Sport
Who would make the greatest French World Cup team ever?
Whilst being one of football’s founding fathers, it would take France a long time to claim the biggest prize in world sport. However, their 1998 World Cup triumph on home soil marked the true arrival of Les Bleus as a global powerhouse. A second title followed in 2018 cementing their modern success. This, alongside a losing appearance in the 2006 World Cup final and two third places in 1958 and 1986, shows how France has enjoyed a rich history on the biggest stage of all. So which players stand out from the modern day in comparison to past eras? Let’s take a look at the greatest combined French World Cup team ever.
GK: Hugo Lloris
For much of the 21st century, Hugo Lloris has been the preferred no.1 for France for major games. Having made his debut in 2008 for Les Bleus, Lloris’ excellent reactions and speed helped him cement his place in between the sticks. Since then, he has been the ever-present figure for France appearing at three World Cup finals and was named captain for at least two of those.
As captain of the 2018 side, it was Lloris who lifted the trophy aloft in Russia when France defeated Croatia to win the tournament. It was a victory that saw him given a Legion of Honour medal for his rewards and earning a spot in sporting history.
RB: Lilian Thuram
Lilian Thuram was a defender who could slot in virtually anywhere in the backline. He had the power and the timing to play in the centre but he also had the passing and pace to flourish as a wing-back. It was as a wing-back that Thuram was deployed most for France and helped him star in the 1998 side that won France’s first World Cup.
He was consistently a top performer for France too also helping them to the 2006 Final despite losing to Italy and being named in both the 1998 and 2006 World Cup All-Star XI. In addition to that, Thuram won the Bronze Ball award for Best Player in the 1998 tournament in a career that saw him win 142 caps for France – a national record.
LB: Bixente Lizarazu
With a name that could double up as the ultimate tongue-twister, Bixente Lizarazu also had people raving about his skills. Whilst he was an excellent all-round defender, Lizarazu was also a master at set-pieces. He would quite often step in and take corners and free-kicks causing havoc in the penalty area.
Lizarazu was a regular for France for much of the 1990s and was another key part of the side that won the 1998 World Cup. His efforts made him one of the most popular left-backs of his generation and his strong form earned him a spot in the 2002 FIFA XI. A telling award for a hard-working star in his day and deserving starter in our ultimate French World Cup team.
CB: Laurent Blanc
Laurent Blanc shone in the air just like Mont Blanc itself – powerful and awe-inspiring. Blanc could leap and neutralise crosses with ease in addition to being a handy tackler and passer. It was these aspects that made him the focal point of the French backline that shone strongly in the 1998 World Cup and was triumphant on home soil.
His efforts often saw him named one of the best of his era and went so far to being named the 4th best French player of the 20th Century. A fitting award for a player who never took any nonsense from opponents or fans alike.
CB: Marcel Desailly
Despite being born in Ghana, Marcel Desailly proved himself to be a French star from day one. He was never outdone in a one-on-one duel and could neutralize attacking threats before they truly developed. His firm but fair style made him someone feared throughout the footballing landscape seeing him shine in the 1998 French World Cup Winning team.
It was here where he was selected in the 1998 All-Star XI and announced his arrival to the world. It was just one of many awards that made Marcel Desailly’s career one that any legendary player would be proud of.
CM: Raymond Kopa
Arguably one of France’s most underrated stars, Raymond Kopa shone for France before they were truly a force to be reckoned with. A top name in the 1950s, Kopa was a lively playmaker who could carve open defences with a pass as well as finding the back of the net. He was a key figure in the 1958 side that claimed third place where his three goals earned him a spot in the 1958 All-Star XI.
After his career, Kopa’s remarkable career was cemented as he became the first French footballer to be awarded the Legion of Honour – the country’s most prestigious accolade. A remarkable feat for a remarkable player.
CM: Michel Platini
For much of the 1980’s, Michel Platini was the best player in Europe. Comfortable in both midfield and attack, Platini could go on mazy runs and singlehandedly destroy a team. The 3x Ballon D’Or winner loved to shine on the big stage being one of the top stars at both the 1982 and 1986 World Cup tournaments.
It was here where Platini was included in the World Cup XI for both tournaments and helped the French team claim third place in 1986. His efforts were not forgotten after he retired being named in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Dream Team which picked the best players of the 20th Century. A true honour for one of France’s greatest players of all time who has sadly discredited his name since retirement.
CM: Zinedine Zidane
There were very few players quite like Zinedine Zidane at the turn of the century. The talismanic midfielder shone with the ball at his feet and fought hard when it was off it. His passing and dribbling made him a livewire in the middle of the park and he could also find the net whenever he ventured forward.
His two goals in the 1998 World Cup final secured France their first world title and it was his sending off for that famous headbutt that saw France lose the 2006 final. His performances earned him the 1998 Ballon D’Or award as well as the 2006 Golden Ball award for best player at the World Cup. It would be Zidane that partnered Platini in midfield for FIFA’s World Cup Dream Team in 2002 and prove why Zidane was one of the best of his era.
FW: Just Fontaine
It’s hard to think that Just Fontaine only played for France 21 times but he made each appearance count. With a deadly knack for finishing, Fontaine was one of the apex predator strikers of the 1950’s. This was on full display in the 1958 World Cup where Fontaine scored 13 goals in six games.
This incredible feat saw him saw four against defending champions West Germany and helped Les Blues claim third at the tournament. His 13 goals in a single tournament is still an all-time record and an effort that places in fourth in all-time goalscorers at World Cup finals despite playing in just one tournaments. Injuries may have curtailed Fontaine’s career in his prime but his legacy still shines on generations after he hung up his boots.
FW: Jean-Pierre Papin
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jean-Pierre Papin developed into one of Europe’s best strikers. Known best for his flawless technique, Papin struck balls with power and swerve making it almost impossible for keepers to stop his shots.
Papin debuted in the 1986 World Cup and his appearances at the tournament ensured he earned a bronze medal as France claimed third place that year scoring in the 4-2 win against Belgium. It was this form that marked Papin as a potential superstar in a career that won him the 1991 Ballon D’Or trophy.
FW: Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry proved himself to be one of the best strikers of his generation and his true arrival for the French team came at the 1998 World Cup. It was his pace and skill that saw him win fans and pundits over scoring three goals in the tournament. For much of the 2000s, he continued this form and his three goals in the 2006 tournament saw him included in the All-Star XI for the tournament.
Having appeared in 4 tournaments, Henry proved himself to be one of the best strikers of his time and his 51 goals in 123 games remains an all-time scoring record for the French national side. A true great of any generation.
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