When talking about European football, one cannot overlook the 2018 World Cup champions or, more recently, the 2022 World Cup runners-up – the French national team. French football has never lacked superstars and legendary figures in the football world throughout history. Currently, the most outstanding player is likely Kylian Mbappé, while in previous generations, legends like Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane left an indelible mark on football history. In today's article, with win tips let's take a look at The 10 best France football players of all time. There will be names that surprise you.
The top 10 best France football players
1. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is not only an outstanding footballer but also a symbol of elegance and influence in the world of sports. The peak of Zidane's career culminated on the international stage when he led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup.
With exquisite technique, exceptional vision and precision in passing, and the ability to excel in tight situations, Zidane created unforgettable moments not only for the French national team but also for the clubs he represented, including AS Cannes, Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid.
2. Thierry Henry
Ranked second on the list of the best French football players is Thierry Henry. Thierry Henry wore the French national team jersey from 1997 to 2010 and played a crucial role in the team's victories at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. He scored 51 goals for the French national team, making him the second-highest goal scorer in the team's history.
Henry is widely recognized as a forward with outstanding speed, technique, and attacking instincts. His agility, finishing accuracy, and ability to create opportunities for teammates made him one of the world's best players at his peak. Henry is best known for his success at top clubs, particularly Arsenal and Barcelona.
3. Marcel Desailly
Marcel Desailly is one of the legends of French football. With the French national team, he played a crucial role in their victories at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. The French football legend is renowned for his versatility, as he could play as either a center-back or a defensive midfielder. His strength, game intelligence, and ability to anticipate opponents' moves made him an impenetrable wall in defense.
Desailly played for several top clubs, most notably AC Milan and Chelsea. At AC Milan, he won prestigious titles, including Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, at Chelsea, he played a crucial role in helping the team secure the FA Cup and other domestic titles.
4. Patrick Viera
With talent, team spirit, and significant influence, Patrick Vieira established himself as a football icon. For the French national team, he was a key figure who helped France win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 alongside his teammates.
He became famous as a central midfielder who combined strong defensive skills with excellent game control. His accurate passing and ability to contribute offensively were also among his key strengths. Patrick Vieira played for several top clubs, including notably Arsenal and Inter Milan. At Arsenal, the French football legend became an integral part of the team's 'Invincibles' era, winning multiple Premier League and FA Cup titles.
5. David Trezuguet
Next on the list of the best French football players is David Trezeguet. This French football legend played a crucial role in helping the national team win Euro 2000 and the 1998 World Cup. Trezeguet was a versatile striker, known for his intelligent movement in the penalty area and clinical finishing.
Trezeguet had a successful career at several top clubs, most notably Juventus. He dedicated over a decade to Juventus and helped the team achieve numerous titles, including Serie A and Coppa Italia.
6. Kylian M'Bappé
As a young talent at just 23 years old, he has been one of the most outstanding players in French football since the 2018 World Cup. The forward, currently playing for one of the top clubs in France, Paris Saint-Germain, became the youngest French player in history to score a goal at a World Cup when he was just 19 years old.
Kylian Mbappé, described by coach Arsène Wenger as the successor to Thierry Henry, is hailed as 'a footballing prodigy.' His performances at the 2018 World Cup have been compared to Pelé by many analysts in the media. With his current form and recognized talent, this young forward will undoubtedly go much further and etch his name into the golden annals of French football history.
7. Micheal Platini
Platini cemented his place in football history and became an important symbol of French football. He was known as an attacking midfielder and an excellent playmaker, capable of managing the ball, delivering precise passes, and scoring goals.
What distinguished Michel Platini in the history of football was his international career. The French football legend was instrumental in helping the French team win Euro 1984. Platini was the top scorer in that tournament and showed great leadership and sportsmanship throughout his national team career.
8. Karim Benzema
Benzema joined the ranks of the 'Galacticos' in 2009, and during his time at Real Madrid, he scored more than 230 goals along with numerous assists in various competitions. After establishing his name in his first season, he delivered consistent goal-scoring performances with the club. Notably, he was part of the highly-rated attacking trio alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, known as the BBC.
In addition to his prolific scoring ability, the French striker is also known for his precise passing, exceptional vision, and exquisite dribbling technique. However, due to his absence from several key international tournaments, he does not receive as much recognition from fans of the French national team.
9. Lilian Thuram
Lilian Thuram is known for his strong and versatile defense. He can play as a right-back or center-back. With his excellent passing ability and significant impact on the pitch, Thuram played a crucial role in shaping the defensive structure of the teams he played for.
L. Thuram's playing career was famous mainly for his time playing for the French national team and clubs such as AS Monaco, Parma, and Juventus. He played a crucial role in France's victories at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
10. Jean-Pierre Papin
With his amazing goal-scoring ability and incredible free-kick talent, Jean-Pierre Papin made his name in football history and became an iconic figure in the sport. Papin was a versatile striker who had intelligent movement and a strong dedication to finding goal-scoring opportunities.
His exceptional technical skills allowed him to become one of the world's top scorers in the 1980s and 1990s. Papin made significant contributions to the French national team, though he was not part of the squad that won the 1984 European Championship. He was also an important part of the golden generation of French football.
Conclusion
Above is a list of the 10 best French football players of all time, as evaluated and analyzed by Wintips experts based on data from the world's most prestigious newspapers. Of course, this list is for reference purposes only and is also meant for readers to enjoy after moments of intense betting. Do not forget to register a betting account at the best online bookmaker to receive thousands of attractive offers for yourself.
See also: Top 12 best soccer players in Argentina of all time
