# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published May 26, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-defender-in-france-national-team-history*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

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.

Tags: europe, sports, portrait, football, france, world cup