French Soccer Players Who Made a Mark in History

The French will never forget the headbutt of Zinédine Zidane and Materazzi. That is just one enduring memory of Soccer for the people of France! They adore the sport and their players, so we have listed out the top 10 French soccer stars who have made a permanent change in the sport’s yesteryear!

Zinédine Zidane

ph.FAB/shutterstock: Zinédine Zidane’s successful reign as a French soccer player

Selected for the France soccer team when he was only 17, Zinédine Zidane was accepted and recognized swiftly. He was crowned ‘Best player in the world’ by FIFA, just a couple of years after the two headers he tallied against Brazil and experiencing his first World Championship!

After more victories, world tours, and winning kicks, Zinédine decided to retire in 2006—but that was not before he had imprinted his name in the hearts of soccer fans all around the world. He went to Real Madrid as the leading coach—his hunger for victory, and a vision for the extraordinary game was apparent.

Michel Platini

thelefty/shutterstock: Michel Platini has a successful record on and off the field

Michel Platini was once one of the most wanted and sought-after soccer players in France. He has an impressive record that includes wins both on and off the field. His nation will never forget the incredible skills and the story of how he came to be!

The Sports buff decided to retire in May 1987 after a long and victorious career and changed his life a little bit—he served as the head coach of the French Soccer team!

Platini was also co-president in the World Cup tournaments’ organizing committee, plus the primary advisor to the FIFA president. This role was followed by him taking the position as Vice President of FFF!

 Thierry Henry

Photo Works/shutterstock: Theirry Henry started in 1997

Thierry Henry sanctioned the almighty French soccer jersey for the first time in 1997. Little did he know that he would be celebrated worldwide as one of the most skilled soccer players! In 1998, he was selected to play for the World Cup, which he did amazingly well—Henry scored 51 goals in 123 selections!

Just Fontaine

Born in Morocco, Fontaine used to play for the French Soccer team. Top scoring player for the French League, twice, he still holds the record for the most goals scored in the World Cup.

Fontaine scored 13 goals in an incredible match in Sweden!

Didier Deschamps

Team captain at the time, Didier Deschamps holds the record for receiving the title of World Champion for the very first time in 1998, and also two years later, side by side with the player, Zinédine Zidane.

After calling it quits on the field, he served as the coach for several top-notch Soccer teams. Since 2012, Didier has been leading the French side as a coach, even guiding them through the 2014 and 2018 World Cups in Russia.

Sports have kept us going through world wars, pandemics, and ephemeral cracks; so, all athletes and forgotten stars will always be our champions because they made life easier. Speaking of champions, who cannot wait to eagle-eye the next World Cup in 2022?