The Most Famous French Soccer Player, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the player you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 5, 2024 07:06

Deciding who stands out in the world of French soccer isn't just about talent on the pitch; it's also about fan appeal, charisma, and the impact a player has on and off the field. When enthusiasts argue about these athletes, their discussions often rely on personal biases or limited information. A fair and dynamic system allows everyone to express their opinions, making sense of the wide array of perspectives. Through a participatory voting system, this ranking constantly shifts to reflect current opinions and emerging talents. This immediate feedback not only provides a snapshot of current sentiments but also encourages a community of fans to engage actively. Your vote matters here, influencing the ranking directly and possibly even reshaping public perception about these soccer heroes.

Who Is the Most Famous French Soccer Player?

1

79
votes
Hadi Abyar · CC BY 4.0

Zinedine Zidane

Widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Zidane led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and was named the tournament's Best Player. He also won numerous domestic and international titles with clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus.
Zinedine Zidane in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous player for Real Madrid
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous football coach
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous association football player
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous soccer player of all time
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Juventus player
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person in Algeria
2

21
votes
joshjdss · CC BY 2.0

Thierry Henry

Henry is France's all-time leading scorer and one of the most prolific goalscorers in the history of the English Premier League. He won numerous titles with Arsenal and Barcelona and was part of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team.
Thierry Henry in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Arsenal player
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Arsenal player
- Position 3 of 10 in Most handsome footballer of all time
3

18
votes
Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland · GFDL 1.2

Michel Platini

A three-time Ballon d'Or winner, Platini was the star of France's 1984 European Championship-winning team. He also had a successful career with Juventus and St. Etienne.
Michel Platini in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Juventus player
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous player for Real Madrid
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous soccer player of all time
4

17
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

Raymond Kopa

Kopa was a key member of France's 1958 World Cup team and won three European Cups with Real Madrid. He was also named the Ballon d'Or winner in 1958.
5

17
votes

Panini · Public domain

Just Fontaine

Fontaine holds the record for most goals scored in a single World Cup tournament, with 13 in the 1958 edition. He also won numerous titles with Stade de Reims and was named the French Player of the Year in 1958.
6

21
votes

Kyro · CC BY 3.0

Lilian Thuram

Thuram was a stalwart of France's defense during their 1998 World Cup win and their run to the final in 2006. He also won numerous titles with Juventus and Barcelona.
7

4
votes

Илья Хохлов · CC BY-SA 3.0

Marcel Desailly

Desailly was another key member of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team and won numerous titles with clubs like AC Milan and Chelsea. He was also named the UEFA Club Defender of the Year twice.
8

6
votes
Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0

Eric Cantona

Cantona was one of the most talented and controversial players of his generation. He won four Premier League titles with Manchester United and was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year twice.
Eric Cantona in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Manchester United player
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Leeds United player
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Eric
9

9
votes
Simon Heseltine · CC BY-SA 4.0

Patrick Vieira

Vieira was a dominant presence in midfield for both France and clubs like Arsenal and Juventus. He won numerous titles and was named the Premier League Player of the Season in 2000/01.
Patrick Vieira in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Arsenal player
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular Arsenal player
10

7
votes
Кирилл Венедиктов · CC BY-SA 3.0

Antoine Griezmann

Independent

Griezmann has emerged as one of the top players in the world in recent years, winning the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 and leading France to the World Cup final in 2018. He has also won numerous titles with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Antoine Griezmann is a professional football player who is widely regarded as one of the most promising strikers in the world. He possesses exceptional skills, intelligence, and versatility that make him a formidable presence on the field. Griezmann has the ability to score goals from any position and is known for his clinical finishing, agility, and technical ability with the ball. He is also exceptional at creating scoring opportunities for his teammates, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Griezmann's work ethic, determination, and commitment to the game have contributed to his success as a player. Off the field, he is admired for his humble and charismatic personality.

Position: Striker/Forward

Nationality: French

Age: 30

Height: 1.76m (5'9")

Weight: 72kg (159 lbs)
Antoine Griezmann in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most handsome male footballer
- Position 8 of 10 in Most attractive football player

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Ranking factors for famous player

Achievements in their career

This includes individual awards, team awards, goals, assists, and overall performance.
International reputation

How well-known they are outside of their domestic league, their performance in international tournaments, and their impact on the national team.
Cultural impact

This would include how much of an icon they have become in French society, their impact on the sport globally, and their representation of France as a whole.
Public image and persona

This includes factors such as their charisma, distinctive playing style, and the overall impression they have made on fans and the public.
Longevity and consistency

How long they have been performing at a high level, and how consistently they have performed throughout their career.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous French soccer player. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or player is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2454 views
198 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each player once every 24 hours. The rank of each player is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous french soccer player

France is renowned for its contribution to soccer with a rich history of producing world-class players. When it comes to French soccer players, there are a few names that stand out above the rest. One of the most famous French soccer players of all time is none other than Zinedine Zidane. Zidane's exceptional skills on the field earned him numerous accolades and awards, including three FIFA World Player of the Year awards. Another notable French soccer player is Michel Platini, who played for the French national team in the 1970s and 1980s. Platini was a prolific goal scorer and helped lead France to victory in the 1984 UEFA European Championship. These two players are just a few examples of the talented French soccer players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.