5 best French players in the world right now (2021)

#3 N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

Arsenal v Chelsea - Premier League

The UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Year, N'Golo Kante was sensational for Chelsea in their 2020-21 Champions League triumph. The defensive midfielder's industry and link-up play were crucial to their cause.

Often lauded for his work ethic and relentlessness, Kante is also an excellent passer of the ball. His movement and ability to carry the ball into the attacking third are qualities that aren't talked about enough.

With Kante patrolling the midfield realms, it is difficult for oppositions to assert their dominance and dictate the tempo of games. It's his disruptive qualities like anticipation and tackling that make him an asset like no other.

Kante was a standout performer for France in their 2018 World Cup triumph. The diminutive and soft-spoken midfielder continues to be one of the best in the business.

#2 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Club Brugge KV v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

The electric Kylian Mbappe is a nightmare to defend against. He is excellent with the ball at his feet, is one of the leading causes for twisted ankles in Ligue 1 and is already a prolific goalscorer at the age of 22.

It feels like Mbappe has been around for a very long time but the truth is that he still has the lion's share of his career still ahead of him. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was instrumental in France's 2018 World Cup triumph. He has only gone from strength to strength from that point on.

Although he had a rather forgettable outing at Euro 2020, Mbappe is already back to his best. In the 2021-22 season, he has already scored four goals and provided four assists in eight appearances across all competitions.

#1 Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid CF v RCD Mallorca - La Liga Santander

Karim Benzema will go down in history as one of the finest strikers of his generation. In his younger days, he showcased a great deal of tactical intelligence and maturity to accommodate other world class players in the Real Madrid squad.

He has now taken the job of being the main man at Real Madrid and is doing a stellar job at it. Benzema earned a call-up to the French national side after a six-year absence this summer. He marked his return by scoring four goals in four appearances in the continental competition.

Benzema has been absolutely unstoppable so far this season. Despite being 33-years-old, the Real Madrid striker seems to be playing at the peak of his powers. In seven appearances across all competitions so far, he has scored eight goals and provided seven assists.