Greatest French Footballers of all-time



No.1 Michel Platini



No.2 Jean-Pierre Papin



No.3 Jean Tigana



No.4 Lilian Thuram

Superbly consistent and athletic defender who was equally good as a right-back or as a centre-back, and who was undoubtedly one of the world's greatest defenders throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Thuram began his professional career with AS Monaco in 1991 before moving to Italy to play for Parma in 1996. He helped Parma win the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia in 1999 before moving to Juventus in 2001. He'd win two Scudettos with the Turin giants before moving to Barcelona in 2006.

Thuram is also known for his successful international career with the French national team. He made his debut for France in 1994 and played in three World Cups and two European Championships. Thuram was a key player for France during their successful 1998 World Cup campaign, scoring two goals in the semi-finals against Croatia. He is considered one of the greatest defenders in French football history and was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in both 1998 and 2006.



No.5 Marius Trésor

One of France's greatest ever defenders and one of the most celebrated French footballers of the 1970s and 1980s, Marius Tresor's elegant style of play, versatility, and ability to read the game made him a feared opponent and a beloved player. He played for some of the biggest clubs of the time in France, winning several trophies and representing his country with distinction at the international level. Tresor's contributions to French football and society are remembered to this day, and he remains a source of inspiration for young players from France and beyond.



No.6 Manuel Amoros



No.7 Dominique Rocheteau

One of the most iconic French players of the 1970s, Rocheteau was a terrific forward who could play on either wing or as a center forward. He was known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals. He was a key player for AS Saint-Étienne and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as for the French national team.



No.8 Joël Bats

Legendary French goalkeeper who made more than 500 Ligue 1 appearances for Sochaux, Auxerre and Paris Saint-Germain from 1976 to 1992. Joel Bats was known for his incredible reflexes and lightning-quick reactions, which made him one of the most feared goalkeepers of his era. Bats made his international debut for Les Bleus in September 1983 and less than a year later he would become one of the unsung heroes as his performances played a pivotal role in France's victory at the 1984 European Championships, where he made crucial saves throughout the tournament as Les Bleus claimed their first first major international football title.



No.9 Youri Djorkaeff



No.10 Bernard Genghini



No.11 David Ginola

A top player through the 1990s, David Ginola established himself as one of the most talented and stylish French players of his generation. Ginola was known for his incredible technical skills and his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He was also known for his stylish play and his flamboyant personality. Ginola was one of the most popular players of his generation, and he was often compared to other great French players like Eric Cantona and Zinedine Zidane.



No.11 Roger Marche



No.12 Patrick Battiston



No.20 Nicolas Anelka

Nicolas Anelka had a storied playing career, which saw him play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe and also represent the French national team. He was known for his technical ability, pace, and scoring prowess, which made him one of the most feared attackers of his time. Despite his successes on the pitch, Anelka was also involved in several controversies throughout his career. However, he will be remembered as one of the best strikers of his generation.



No.21 Bruno Bellone