Kylian Mbappe, Theirry Henry, Zinedin Zidane

The 10 Greatest French Footballers of All Time

June 9, 2025 Oliver Obel

France has long stood at the pinnacle of world football, boasting a storied legacy rich with trophies, iconic players, and unforgettable moments. From tireless midfield dynamos to elegant maestros and fearsome strikers, the country has produced a who’s who of global greats. Here, we count down the top 10 French players of all time—starting from number 10.

10. Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona remains one of football’s most mercurial figures—equally revered for his outrageous skill and his rebellious nature. A talismanic presence at Manchester United, he helped redefine English football in the 1990s, even if his international career failed to truly ignite.

9. Just Fontaine

Just Fontaine’s 13-goal haul at the 1958 World Cup is still unmatched in a single tournament, a feat that has etched his name in history. Though injuries shortened his career, his scoring instincts and poise in front of goal remain the stuff of legend.

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8. N’Golo Kanté

Few players have won hearts quite like N’Golo Kanté, whose work rate and humility made him indispensable to both club and country. A World Cup winner in 2018 and a Champions League champion with Chelsea, he was the silent force behind many great teams.

7. Marcel Desailly

Marcel Desailly combined brute strength with surprising elegance on the ball. A pillar of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning defense, he also became the first player to win consecutive Champions League titles with different clubs.

6. Patrick Vieira

Towering and tenacious, Patrick Vieira was the heartbeat of both Arsenal and France’s midfield for over a decade. His mix of aggression, intelligence, and technical quality made him one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.

5. Lilian Thuram

Lillian Thuram — ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Lilian Thuram was the definition of a modern defender—versatile, composed, and relentlessly effective. Key to France’s golden era in the late 1990s and early 2000s, his tactical smarts made him invaluable at both right-back and center-back.

4. Kylian Mbappé

Already a World Cup winner with over 350 career goals, Kylian Mbappé’s meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing down. Now leading the line for Real Madrid, the frightening pace and clinical finishing of France’s current superstar signal an era of dominance to come.

3. Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry brought grace, flair, and lethal finishing to every pitch he graced, becoming a symbol of footballing elegance. From leading Arsenal’s invincibles to playing a vital role at Barcelona, Henry did it all with style and humility.

2. Michel Platini

Before off-field controversy marred his legacy, Michel Platini was a footballing genius—an artist with both vision and a killer touch. His nine-goal Euro 1984 campaign led France to its first major title and remains one of the greatest individual tournament performances ever.

1. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane had the rare gift of making football look effortless, dancing through games with a combination of strength, vision, and sublime touch. From a World Cup-winning volley to Champions League magic with Real Madrid, Zidane’s legacy as France’s finest is unquestionable.