in 1994. Next, he also won the UEFA Cup (Europa League) title with Bayern Munich before ending his career in France with Bordeaux and Guingamp.

Papin not only shines at club level but is also an important figure in the French team. Participating in the 1986 World Cup, he contributed greatly to helping the team win third place. With his unique finishing ability and outstanding goal-scoring instincts, Papin became a symbol of excellence and an important part of French football’s career and history.

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4. Lilian Thuram

• Position: defender
• Career: 1991–2008
• Appearances: 683 (club) + 142 (international)
• Goals: 13 (club) + 2 (international)

Lilian Thuram, an icon of football, best France football players, has contributed his excellence in the most important stages of the national team. By winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, Thuram was not only an important part of historical achievements but was also on the All-Star team for all three tournaments. In 1998, he also won the Bronze Ball, an honor given to the third best player. Not only did Thuram write his name in the history of international tournaments, he also set a record for the number of times he represented France, second only to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with 145 times.

Over a varied club career, Thuram played for top teams such as Monaco, Parma, Juventus and Barcelona. He won the domestic cup and UEFA Cup with Parma, then two Serie A championships with Juventus. Even when joining Barcelona in the final years of his career, Thuram still maintained his class and influence in the field of defenders.

A defender with impressive strength and height, Thuram skillfully used these attributes to overwhelm his opponents. His intelligence, technique and tactical awareness have created a versatile defender who can take on the role of centre-back or right-back depending on the match situation.

5. Just Fontaine

• Position: striker.
• Career: 1950–1962.
• Appearances: 284 (club) + 21 (international).
• Goals: 258 (club) + 30 (international).

Just Fontaine is one of the greatest strikers in football history, and his unprecedented record at the 1958 World Cup is an indelible golden plaque. Scoring a total of 13 goals in just 6 matches, Fontaine etched his name deep into the football history books with this impressive achievement. Although France eventually finished third after losing to Pelé’s Brazil in the semi-finals, it was an unforgettable journey with Fontaine finishing third in the race for the 1958 Ballon d’Or.

Fontaine’s club career began in Morocco with Casablanca, before moving to Nice in France, where he won a league title and a domestic cup. Ending his career in Nice, he continued his journey at Reims, where Fontaine won 3 championships and a domestic cup. Known for his excellent scoring ability, he has averaged nearly one goal per match. However, recurring injuries forced Fontaine to retire at the age of 28, ending a glorious but short career.

6. Raymond Kopa

• Position: winger, striker.
• Career: 1949–1967.
• Appearances: 563 (club) + 45 (international).
• Goals: 129 (club) + 18 (international).

Raymond Kopa, an icon of French football and Real Madrid, has certainly made his mark in both national team and club history. Participating in the 1958 World Cup, Kopa not only scored 3 goals but also won the Golden Ball, a noble honor and recognition for individual excellence. This impressive achievement was emphasized by his inclusion in the tournament’s All-Star team.

At club level, Raymond Kopa was with the famous Real Madrid team in the 1950s, a period when they won many European Cups. Kopa won 3 of them between 1957 and 1959, combined with 2 national championships. Before and after his time at Real Madrid, he played for Reims in the French National League, where he won four more championships.

Raymond Kopa is a player famous for his fast speed, creativity, accurate finishing ability and ability to skillfully dribble past opposing defenders. His versatility and great contributions have cemented his name in the history of French football and Real Madrid.

7. Kylian Mbappe

• Position(s): striker.
• Career: 2015–present.
• Appearances: 338 (club) + 71 (international).
• Goals: 251 (club) + 40 (international).

Kylian Mbappé, one of the best talents in modern football, has quickly proven his stature in a short but impressive career. Starting at Monaco, he won a league title and made history at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), becoming the club’s top scorer, winning multiple domestic titles, including five titles. championship and 3 domestic cups.

At the national team level, Mbappé contributed greatly to winning the 2018 World Cup and leading France to the 2022 final, where he scored in both finals. At the 2022 tournament, he won the Golden Boot with 8 goals, and also won the Silver Ball (2nd best player after Messi). With a total of 12 goals in the World Cup, Mbappé has etched his name in history, although still far behind Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals.

8. Thierry Henry

• Position: striker.
• Career: 1994–2014.
• Appearances: 813 (club) + 123 (international).
• Goals: 366 (club) + 51 (international).

Thierry Henry, one of the best strikers in Premier League history, has become legendary not only with Arsenal but also with the French national team. With a successful career, he won the most important titles and left an indelible mark in the hearts of fans.

For Arsenal, Henry is not only the team’s top scorer but also a symbol, scoring more than 30 goals in 5 consecutive seasons and winning the title of Premier League top scorer 4 times. In addition, he helped the North London team win 2 championships and 2 domestic cups. Before joining the Premier League, Henry’s success began at AS Monaco and continued with Barcelona, where he contributed to winning two La Liga titles, a domestic cup and the Champions League in 2009.

9. Michel Platini

• Position: attacking midfielder.
• Career: 1973–1987.
• Appearances: 580 (club) + 73 (international).
• Goals: 312 (club) + 41 (international).

Michel Platini is one of the best French football players, demonstrated by his brilliant career and great successes both at club and national team levels. With three consecutive Golden Ball wins from 1983 to 1985, Platini proved his class in the peak decade of his career.

Playing for the French team, Platini stood out with his championship victory at Euro 1984, where he not only won the Golden Boot with 9 goals but was also honored as “the best player of the tournament”. At the same time, he also appeared on the All-Star team for both the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.

Platini’s club career began in Nancy, where he won one domestic cup, before moving to Saint-Étienne and winning another league title. At Juventus, he continued to shine and won many titles, including two Serie A championships, a domestic cup, the 1985 European Cup and the 1984 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

10. Zinedine Zidane

• Position: attacking midfielder.
• Career: 1989–2006.
• Appearances: 695 (club) + 108 (international).
• Goals: 125 (club) + 31 (international).

Zinedine Zidane, one of France’s best football players, contributed to creating unforgettable football programs from 1998 to 2006. With the peak success of winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 along with the success Impressive in international matches, Zidane has proven that he is one of the most influential players in football history.

With his superb ball control, excellent individual technique and eye for goal, Zidane has become a symbol of elegance and creativity on the field. Individual titles such as the Golden Ball and Best Player are not only proof of his outstanding talent but also recognition of his great influence in the football world.

At the club level, Zidane made history at heights at Juventus and Real Madrid, winning many important titles during his legendary career. From these milestones, Zidane cemented his status as one of the best players of all time.

Conclude

Through the list of best France football players, we not only witness the diversity of talent but also encounter legends who make their names in the international arena and at the world’s top football teams. From heroes of the past like Just Fontaine and Michel Platini to modern stars like Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema, French players are not only prominent names but also symbols of innovation and creativity. in football. With their personal abilities, influence and great contribution to the success of their teams and club teams, French players have become a constant source of inspiration for the next generation. Thank you for following the article, don’t forget to follow our website more often to read the most interesting information!

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