Top 10 Best French Football Players in the World (Ranked)

France has established itself as a powerhouse of soccer, consistently dominating all the tournaments in which it features. The nation boasts a deep talent pool, with players on the bench capable of starting for every other country in the world. This abundance of skills and versatility has made them a force to be reckoned with and has played a crucial role in their triumphant success in the past decade.

Players like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and William Saliba have been in fine form lately for both club and country, showcasing their class and ability. In this article, we are ranking the best French football players right now, diving into the reasons behind their success, explaining their style of play, and celebrating their achievements using the following ranking factors.

List of Current Best French Soccer Players

Rank	Player	Position	Club
10	Dayot Upamecano	Defender	Bayern Munich
9	William Saliba	Defender	Arsenal
8	Michael Olise	Forward	Bayern Munich
7	N’Golo Kanté	Midfielder	Al-Ittihad
6	Jules Koundé	Defender	Barcelona
5	Aurélien Tchouaméni	Midfielder	Real Madrid
4	Theo Hernandez	Defender	AC Milan
3	Antoine Griezmann	Forward	Atlético Madrid
2	Ousmane Dembele	Forward	PSG
1	Kylian Mbappé	Forward	Real Madrid

How We Ranked the Best French Players in Football?

Performance Stats: The first parameter for ranking the best French football players is done by looking at these players’ performance stats. We analyze goals, assists, defensive actions, and position-specific metrics from the 2024-25 season.

Consistency: Players must demonstrate reliable performances across multiple competitions, including domestic leagues, European tournaments, and international fixtures. Those who have been consistent made it into our list of the best French football players.

Impact in Key Matches: Performance in crucial games like Champions League knockouts, World Cup matches, and title-deciding fixtures carries extra weight. We examine how players respond under pressure and their ability to influence results when stakes are highest.

Trophies/Achievements: We consider both individual awards and team achievements, including major tournament victories, league titles, and European competition success within the past few seasons, and only then rank them accordingly in our list of the best French football players.

Who are Best French Players Right Now?

France has been one of the luckiest countries blessed with incredible talent across every position on the field. And for decades, plenty of these players have dominated Europe’s top leagues and shone for their national team. But today, we’ll look at the top 10 French best soccer players currently.

10. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Dayot Upamecano has a combination of brute force with technical skill. His recovery pace saves countless goals for his team. His ability to dominate in aerial duels and dominate opposing strikers is unmatched. Bayern Munich‘s defense revolves around him.

Ball-playing skills set Upamecano apart. He starts attacks from deep positions. Modern football demands these abilities. His partnership with experienced players helps development. Complete defender package right there.

Appearances	Aerial Duels Won (per 90)	Blocks (per 90)	Interceptions (per 90)
37	3.02	0.87	1.74

9. William Saliba (Arsenal)

A rock at the back for the Gunners, William Saliba has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League. After going out on multiple loans, Saliba was handed a place in the starting lineup, and he made an immediate impact.

His partnership with Gabriel made the Gunners impenetrable at the back, contributing to their successive title charge campaigns. Saliba has also started to feature regularly for the national team and has the potential to become one of the best center-backs of all time.

Appearances	Aerial Duels Won (per 90)	Blocks (per 90)	Interceptions (per 90)
51	1.81	0.74	0.62

8. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

Michael Olise was one of the most hyped right-wingers in the last few years. Crystal Palace bought him for just €9.30 million after his brilliant performances for Reading, and he took the Premier League like a duck to the water.

While it was unfortunate to miss out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he has been getting call-ups to the national side ever since he joined Bayern Munich this season. He has had an impressive debut season at Bayern Munich, and the fans will be hoping that this continues.

Appearances	Expected Goals (xG)	Goals	Assists
54	0.37	20	20

7. N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad)

N’Golo Kanté still runs like he’s 25 years old. When Saudi Arabia club Al-Ittihad signed him, they got him on a bargain. His energy levels are unreal. To this date, his ball-winning ability remains world-class.

