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France has been one of the strongest teams on the international stage since the beginning. Les Bleus always had a formidable team and the tradition still continues.
French players have often been among the top-runners and that's why we have seen them in large numbers across Europe's top five leagues. Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram, Patrick Viera, the list of legends who have donned the blue jersey just goes on.
France has won two FIFA World Cups (1998 and 2018), and two UEFA European Championships (1984 and 2000). The French team are enduring their best period under coach and former player Didier Deschamps. They recently won the UEFA Nations League.
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The French team has never lacked quality goalscorers, and in this article let's take a look at
France's top 5 goalscorers of all time
#5 Karim Benzema - 36 goals
Karima Benzema's relationship with his national team has been somewhat dramatic. The Real Madrid superstar was cast away from the national side following a scandal that involved his national teammate Mathieu Valbuena in 2015.
After a lengthy break of five years, Karim Benzema was included on the roster for UEFA Euro 2020. The major reason for his inclusion was the striker's fine form. Following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid, Karim Benzema has well and truly stepped up to take on the goal-scoring responsibilities.
He has also been handling the role of leader since Sergio Ramos left the club for PSG earlier this year. Giving Benzema a call-up worked in France's favor as the former Lyon striker ended the tournament as the team's top scorer. Despite missing a good share of his prime age in exile, Karim Benzema is France's 5th most goal-getter.
#4 Michel Platini - 41 goals
Considered one of the greatest ever French players, Michel Platini has found the net 41 times in the iconic blue jersey. His career has been decorated with three Ballon d'Ors, a UEFA Euro Trophy and a FIFA World Cup third place.
He carried the French team on his shoulders to help them secure the 1984 UEFA European Championship. He was the top scorer with nine goals and the player of the tournament.
Platini scored his first goal for France in 1976 against Czechoslovakia in a friendly fixture. His last came against Brazil in the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
Many French players of the following generation cited Michel Platini as their inspiration. Along with being a poacher in front of goals, Platini was also known for his passing skills.
#3 Antoine Griezmann - 42 goals
Whether it was the national side or the club, Griezmann always had strong competitors around him. However, the same factor has only boosted his performance.
Competing with a star-studded attacking unit that comprised the likes of Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema, Antoine Griezmann has successfully made his mark. Especially during the absence of the latter due to the ban.
Due to playing in Spain, the Atletico Madrid striker often failed to fall under the national team recruiters' radar. However, his successful stint with Real Sociedad earned him enough attention to be selected for the U19 team in 2010.
Griezmann emerged as the best striking option for Les Bleus under Didier Deschamps. His rise coincided with Giroud's lack of form and Benzema's exile. He played a major role in France's 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2020-21 UEFA Nations League triumphs. Griezmann has netted a total of 42 goals for France.
#2 Olivier Giroud - 46 goals
Olivier Giroud is one of those players who hasn't got the fame and credit that they deserve. He was infamous for having failed to register even a single shot on target during France's 2018 World Cup triumph. However, Giroud's role in the link-up play and game making was something that could not be ignored.
He played a crucial role in Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann's goals throughout the tournament. Giroud has a very strong aerial presence and has been lauded as one of the best 'super subs' football has ever seen.
With an international career spanning over a decade, Giroud has managed to score 46 goals.
#1 Thierry Henry - 51 goals
It was in 1994-95 that the world got a glimpse of a kid called Thierry Henry. Little did anyone know that boy would turn out to be a legend. Thierry Henry is one of the most loved foreigners in the history of the Premier League. He left Arsenal as their best ever player and his legacy is untouched to date.
Having scored the last of his 51 goals for Les Bleus in 2009, Henry still maintains a spot as France's top scorer. Thierry Henry has worn the French jersey in 123 games. It was no coincidence that his international career coincided with his national team's success.
Henry helped France secure the 1998 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000 and the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup. Henry and France narrowly missed out on winning the 2006 World Cup. However, that tournament saw Henry in his best form.
