The Top 20 French Players in History

Goal Gusto

24 Sept 202418:24

Summary

TLDRThis video highlights the top 20 greatest French footballers who have left a lasting impact on the sport. From midfielders like Jean Tigana to modern stars such as Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé, it explores their achievements at both club and international levels. The list includes legendary players like Thierry Henry, Michel Platini, and Zinedine Zidane, who is celebrated as the best French player. With insights into their career-defining moments and honors, the video invites viewers to weigh in on who they believe is the greatest in French football history.

Takeaways

🏆 France has two World Cup titles, solidifying its place among the greatest football nations.
🥇 Zinedine Zidane is considered the greatest French football player of all time, known for his elegance and skill.
🥈 Michel Platini follows closely behind Zidane, celebrated for his leadership and offensive prowess.
🥉 Thierry Henry is recognized for his power and grace, being one of the toughest opponents for defenders.
🏅 The French national team has produced numerous legends who have left an indelible mark on football.
👕 John Tigana, a defensive midfielder, is noted for his work rate and incisive passing, winning multiple titles with Bordeaux.
🥋 Marius Tresor was a powerful and athletic defender, known for his leadership and ability to read the game.
🏟️ David Trezeguet was known for his powerful shots and heading ability, scoring crucial goals in international tournaments.
🏉 Antoine Griezmann is recognized for his speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability, winning the 2018 World Cup with France.
🏓 Jean Pierre Papin was a prolific goal scorer with incredible heading ability, winning multiple league titles.
🏒 Karim Benzema is known for his skills and goal-scoring ability, winning numerous titles with Real Madrid.

Q & A

Who is ranked 20th in the list of top French football players?
-Jean Tigana is ranked 20th. He was known for his work rate, driving runs, teamwork, and incisive passing. He won Euro 1984 with France and was a runner-up for the 1984 Ballon d'Or.
What is notable about Marius Trésor’s contributions to French football?
-Marius Trésor, ranked 19th, was known for his athleticism, leadership, and impeccable positioning as a defender. He captained Bordeaux to a league title and earned 65 caps for France, representing them in two World Cups.
What were David Trezeguet’s key achievements for France?
-David Trezeguet, ranked 18th, was a crucial part of France's squad that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, where he scored the winning 'golden goal' in the final. He scored 34 goals for France.
What makes Antoine Griezmann a fan favorite, according to the list?
-Antoine Griezmann, ranked 17th, is known for his quickness, skill, and ability to both score and assist. He won the 2018 World Cup and 2020 UEFA Nations League with France and has been the top scorer in major tournaments like Euro 2016.
What distinguishes Jean-Pierre Papin in French football history?
-Ranked 16th, Jean-Pierre Papin was renowned for his powerful shots and headers. He won numerous league titles in France and Europe, was the top scorer in the European Cup three times in a row, and won the 1991 Ballon d'Or.
Why is Karim Benzema regarded as one of the best French forwards?
-Ranked 15th, Karim Benzema is praised for his goal-scoring ability, quick feet, and playmaking skills. He has won multiple titles with Real Madrid, including five Champions League trophies, and was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2022.
How did N'Golo Kanté impact both club and international football?
-N'Golo Kanté, ranked 14th, was known for his work rate and defensive abilities. He won major trophies with Leicester City and Chelsea, including the Premier League and Champions League, and was part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning team.
What are Olivier Giroud’s main accomplishments in French football?
-Olivier Giroud, ranked 13th, is France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals. He won the 2018 World Cup and achieved domestic and European success with clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan.
What legacy did Raymond Kopa leave in French football?
-Ranked 12th, Raymond Kopa was known for his dribbling and goal-scoring in the 1950s. He won three consecutive European Cups with Real Madrid and was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1958.
Why is Zinedine Zidane considered the greatest French footballer of all time?
-Zinedine Zidane, ranked 1st, is regarded for his elegance, creativity, and ability to perform in crucial moments. He won the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000, the 2002 Champions League, and multiple individual awards including the Ballon d'Or.

Outlines

00:00

⚽ Legendary Beginnings: France's Football Heritage

France has been home to numerous football legends who have left a lasting legacy on the sport, with the French national team winning two World Cups. The video delves into the top 20 players who made a significant impact on French football history. The 20th spot is occupied by Jean Tigana, a versatile midfielder known for his teamwork and passing. Tigana had a stellar club career in France and a successful international stint, including winning Euro 1984 and being runner-up for the Ballon d'Or that same year.

