Greatest French Strikers: France has produced some of football’s greatest strikers, known for their skill and goal-scoring. From Just Fontaine in 1958 to Kylian Mbappé today, French forwards have shone on the world stage.
Greatest French Strikers Ever
In this article, we highlight five legends: Just Fontaine, Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, and Kylian Mbappé, who have made their mark on clubs and the French team.
5. Just Fontaine
- Date of Birth: August 18, 1933
- Position: Striker
Just Fontaine was one of football’s greatest goal-scorers. He became a legend in the 1958 World Cup, scoring 13 goals—a record still unbeaten in a single tournament.
Fontaine debuted for France in 1953 and helped them reach the 1958 World Cup semi-finals. At Stade de Reims, he won three French league titles. He was Known for his speed, positioning, and finishing, and was a fearsome striker.
Sadly, injuries ended his career in 1962, but his legacy lives on.
4. Karim Benzema
- Date of Birth: December 19, 1987
- Position: Striker
Karim Benzema is known for his skill, consistency, and goal-scoring. He started at Lyon, scoring 66 goals in 148 games, before joining Real Madrid in 2009.
At Madrid, he became one of the best strikers, scoring over 350 goals and winning several Champions League and La Liga titles. His intelligence and adaptability have made him a key player.
Benzema’s leadership shines for both Real Madrid and France, highlighted by his 2022 Ballon d’Or win and strong performances in the Euros and World Cup.
3. Olivier Giroud
- Date of Birth: September 30, 1986
- Position: Striker
Olivier Giroud’s career is marked by his quiet yet impactful style. He started in France with Grenoble and Montpellier, leading Montpellier to their first Ligue 1 title in 2012.
At Arsenal, he became a key player under Arsène Wenger. Giroud is Known for his strength, aerial ability, and clutch finishing, and been vital for France, scoring 53 international goals to become their second-highest scorer.
His goals in World Cups and Euros have been crucial for Les Bleus.
2. Thierry Henry
- Date of Birth: August 17, 1977
- Position: Striker
Thierry Henry is one of France’s greatest strikers, known for his skill, intelligence, and goal-scoring. He started at AS Monaco, scoring 20 goals in 48 games, and briefly played for Juventus.
At Arsenal, he became a legend, scoring 228 goals in 377 matches and becoming their all-time top scorer. His speed, dribbling, and finishing made him a feared forward.
Henry was also key to France’s success, playing a major role in their 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 wins, solidifying his iconic status.
1. Kylian Mbappé
- Date of Birth: December 20, 1998
- Position: Forward/Striker
Kylian Mbappé is one of football’s brightest stars. Born in Paris and raised in Bondy, he started his career at Monaco, winning Ligue 1 in 2017. In 2017, he joined PSG for €180 million, becoming the most expensive teenager.
At PSG, he won six Ligue 1 titles, scored over 300 goals, and helped the team reach its first Champions League final in 2020.
Mbappé made his France debut in 2017 and starred in the 2018 World Cup, helping France win and earning the Best Young Player award. In 2022, he scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final and became the top scorer in World Cup history.
He has won five Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards and was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in 2023.