Top 10 Best French Football Players in 2026 – E2bdt

France has always been a powerhouse in world football. The nation has produced some of the most talented players in history, including Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, and Michel Platini. In 2026, France continues its dominance with a new generation of stars who shine in top European leagues and on the international stage. Names like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Antoine Griezmann are leading Les Bleus with their exceptional skills.

List 10 Best French Football Players in 2026

10. Bradley Barcola (PSG)

Bradley Barcola is one of the most promising young talents in French football. At 23 years old, Barcola has impressed fans and experts alike with his speed, dribbling, and finishing. He started his career at Olympique Lyon, coming through their youth academy, and made his senior debut in the UEFA Champions League in 2021.

In 2023, Barcola joined PSG, where he quickly became an important player under Luis Enrique. His contributions helped PSG achieve a treble in the 2024–25 season. Known for his flair, movement, and ability to score, Barcola is one of the most exciting names among the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Expected Goals	Goals	Assists
16	5.87	7	1

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9. Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)

Antoine Griezmann remains one of the most consistent French forwards. At 31, he has spent much of his career in Spain, playing for Real Sociedad, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid. At Atlético, he became a club legend with over 200 goals in 450 appearances.

Griezmann played a key role for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the Euro 2016 final. While he has not yet won a league title with his club, his vision, creativity, and ability to score important goals make him one of the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Expected Goals	Goals	Assists
205	9.9	60	60

8. Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

Marcus Thuram is a reliable and strong forward. The 28-year-old striker has impressed in Serie A with his goal-scoring, link-up play, and work rate. At Inter Milan, he has formed a strong partnership with Lautaro Martinez, making the team more dangerous in attack.

As the son of legendary defender Lilian Thuram, Marcus has developed into a complete forward. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively places him among the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Expected Goals	Goals	Assists
16	6.22	6	3

7. Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)

Aurélien Tchouaméni is one of the world’s top defensive midfielders. The 26-year-old excels at controlling the midfield with his vision, passing, and ability to break up attacks. At Real Madrid, he occasionally plays as a centre-back but mainly shines as a defensive midfielder.

Tchouaméni’s composure under pressure and control of the game are crucial for both club and country. His trophies include La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. He is a central figure for France, making him one of the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Goals + Assists	Progressive Passes (per 90)	Progressive Carries (per 90)
180	6	36.8	6.83

6. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)

Hugo Ekitike has made a major impact in the Premier League after moving from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old striker scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in the 2024–25 Bundesliga season, earning a move to Liverpool. At Anfield, he has maintained strong form, scoring 12 goals and assisting 3 in his first 30 matches.

Ekitike’s speed, dribbling, and ability to exploit spaces behind the defence make him a rising star in French football. He debuted for France in November 2025 and is expected to be a key figure for the national team, ranking among the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Expected Goals	Goals	Assists
20	4	8	2

5. Jules Koundé (Barcelona)

Jules Koundé is a versatile defender, excelling at both centre-back and right-back positions. The 26-year-old has been instrumental for Barcelona since joining from Sevilla in 2022. He has won six major domestic trophies, including two La Liga titles and three Spanish Super Cups.

Koundé is known for strong defensive skills, interceptions, and the ability to support attacks. His versatility places him among the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Aerial Duels Won (per 90)	Blocks (per 90)	Interceptions (per 90)
20	2.9	0.49	0.93

4. William Saliba (Arsenal)

William Saliba has emerged as a key defender for Arsenal. The 24-year-old centre-back is praised for his consistency, composure, and impact in big matches. After joining Arsenal in 2019 and spending time on loan, he became a regular starter in 2022.

Saliba formed a solid defensive partnership with Gabriel, helping Arsenal challenge for trophies. He is also a regular for France, securing a spot among the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Aerial Duels Won (per 90)	Blocks (per 90)	Interceptions (per 90)
19	4.3	0.23	0.47

3. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

Michael Olise is one of Europe’s best young wingers. The 22-year-old transferred to Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in 2024 and played a key role in their 2024–25 Bundesliga title. He was awarded Bundesliga Young Player of the Year in 2025.

Olise is known for speed, agility, and dribbling. In the 2025–26 season, he has scored 35 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions, making him one of the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Expected Goals	Goals	Assists
19	7.76	35	16

2. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

Ousmane Dembélé is one of the most talented French wingers of his generation. The 26-year-old has remarkable speed, dribbling, and finishing. He started at Borussia Dortmund before moving to Barcelona for €148 million.

After a mixed period in Spain, Dembélé transferred to PSG, enjoying a career-best season in 2025–26, winning a treble and earning the Ballon d’Or. Despite injuries, he remains one of the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Expected Goals	Goals	Assists
11	3.3	5	3

1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

Kylian Mbappé is widely regarded as the best French footballer of his generation. At 26, he is a global superstar, having won the 2018 World Cup with France.

Now at Real Madrid, Mbappé continues to excel as a centre-forward, scoring consistently for club and country. In the 2025–26 season, he has scored 21 goals and provided 4 assists in 20 appearances. His speed, finishing, and ability to perform in crucial matches place him firmly at the top of the best french football players in 2026.

Appearances	Expected Goals	Goals	Assists
20	18.3	21	4

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