Top of the best players in the history of the French national team
Two stars shining above the coat of arms, France is one of the best selections in the history of football. The Blues saw the emergence of many football stars who naturally became the nation's standards. The editors of 90min tried a dangerous maneuver by ranking the 50 best French international players.
1. Zinedine Zidane (1994-2006)
Who, if not Zinedine Zidane, takes first place in this ranking? A brace in his first cap, the French playmaker quickly showed what he is capable of. Held during Euro-1996, but in 1998 he acquired a new dimension. The year he wins the Ballon d'Or.
He entered the history of French sports during the final of the World Cup. With two headed goals, Zizou was one of the great architects of the Blues' first world title. In 2000, he did not give up, with an incredible performance against Portugal in the semi-finals, where he scored the golden goal with a penalty in extra time.
Injured during the 2002 World Cup, he was unable to fully help his teammates retain the title. In 2004, during the Euros in Portugal, he achieved one of the greatest comebacks in history. Leading England into added time, he scored a free kick and a penalty to give his side victory. However, this will not prevent France from being eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Raymond Domenech convinced Zinedine Zidane to end his international career and return for the 2006 World Cup. The author of a stratospheric competition, he produced a real master class against Brazil in the quarter. Author of the miss in the final against Gianluigi Buffon, we all know the epilogue. This latest momentum in no way tarnishes one of the best careers in the sport! The 75% tax, why football clubs want to strike to avoid paying it, read here - https://www.bfmtv.com/economie/entreprises/culture-loisirs/taxe-a-75-les-clubs-de-football-veulent-faire-greve-pour-ne-pas-la-payer_AN-201310170306.html.
2. Michel Platini (1976 - 1987)
He certainly could have hoped for the top spot as Michel Platini made football history. The triple Ballon d'Or winner, the Blues' famous playmaker, holds an unforgettable place in the hearts of French fans. To this day, he occupies the podium of honor of the best scorers in the history of the French national team, having almost 41 goals.
Apparently he was there during the 1982 and 1986 World Cups where France reached the final four. But his performance at Euro-1984 will be remembered. The author of nine goals for the entire tournament, this is a record of European championships.
He also opened the scoring in the final of the competition, from a free kick and a mistake by the Spanish goalkeeper. Captain of the "blues" 50 times, only 72 matches, he remains one of the legends of French sports.
3. Antoine Griezmann (2014 - ?)
He quickly became one of the favorites of the French public. Everyone still remembers his tearful face after the Blues were eliminated in 2014! It can be said that Antoine Griezmann recovered very well after that. Brilliant at Euro 2016 and in the final loss to Portugal, he raised his level of play even further two years later.
Scored four goals, including three penalties, at the 2018 World Cup, he has also proved indispensable in Didier Deschamps' system.
His rapport with Olivier Giroud provided valuable services to his coach. The world champion, he is always present in the "blues". During the 2022 World Cup, he shone as a relay midfielder. A player who will always be a unanimous choice!
4. Kylian Mbappe (2017 - ?)
It's hard to say that Kylian Mbappe made his debut for the Blues only in 2017. The big talent that came to light during the 2018 World Cup, his test match against Argentina in the round of 16 still lives in the memory. Will score a goal in the final against Croatia!
And since then he has continued to prove his importance in his national selection! He came very close to leading the Blues to a second consecutive World Cup in 2022. He will become the competition's top scorer with almost eight goals.
In the final, he became the second player to score a hat-trick at this stage of the competition after Pele. He is already the top scorer in the World Cup finals, even though he is only 24 years old. At this speed, the 4th place can very quickly compete with the first in this ranking.
5. Paul Pogba (2013 - ?)
Paul Pogba is worth writing a book about because his football life is full of adventures.
From his debut in 2013, the midfielder quickly established himself as one of the leaders of the French selection.
Already named the best young player at the 2014 World Championships, he continued to gain momentum throughout the competition. Be it to the final in 2016, to the coronation in Russia in 2018, or to the victory in the League of Nations in 2021, he has always been one of the important links in the team of Didier Deschamps. His goal, unfortunately, will not be enough to save the Blues against Switzerland in Euro 2021.
Read also: Fiorentina-Olympiacos Conference League Final: match preview