Who is the best defender in France national team history?

From the resolute Laurent Blanc to the marauding Lilian Thuram, French defenders have been world-class across generations. Who is the greatest defender in Les Bleus' history?

1

Raphaël Varane

Real Madrid's world-class center back and key figure in France's 2018 World Cup victory.

2

Bixente Lizarazu

Athletic left back and crucial member of France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 double-winning squad.

3

Marius Trésor

Guadeloupe-born center back who starred for France at the 1982 World Cup and was one of the best of his era.

4

William Gallas

Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham center back who earned over 70 caps for France between 2002 and 2010.

5

Éric Abidal

Barcelona's left back who overcame a liver transplant to continue playing, winning 67 caps for France.

6

Maxime Bossis

Influential right back and midfielder who was a key figure in France's golden generation of the 1980s.

7

Benjamin Pavard

Scored a stunning volley in the 2018 World Cup and became a reliable right back for France.

8

Dayot Upamecano

Bayern Munich's powerful center back who has established himself as a cornerstone of France's current defense.