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There has been a lot of talk about France's incredible strength and depth, as their Euro 2020 squad boasts some of the biggest names in world football.
France have been a dominant force in the game for some time now, consistently producing world-class players who have also received various individual awards over the years.
The reigning world champions are one of the favourites to win Euro 2020. Under the able tutelage of Didier Deschamps, France's current crop could indeed go all the way at the tournament.
On that note, let's take a look at France's five best players of all time.
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#5 Lilian Thuram
One of the best defenders of his generation, Lilian Thuram, was versatile enough to operate as both full-back and centre-back during a storied career.
The former France international first made his name with AS Monaco, but it was in Italy where he truly flourished. He joined Parma from AS Monaco in 1996 and became renowned for his intelligence, versatility and physical attributes. He won the UEFA Cup with Parma and two Serie A titles with Juventus.
With 142 appearances, Thuram is the most capped France international. During his stint with the national side, he won the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and the Euros in 2000. His son, Marcus, is also a professional player who plays for Borussia Monchengladbach. Marcus has been named in France's Euro 2020 squad.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020.
#4 Thierry Henry
Arguably the best overseas player to have graced the Premier League, Thierry Henry is best known for his successful stint with Arsenal.
After making his debut at AS Monaco, Henry moved to Juventus in 1999, but the move failed to work out. Arsenal signed him that same year, and manager Arsene Wenger, familiar with Henry's attributes, started using the Frenchman as a striker instead of a winger.
And the rest, as they say, is history. Henry made 376 appearances in all competitions across two spells for Arsenal, scoring 228 goals and providing 105 assists. He won the Premier League Golden Boot four times and was part of their 'Invincibles' side as well.
With France, Henry won the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and the Euros in 2000. He is currently an assistant coach of Belgium at Euro 2020.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Manchester United's pursuit of Jadon Sancho, Chelsea's plans for Hakimi, and more
#3 Just Fontaine
A prolific striker during his playing days, France's Just Fontaine's sensational goalscoring prowess for club and country speaks for itself.
Fontaine spent much of his playing career with Nice and Reims. He scored 43 goals in 69 appearances for Nice, earning a move to Reims, where he scored 122 goals in 131 games. Fontaine was exceptional in France colours as well, making 21 appearances and scoring 30 goals.
Injuries, though, forced Fontaine's early retirement. After his playing days, Fontaine embarked on a coaching career, managing France, as well as clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse. He also managed Morocco for two years.
#2 Michel Platini
Michel Platini may have become a controversial figure in recent years, but as a player, he is regarded as one of the game's finest.
An exceptional passer, an elegant playmaker and midfielder extraordinaire, Michel Platini had incredible technical ability. Highly creative and a consistent goalscorer, Platini played for Nancy, Saint-Etienne and Juventus during his playing career.
With Juventus, the France international won the Serie A twice and the European Cup once. In France colours, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner won the 1984 Euros. Platini's spell in football administration has not gone well, though.
#1 Zinedine Zidane
A world-class player and manager, Zinedine Zidane, like Platini, was renowned as an elegant playmaker who inspired many France players of the current generation.
Zidane was not the most consistent of goalscorers. But on his day, he was one of the best players in the world. Blessed with a silky touch and excellent technical skills, the Frenchman represented European giants Juventus and Real Madrid with distinction.
With France, Zidane won the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and the Euros in 2000. He also captained France to the 2006 World Cup final. As a manager, he led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles as well as two La Liga triumphs. Zidane and Real Madrid recently parted ways for the second time a few weeks ago.
Also Read: 5 best German footballers of all time.
