The debate over who holds the title of the greatest French footballer of all time has resurfaced, fueled by the remarkable consistency of Kylian Mbappe. Despite already claiming a World Cup title and maintaining an impressive scoring record at both club and international levels, his place in French football history remains a point of contention.
This discussion came to the forefront during an exclusive interview with GOAL featuring 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf. Leboeuf suggested that, while Mbappe’s achievements are extraordinary, they are not yet enough to place him alongside the legends of Les Bleus.
Mbappe’s Achievements Are Impressive… But Context Matters
Mbappe first captured the world’s attention as a teenager when he helped France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He returned to the global stage in 2022, reaching the final once again and making history with a hat-trick, although France ultimately fell to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a penalty shootout.
At club level, Mbappe has become Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time top scorer with 235 goals. Internationally, he is closing in on Olivier Giroud’s French national team goal record, trailing by just two goals. Since joining Real Madrid in 2024, Mbappe has continued to perform at a high individual standard, consistently finding the back of the net and influencing matches.
However, according to Leboeuf, these impressive numbers alone do not automatically place Mbappe among the all-time French greats. There are nuances beyond statistics, including the broader context of his career and the qualities that define a true legend.
Why Mbappe Can’t Be Directly Compared to Zidane
Leboeuf was firm in rejecting the notion that Mbappe could one day surpass Zinedine Zidane. He highlighted that differences in eras, playing styles, and personal character make direct comparisons challenging.
“Absolutely not. He cannot be compared. It’s difficult to compare careers that took place in completely different contexts,” Leboeuf explained. “What made Zizou exceptional wasn’t just his skill on the pitch. Even with the controversy in 2006, people loved him for who he was.”
Leboeuf further noted that off-field factors shape public perception. “Mbappe has had some controversies in his personal life that have drawn criticism from certain parts of France. That also affects how he is viewed historically.”
“Given all of this, he will never reach Zidane’s level in the public eye. And perhaps no one ever will,” he added.
Beyond Goals: The Demands of True Greatness
While critical, Leboeuf acknowledged Mbappe’s immense talent and intelligence. “He’s an incredible player, truly exceptional and very smart. I’m proud of his development,” he said. “But he still needs to push himself further on the field to make me think, ‘Wow, this is a phenomenal player.’”
Leboeuf also highlighted areas where he believes Mbappe could improve. “He’s an excellent finisher. Real Madrid are fortunate to have him this season, scoring in almost every match. But I want to see more — for example, when he loses the ball, I’d like him to chase back a bit and show he’s willing to help his teammates.”
This perspective underscores the idea that becoming a legend is about more than just scoring goals or winning trophies; it’s also about leadership, consistency, and influence both on and off the pitch.
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