The History of the French National Soccer Team

Les Bleus, as they are affectionately known, have been a force to be reckoned with in international soccer for decades.

The French national soccer team has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The team has won two World Cups, two European Championships, and numerous other trophies. In this article, we will explore the history of the French national soccer team, from its early days to its recent successes.

Early History

The French Football Federation (FFF) was founded in 1919. The first official international match was played in 1904 against Belgium, which France won 3-0. However, the early years of the French national team were marked by inconsistency. The team struggled to compete with the best teams in the world, and it did not qualify for the first World Cup in 1930.

France’s first appearance in the World Cup was in 1938, where they reached the semi-finals before losing to Italy. The team also participated in the 1954 World Cup, but they were eliminated in the first round.

The Golden Age

The 1980s and 1990s were a golden age for the French national team. The team was led by a generation of talented players, including Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, and Zinedine Zidane. France won the 1984 European Championship and reached the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup. The team also won the 1998 World Cup, defeating Brazil in the final.

Recent Success

The French national team has continued to be successful in recent years. The team won the 2000 European Championship and reached the final of the 2006 World Cup. France also won the 2018 World Cup, defeating Croatia in the final. The team is currently ranked second in the world by FIFA.

Notable Players

The French national team has produced many talented players over the years. Some of the most notable players include:

• Michel Platini
• Zinedine Zidane
• Thierry Henry
• Kylian Mbappé
• Karim Benzema

The Future

The French national team is in a strong position for the future. The team has a young and talented squad, and it is led by a experienced manager. France is a strong contender to win the next World Cup, and it will be interesting to see how the team performs in the coming years.

Conclusion

The French national soccer team has a rich history of success. The team has won two World Cups, two European Championships, and numerous other trophies. The team is currently ranked second in the world by FIFA, and it is a strong contender to win the next World Cup. The future of the French national team is bright, and the team is sure to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in international soccer.