Real Madrid’s greatest Frenchmen!
After seven years of speculation, Real Madrid has officially announced the signing of Kylian Mbappe, one of the greatest footballers of our time. Fresh off leading France to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, Mbappe will soon join his new teammates at Valdebebas for the 2024–25 pre-season. Since 1990, about 15 French players have made a significant impact at the club, including legends like Zinedine Zidane. In this feature, we’ll explore the five best French players who have left an irremovable mark on Madridista hearts and souls. Get ready to be amazed by their incredible records!
Karim Benzema, the second-highest goalscorer in Real Madrid's 122-year history, made 439 appearances over 14 seasons, scoring 238 goals. Renowned as one of the finest strikers of his generation, his hat tricks and stunning strikes brought immense joy to the Santiago Bernabeu. As one of the highest-paid footballers globally, Benzema will be featured on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes in 2024. Nicknamed “Coco,” it’s hard to imagine him in any jersey other than Real Madrid's. His recent departure to Al-Ittihad left many Madridistas in tears, as they bid farewell to a true legend who lit up the Bernabeu for over a decade.
France’s all-time greatest player, Zinedine Zidane, not only starred for Real Madrid but also managed the team for five years. After his iconic volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 UCL Finals, Rory Smith described him as “Bruce Lee in slow motion.” Zidane retired while wearing the white jersey, receiving a heartfelt tribute from teammates with shirts reading “ZIDANE 2001-2006.” He played 155 matches for Los Blancos, scoring 37 goals, and later coached the Galacticos in over 300 matches, achieving an impressive win percentage of 65%.
Zidane is the Manager of Madrid!
One of the greatest defenders in Real Madrid history, Raphael Varane, made 236 appearances for the club. His youth coach at Lens praised him as a “truly first-class player” with exceptional tactical and technical abilities. The 6-foot-3-inch defender won three La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and one Copa del Rey with Los Blancos. Renowned manager José Mourinho regarded Varane as one of the best defenders in the world. Frank Lebouef compared him to Fernando Hierro, noting Varane’s superior strength and speed on the field.
The first-ever French player to receive the Legion d’honneur in 1970, Raymond Kopa made 79 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 24 goals. The 1958 Ballon d’Or winner was part of the historic 1957–58 team that clinched La Liga, the European Cup, and the Latin Cup. Nicknamed “Little Napoleon,” Kopa helped Los Blancos secure the European Cup by defeating Fiorentina 2-0 in the 1957 finals. In March 2004, Pelé named him one of the top 125 greatest living footballers. To honour his legacy, the Kopa Trophy was established for the best young French player, with Kylian Mbappe as its inaugural recipient.
Imagine an African player transforming the defensive midfield role in European football so significantly that it became known as the "Makelele Role." Arrigo Sacchi noted in 2000 that with stars like Zidane, Raul, and Figo not tracking back, they needed a strong defender in front of the back four. Claude Makelele made 94 appearances for Real Madrid, helping the club win the Champions League in 2002 and La Liga titles in 2001 and 2003. Regarded as one of the most underrated players, Steve McManaman described him as the most crucial yet least appreciated player in the team's history.
These legends are all mainstays at Real Madrid, having their foot in both Spain and France.