05:01

🛡️ The Defenders of French Football

19th place belongs to Marius Trésor, a powerful defender with excellent positioning and leadership skills. He spent much of his club career in France, notably with Marseille and Bordeaux, where he won league titles. On the international stage, Trésor earned 65 caps for France, scoring a crucial goal in the 1982 World Cup semi-finals. In 18th place is David Trezeguet, known for his scoring ability, powerful shots, and heading. He played for clubs like Monaco and Juventus, winning titles domestically and internationally. His golden goal in the 2000 Euro final remains a career highlight.

10:01

🏃‍♂️ French Football Stars On the Rise

Antoine Griezmann ranks 17th for his speed, skill, and goal-scoring abilities. A key player for clubs like Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, he’s won various trophies, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France. Griezmann is the fourth-highest goal scorer for the French national team. In 16th place, Jean-Pierre Papin is recognized for his incredible heading and powerful shots, with a career filled with league titles and individual accolades, including a Ballon d'Or in 1991. Despite not winning major trophies with France, Papin’s goal-scoring prowess at both the club and international level is undisputed.

15:02

🎯 The Playmakers and Goal Machines

Karim Benzema, ranked 15th, is hailed for his versatility, scoring, and playmaking. He had a glittering career at Lyon and Real Madrid, winning multiple league titles and Champions League trophies. Despite a scandal that kept him out of France's 2018 World Cup squad, he still left a significant mark on both his club and national careers. In 14th place, N’Golo Kanté is admired for his immense energy, defensive work, and ball-winning abilities. Kanté's career includes major wins with Leicester City, Chelsea, and the French national team, including the 2018 World Cup and UEFA Nations League.

💪 The Tall and Strong Giants of French Football

Olivier Giroud takes the 13th spot for his height, strength, and goal-scoring abilities. Having played for clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan, Giroud’s international success includes winning the 2018 World Cup and being France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals. In 12th place is Raymond Kopa, a star from the 1950s known for his quick dribbling and passing. Kopa played for Reims and Real Madrid, winning multiple European Cups and a Ballon d'Or in 1958. Though France did not win major trophies during his time, Kopa remains a highly respected figure in French football.

👑 The Leaders and Visionaries

Eric Cantona, ranked 11th, is remembered for his creativity, confidence, and goal-scoring abilities. While his club career, particularly with Manchester United, was highly successful, his international achievements were more modest, with the UEFA U21 Championship being his only major title. Laurent Blanc, in 10th place, is admired for his intelligence and leadership on the field. Blanc's club career includes triumphs with Barcelona and Manchester United, but his most notable achievements came on the international stage, where he helped France win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

🚀 The Speedsters and Record Breakers

Kylian Mbappé, ranked 9th, is known for his incredible speed and scoring ability. Starting at Monaco, Mbappé quickly rose to prominence and became PSG’s all-time top scorer. His international career has also been remarkable, including a World Cup win in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022. Just Fontaine, ranked 8th, is famous for his extraordinary goal-scoring ability, particularly at the 1958 World Cup, where he scored 13 goals—a record that still stands today. Sadly, Fontaine’s career was cut short by injury, but his legacy as one of France’s greatest strikers remains intact.

🛡️ The Warriors and Defensive Masters

Didier Deschamps, in 7th place, earned the nickname 'The Water Carrier' for his ability to do the hard work that allowed his teammates to excel. As captain, Deschamps led France to victory in both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, cementing his place as a French football legend. Marcel Desailly, ranked 6th, was a dominant and technically gifted defender. His club career saw success at Marseille, AC Milan, and Chelsea, while his international achievements include victories in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, making him one of France’s most decorated defenders.

🏅 The Complete Footballers

Lilian Thuram, in 5th place, is praised for his strength, athleticism, and tactical awareness. He played successfully in top European leagues and was crucial in France’s 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs. Patrick Vieira, ranked 4th, is considered one of the most complete midfielders, excelling in defense and attack. As captain of Arsenal’s 'Invincibles,' Vieira won numerous Premier League titles and was a key player in France’s World Cup and Euro victories.

🏆 The Greatest French Icons

Thierry Henry, ranked 3rd, was known for his speed, technique, and scoring ability, becoming Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer and helping France win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Michel Platini, in 2nd place, was a complete attacking midfielder, renowned for his creativity, free kicks, and leadership. Platini won three consecutive Ballon d'Or awards and led France to victory at Euro 1984, solidifying his place as one of football’s greatest players.

