The French National team is one of the most successful footballing nations, bringing home the iconic World Cup on two occasions in 1998 and 2018. They’ve produced some of the greatest talents to ever grace the game. From the midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane to the Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and even the world beater Kylian Mbappe, the Blues line up an elite attacker for every generation.
7. David Trezeguet: 34 Goals
- International Appearances: 71
- Position: Striker
- Clubs Played For: Juventus, Monaco, River Plate
Trezeguet made his debut for the Blues at only 20 years of age and bagged his first goal against Finland just a couple of months later. He’s since become an icon for the French supporters, winning the 1998 World Cup and scoring the winning goal against Italy in the Euro 2000 final.
6. Karim Benzema: 37 Goals
- International Appearances: 97
- Position: Striker
- Clubs Played For: Real Madrid, Olympique Lyon
Benzema was France’s top scorer at the 2014 World Cup, but he was later exiled from the team due to an off-the-pitch controversy. He was not a part of the France squad during their 2018 World Cup triumph and returned to the side for Euro 2020 and later helped Deschamps’ side win the UEFA Nations League.
5. Michel Platini: 41 Goals
- International Appearances: 72
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Clubs Played For: Juventus, AS Nancy, Saint-Étienne
Michel Platini was one of the best and most decorated players of his generation. Throughout his career he won three Ballon d’Or with Juventus, the most for a player other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. He was the leading goal scorer in France’s success in winning the 1984 Euros. He retired in 1987 as France’s all-time leading goal scorer at the time.
4. Antoine Griezmann: 44 Goals
- International Appearances: 137
- Position: Second Striker, Striker, Left Winger
- Clubs Played For: Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Real Sociedad
Griezmann stands as one of the best players to ever represent Les Bleus. He’s been a vital part of France’s dominance under Deschamps, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League. He was also a part of the sides that finished as the runner-up in Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
3. Thierry Henry: 51 Goals
- International Appearances: 123
- Position: Striker, Left Winger
- Clubs Played For: Arsenal, Barcelona, Monaco
Henry is one of the greatest players France has ever produced and is most popular for his legendary status in the Premier League with Arsenal. He became a prominent figure on the international stage, helping France win the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA EURO 2000 Championship.
2. Kylian Mbappe: 52 Goals
- International Appearances: 92
- Position: Striker, Left Winger, Right Winger
- Clubs Played For: Real Madrid, PSG, Monaco
Dubbed as “the boy with the world at his feet” after his heroics in the 2018 World Cup, Mbappe has been a staple for Didier Deschamps. His goal in 2018 World Cup final ranks him the only other teenager apart from Pele to have scored in a World Cup final. The 26-year-old is currently the national team captain and rightfully so. He’s carried the national team on his back several times and nearly single-handedly crossed the finish line in the 2022 World Cup with a hat-trick in the final.
1. Olivier Giroud: 57 Goals
- International Appearances: 137
- Position: Striker
- Clubs Played For: Arsenal, AC Milan, Chelsea
Certainly one of the most underrated players France has ever produced, Giroud was an impactful player every time he featured for Les Bleus. He was a team player with a gift for selflessness, who always sacrificed himself for the team. He most famously won the 2018 World Cup with France without scoring a single goal despite featuring as the team’s main striker. Deschamps backed the forward as he proved his contributions were more than merely goals.
Conclusion
France’s history of prolific scorers reflects not only individual brilliance but also the nation’s evolution into a modern football powerhouse. From legends of the past to stars still writing their chapters, each of these players has played a crucial role in defining Les Bleus’ identity on the world stage.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