The Frenchman has been one of the best defensive midfielders who can change the momentum at any point. His presence has changed the dynamics in the team in the absence of Paul Pogba and many senior players.

Appearances	Goals + Assists	Progressive Passes (per 90)	Progressive Carries (per 90)
35	4+4	N/A	N/A

Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best Spanish Soccer Players: 2025

6. Jules Kounde (Barcelona)

Starting his career as a centre-back, Kounde’s minutes grew at the right back position ever since he joined FC Barcelona. He has made the position his own, giving defensive solidarity and also contributing to the attack occasionally. With Hansi Flick at the helm, Jules Kounde will be looking forward to taking his game to the next level.

He performs well in every competition, especially if the game is against Real Madrid. You’ll definitely see him put in a marvelous performance. Mental toughness helps him handle different roles. Hansi Flick trusts him completely at the right flank going forward.

Appearances	Aerial Duels Won (per 90)	Blocks (per 90)	Interceptions (per 90)
56	1.04	1.21	0.69

5. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)

A ball-winning midfielder by trade, Tchouameni has been playing in multiple roles and positions ever since he arrived at Real Madrid, showcasing his versatility. The young midfielder was the talk of the town when he was at Monaco, and Real Madrid dished out €80.00 + bonuses to acquire his services.

He has already won La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and will be looking forward to achieving more and more. His passing range is incredible, thanks to his insane vision to pick out teammates on the run. Physical battles don’t scare him. He has matured beyond his years under Carlo Ancelotti.

Appearances	Goals + Assists	Progressive Passes (per 90)	Progressive Carries (per 90)
55	2+1	5.15	0.64

4. Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)

The French full-back arrived at AC Milan during the summer window back in 2019 and has established himself as one of the star performers of the Rossoneri. Theo Hernandez has also asserted himself as one of the best full-backs in Serie A, if not in world soccer at the moment, combining his marauding and explosive attacking game with an ever-increasing defensive awareness that has made him the complete package in many ways.

His pace down the left flank is unstoppable; the France national team relies on his attacking threat. His crosses and long-range shots change games instantly. It’s hard for the defenders to stop him due to his quick pace, which makes him one of the best French football players.

Appearances	Aerial Duels Won (per 90)	Blocks (per 90)	Interceptions (per 90)
50	1.24	0.83	0.57

Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best English Players Right Now

3. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

One of the best attackers in the world of this century, Griezmann, has had a stellar career, albeit a blip at Barcelona. A legend for Atletico Madrid, he has been crucial to the club’s success. His international exploits are impressive, playing a pivotal role in reaching the 2016 Euro finals, winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Apart from his incredible attacking skills, his defensive work rate today is impressive, and his workhorse ability makes him so special. The only blemish in his career so far is not having a single league title, which can change considering how impressive Atletico Madrid have been this season.

Appearances	Expected Goals (xG)	Goals	Assists
56	0.27	17	9

2. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

An ambipedal menace, Ousmane Dembele was one of the most exciting talents to come out of France. His rapid speed and dribbling skills caught the eye of many and Barcelona bought him for a record €135m fee.

While he was unable to display what he is capable of on a consistent basis, primarily because of recurring injuries, he has rejuvenated his career again in his home country, playing for French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Still 28, Dembele has a long career to look forward to.

Appearances	Expected Goals (xG)	Goals	Assists
50	0.86	33	13

1. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

An icon for the current era, Kylian Mbappe is not just the best player for France, but also has a case for the best player in the world currently. He has been lighting up the world ever since he was a teenager, irrespective of the gravity of the tournament, evident in the 2018 World Cup final, when he became the second teenager ever to score in a World Cup final since Pele himself.

He backed it up again with a hat-trick in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, establishing himself as this generation’s superstar. After finally achieving his dream of joining Real Madrid, Mbappe is now all set to become an icon of this sport.

Appearances	Expected Goals (xG)	Goals	Assists
56	0.80	43	5

Also Read: Top 10 Best American Soccer Players Currently- Ranked

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