⚡ The King of French Football: Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane takes the top spot for his elegance, creativity, and ability to perform in the biggest matches. His club career reached its peak at Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League and La Liga. Zidane’s international career includes leading France to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. Despite being sent off in the 2006 World Cup final, he was named the tournament’s best player. Zidane is remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and the only player to win both FIFA's Player and Coach of the Year awards.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Les Bleus

Les Bleus is a nickname for the French national football team, known for its blue jerseys. The video highlights the contributions of legendary players from Les Bleus who have made a lasting impact on international football, including their victories in the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and 2018.

💡World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament in the world. The French national team has won this title twice, in 1998 and 2018, and many players discussed in the video, such as Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappe, played pivotal roles in these victories.

💡Ballon d'Or

The Ballon d'Or is an award given annually to the best footballer in the world. Several players in the video, including Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini, and Jean-Pierre Papin, won the Ballon d'Or, underlining their impact and status in football history.

💡Golden Boot

The Golden Boot is awarded to the top goal scorer in a football tournament. Antoine Griezmann, one of the players mentioned in the video, won the Golden Boot at the 2016 UEFA European Championship, contributing significantly to France's runner-up finish.

💡UEFA European Championship

The UEFA European Championship, often referred to as the Euros, is a major football competition for European national teams. France has won the Euros twice, in 1984 and 2000, with players like Michel Platini and Didier Deschamps being key figures in those triumphs.

💡Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, known for his elegance, creativity, and leadership on the field. He led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, and his career achievements include multiple Ballon d'Or titles.

💡Patrick Vieira

Patrick Vieira was a dominant midfielder known for his physicality, leadership, and ability to control the game. He was a crucial player for both club teams, particularly Arsenal, and the French national team, winning the World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000.

💡Defensive Midfielder

A defensive midfielder is a player who primarily focuses on defending and stopping the opposition's attacks while linking the defense with the midfield. Jean Tigana, mentioned in the video, evolved from a defensive midfielder into a box-to-box player due to his versatility and work rate.

💡Striker

A striker is a forward whose primary role is to score goals. The video highlights legendary French strikers like Thierry Henry and Just Fontaine, with Fontaine famously holding the record for most goals scored in a single World Cup (13 goals in 1958).

💡Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé is one of the most talented and youngest football stars mentioned in the video. Known for his speed and finishing, he helped France win the 2018 World Cup and was instrumental in their 2022 campaign, earning accolades like the Golden Boot.

Highlights

France has long produced legendary football players, with two World Cup titles solidifying their national team's place among the greatest in football history.

In 20th place is Jean Tigana, known for his tireless work rate, incisive passing, and role in France's Euro 1984 victory.

Marius Trésor, ranked 19th, was a powerful and athletic defender who captained Bordeaux to a league title and played in two World Cups for France.

David Trezeguet, ranked 18th, scored the decisive Golden Goal in the Euro 2000 final and was part of France's 1998 World Cup-winning squad.

Antoine Griezmann, ranked 17th, is known for his versatility, having scored 44 goals for France and winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020 UEFA Nations League.

Jean-Pierre Papin, 16th place, was a prolific goal scorer, winning the Ballon d'Or in 1991, and achieved success with clubs like Marseille, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich.

Karim Benzema, ranked 15th, won numerous titles with Real Madrid, including five UEFA Champions League trophies, and the 2022 Ballon d'Or.

N'Golo Kanté, 14th place, was crucial in Leicester City's iconic Premier League title win and France's 2018 World Cup triumph, known for his incredible work rate.

Olivier Giroud, ranked 13th, is France's all-time top scorer with 57 goals and won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, also achieving major club successes in England and Italy.

Raymond Kopa, 12th place, a Ballon d'Or winner in 1958, is remembered for his dribbling and passing skills, winning three consecutive European Cups with Real Madrid.

Eric Cantona, ranked 11th, was known for his flair and leadership, winning multiple Premier League titles with Manchester United but had limited international success.

Laurent Blanc, 10th place, played a key role in France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 victories, known for his intelligence and leadership at the back.

Kylian Mbappé, ranked 9th, has already achieved remarkable success, winning the 2018 World Cup at just 19 years old and becoming France's third-highest all-time scorer.

Just Fontaine, ranked 8th, holds the record for the most goals in a single World Cup tournament, scoring 13 goals in 1958.

Zinedine Zidane, ranked 1st, is widely regarded as the greatest French footballer ever, winning the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000, and achieving global success with Real Madrid.