Ranking: The top 15 greatest players in the history of Ligue 1

Ranking the top 15 greatest players in the history of Ligue 1 is a challenging task, as the league has seen an array of exceptional talents over the years. Ligue 1, also known as Ligue 1 Uber Eats due to sponsorship reasons, is the top-tier professional football league in France. It has been a breeding ground for some of the world’s finest footballers. In this comprehensive list, we will delve into the careers and achievements of the 15 greatest players in the history of Ligue 1, considering their impact on the league, their clubs, and the sport as a whole.

1. Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the history of football and tops our list of the greatest Ligue 1 players. The Frenchman enjoyed a prolific spell with AS Monaco and later with Arsenal in the English Premier League. In Ligue 1, Henry played for AS Monaco from 1994 to 1999, scoring 28 goals in 141 appearances. His speed, technique, and finishing ability made him a sensation.

Achievements:

Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year: 1996-97
Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 1996-97
PFA Players’ Player of the Year: 2002-03, 2003-04
Golden Boot (Premier League): 2001-02, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06

2. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane, often referred to as “Zizou,” is an iconic figure in football history. While he spent a significant portion of his career outside Ligue 1, his impact on the league and French football is undeniable. Zidane played for AS Cannes and Girondins de Bordeaux before moving to Juventus.

Achievements:

Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 1993-94
FIFA World Cup Winner with France: 1998
UEFA European Championship Winner with France: 2000

3. George Weah

George Weah, hailing from Liberia, had a remarkable stint in Ligue 1 with AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain. His blend of physicality and skill made him a standout striker.

Achievements:

FIFA World Player of the Year: 1995
Ballon d’Or: 1995
Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 1994-95
Serie A Winner with AC Milan: 1995-96

4. Michel Platini

Michel Platini was a midfield maestro who played for AS Nancy, AS Saint-Étienne, and Juventus during his illustrious career. While he spent most of his prime in Serie A, his impact on Ligue 1 is unquestionable.

Achievements:

Ballon d’Or: 1983, 1984, 1985
Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 1976-77, 1978-79, 1979-80
UEFA European Championship Winner with France: 1984

5. Raymond Kopa

Raymond Kopa was a trailblazer in French football, known for his time with Stade de Reims and later with Real Madrid. He was one of the first French players to make a significant impact abroad.

Achievements:

Ballon d’Or: 1958
Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 1952-53, 1955-56
FIFA World Cup Winner with France: 1958

6. Just Fontaine

Just Fontaine’s career with Stade de Reims and the French national team was defined by his incredible goal-scoring prowess. He remains one of the most prolific strikers in football history.

Achievements:

FIFA World Cup Golden Boot: 1958 (13 goals in one tournament, a record that still stands)
Ligue 1 Winner with Stade de Reims: 1957-58

7. Neymar Jr.

Neymar Jr. made a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017, becoming the world’s most expensive player at the time. His time in Ligue 1 has been marked by dazzling skills and crucial contributions.

Achievements:

Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2017-18, 2019-20
Ligue 1 Winner with PSG: Multiple seasons
Copa Libertadores Winner with Santos FC: 2011

8. Edinson Cavani

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani had a prolific spell with Paris Saint-Germain, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer. His work rate and finishing ability endeared him to fans.

Achievements:

Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2016-17
Ligue 1 Winner with PSG: Multiple seasons
Copa America Winner with Uruguay: 2011

9. Jean-Pierre Papin

Jean-Pierre Papin, a prolific striker, played for several Ligue 1 clubs, most notably Olympique de Marseille. His scoring exploits and leadership on the pitch made him a standout player.

Achievements:

Ballon d’Or: 1991
Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91
UEFA European Championship Winner with France: 1984

10. Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona, known for his enigmatic personality and skill on the pitch, had a successful stint with AS Nancy, Olympique de Marseille, and most notably, Manchester United. His time in Ligue 1 helped him develop into a global football icon.

Achievements:

Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 1993-94
Premier League Winner with Manchester United: Multiple seasons
PFA Players’ Player of the Year: 1993-94, 1995-96

11. Youri Djorkaeff

Youri Djorkaeff, a versatile midfielder, enjoyed a successful career in Ligue 1 with clubs like AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, and AS Saint-Étienne. He was known for his creativity and ability to score crucial goals.

Achievements:

Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 1993-94
FIFA World Cup Winner with France: 1998
UEFA European Championship Winner with France: 2000

12. Hugo Lloris

Hugo Lloris, a world-class goalkeeper, has been a pillar of consistency for both Olympique Lyonnais and Tottenham Hotspur. His shot-stopping abilities and leadership have earned him a place among the greats.

Achievements:

Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year: Multiple seasons
FIFA World Cup Winner with France: 2018

13. Ludovic Giuly

Ludovic Giuly was a dynamic winger who had successful spells with AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain. His pace and ability to provide crucial assists made him a fan favorite.

Achievements:

Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2003-04
UEFA Champions League Winner with FC Barcelona: 2005-06
Ligue 1 Winner with Paris Saint-Germain: 2003-04

14. Didier Deschamps

Didier Deschamps was a midfield general who had a distinguished career with Nantes, Olympique de Marseille, Juventus, and Chelsea. He was known for his leadership qualities and ability to control the game from midfield.

Achievements:

FIFA World Cup Winner with France: 1998
UEFA European Championship Winner with France: 2000
Ligue 1 Winner with Olympique de Marseille: 1989-90, 1990-91

15. Juninho Pernambucano

Juninho Pernambucano was a free-kick specialist who spent the majority of his career with Olympique Lyonnais. His ability to score from set-pieces and contribute with his passing made him a standout midfielder.

Achievements:

Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2005-06
Ligue 1 Winner with Olympique Lyonnais: Multiple seasons
FIFA Club World Cup Winner with Al-Gharafa: 2010

These 15 players have left an indelible mark on Ligue 1 and the world of football. Their contributions, both individually and collectively, have shaped the league’s history and enriched the beautiful game. While it’s challenging to rank them definitively, their achievements and impact on the sport are a testament to their greatness. Ligue 1 will always be remembered as the stage where these football legends showcased their extraordinary talents.