The debate over who deserves to be considered the greatest French footballer of all time has resurfaced amid the remarkable consistency of Kylian Mbappé. Despite already lifting the World Cup and maintaining elite-level performances for both club and country, Mbappé’s standing within the pantheon of French football history remains a topic of intense discussion.
That conversation has been reignited following comments from former World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf, who believes Mbappé’s achievements, impressive as they are, still fall short of placing him alongside the greatest legends of France national football team.
At the center of this debate stands Zinedine Zidane, a figure widely regarded as the ultimate reference point in French football history.
Mbappé’s Major Achievements, Yet Still Not Enough
There is no denying the scale of Mbappé’s accomplishments. He won the World Cup in 2018 at just 19 years old, instantly announcing himself as one of the brightest talents the sport had ever seen. Four years later, he delivered one of the most iconic individual performances in World Cup history, scoring a hat-trick in the 2022 final. Despite that historic feat, France ultimately lost on penalties to Lionel Messi and Argentina.
At club level, Mbappé’s numbers are equally staggering. He became the all-time leading scorer for Paris Saint-Germain with 235 goals, a record that underlined his dominance during his time in Ligue 1. Internationally, he now sits just two goals behind Olivier Giroud in the race to become France’s all-time top scorer.
Following his high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2024, Mbappé has continued to meet elite individual standards. Goals, assists, and decisive moments have remained a regular feature of his game. Yet, according to Leboeuf, statistics alone are not enough to define true greatness in French football.
“Mbappé Cannot Be Compared to Zidane”
Leboeuf has been firm in his stance that Mbappé should not yet be compared to Zidane, rejecting the notion that the current generation’s superstar is on the same historical level as the former midfield maestro.
“Clearly not. He cannot be compared,” Leboeuf said in an interview. “It is difficult to compare different careers and different eras.”
For Leboeuf, Zidane’s legacy goes far beyond trophies or individual brilliance. Zidane’s influence on the pitch, his elegance, and his ability to control the biggest matches have cemented his status as a cultural icon in France.
“What Zizou was able to do, beyond being a great player, was the way he carried himself,” Leboeuf added. “Even with the mistake in 2006, people still loved him.”
Image, Legacy, and Public Perception
Leboeuf also pointed to factors outside football that shape how players are remembered. According to him, Mbappé’s public image has not always worked in his favor.
“Kylian Mbappé has had some controversies in his private life that have upset part of the French public,” Leboeuf explained. “Because of that, he will never reach Zidane’s position—and maybe no one ever will.”
Zidane’s relationship with the French public has remained almost sacred. Despite the infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final, he is still revered as a national hero. Leboeuf believes that level of universal admiration is extremely difficult to replicate in the modern era.
More Than Goals Are Required
While Leboeuf has been critical, he has also been careful to praise Mbappé’s undeniable talent. He described the Real Madrid forward as an intelligent and exceptional footballer and expressed pride in his development.
“He is a great player. A really great player and a smart person. I am very proud of him,” Leboeuf said.
However, the former Chelsea defender insists that Mbappé still needs to show more on the pitch if he is to be spoken about in the same breath as Zidane.
“He is an incredible finisher. Real Madrid are very lucky to have him this season, scoring almost every game,” Leboeuf continued. “But I still want to see a bit more—when the ball is lost, for example, to chase back a little and show that he wants to help his teammates.”
A Different Kind of Greatness
Leboeuf’s comments underline a broader point about how greatness is defined. Zidane was not measured solely by goals or assists but by control, leadership, and his ability to elevate those around him in decisive moments.
Mbappé, by contrast, represents a different type of footballing excellence—explosive, direct, and ruthlessly efficient. While that makes him one of the most feared attackers of his generation, it does not automatically place him at the summit of French football history.
A Legacy Still Being Written
At just 26 years old, Mbappé still has time on his side. More trophies, leadership moments, and defining performances could yet reshape the narrative surrounding his legacy.
For now, however, voices like Frank Leboeuf’s serve as a reminder that in France, Zinedine Zidane remains untouchable. Mbappé’s greatness is unquestionable—but matching Zidane’s status requires more than goals, records, or even World Cup medals. It demands an enduring connection with the game, the team, and the nation itself.
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