Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, and N’Golo Kanté occupy the top five spots in the 2025 ranking of the favorite footballers of the French, according to the latest IFOP survey. This ranking, marked by the stability of some names and the rise of others, reveals very contrasting personal and sporting trajectories.
The criteria for choice vary: achievements, behavior off the field, ability to unite, or social commitment. The annual changes reflect a strong attachment to certain figures, but also an attention to recent performances and the public image of the players.
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Who are the five favorite footballers of the French in 2025?
Kylian Mbappé takes the first place, far ahead of his competitors, according to the RTL/Odoxa survey. His journey, from Bondy to the biggest European pitches, commands admiration. Supporters of all ages fervently follow his exploits, whether it’s his decisive goals for the French national team, his years at Paris Saint-Germain, or his Madrid adventure now scrutinized as a new foundational episode. Mbappé embodies both the hope and pride of a generation, representing the fresh breath expected on the hexagonal football scene.
Zinedine Zidane comes right after. A towering figure in French football, Zidane remains in memories as the player who marked his era with decisive actions and mythical victories. The images of the 1998 World Cup final, that unforgettable double header, or his remarkable stints at Juventus and Real Madrid, have become common references, passed down as a legacy. Zidane is not just a name in statistics: he embodies a form of myth, an emotional anchor for the public.
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Michel Platini completes the top trio. A true hero of the 1980s, he evokes for many the first great epic of the Blues. His goal at Euro 1984, his high-flying seasons at Nancy, Saint-Étienne, and then Juventus, remain etched in collective memory. This loyalty to a golden era is reflected in the consistency of his support, especially among the older generation.
The next two spots go to two icons of world football: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi, with an impressive record of 672 goals at FC Barcelona and a world title with Argentina, captivates with his consistency and unique style. Ronaldo, for his part, remains inseparable from Real Madrid, with a goal ratio that defies understanding and remarkable longevity. Their influence far exceeds borders, and their names continue to inspire well beyond French supporters.
To view the complete ranking and compare the changes before and after on Science O Sport, visit the Top 5 most appreciated players by the French page.
Portraits and journeys: what distinguishes these football stars
Let’s dive into the journeys of these players to understand what fuels their popularity. Here are some key points for each star:
- Kylian Mbappé is the embodiment of ambitious and talented youth. Trained in the Paris suburbs, with early maturity and lightning speed, he has already won everything with the Blues and established himself as a decisive scorer in key moments.
- Zinedine Zidane remains the reference for playmakers, both an exceptional technician and a natural leader. His elegance on the ball, his flashes of brilliance in the 1998 final, and his stints at the biggest European clubs forge an image of a master thinker on the field.
- Michel Platini symbolizes the golden age of the 80s, the creative inspiration and sense of goal during Euro 1984, not to mention his remarkable seasons at Nancy, Saint-Étienne, and then Juventus.
- Lionel Messi shines with his extraordinary statistics, his XXL trophy cabinet, and his ability to create exploits, match after match, under the colors of FC Barcelona and then Argentina.
- Cristiano Ronaldo fascinates with his longevity, his extraordinary physique, and his constant quest for records, whether with Real Madrid or the Portuguese national team.
In this list, each player brings their uniqueness: Mbappé, the future being written in the present; Zidane, the legend; Platini, the living memory; Messi and Ronaldo, the rivalry that excites the football world.
Popularity, exploits, and evolution: why this ranking captivates the French this year
The fame of footballers is no longer solely based on their collection of trophies. The figures from the RTL/Odoxa survey reflect a profound shift in how players are perceived. Kylian Mbappé perfectly illustrates this shift: he embodies both sporting success and a social dimension, attracting well beyond football enthusiasts. He unites, inspires, and establishes himself as the face of a France looking forward.
Zinedine Zidane remains the reference point, the memory of a golden age when France touched the heights. His influence extends beyond the pitch: from his career as a player to that of a coach, he remains a source of admiration, from one generation to the next. Michel Platini, for his part, retains a special resonance with those who were thrilled during Euro 1984, a symbol of an era when everything seemed possible for French football.
The impact of social media and the globalization of sport also explain the presence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in this ranking. Their performances, records, and constant staging on digital platforms captivate a new audience. It is also observed that the fame of a Paul Pogba on Instagram or the loyalty of supporters towards Antoine Griezmann contribute to this transformation: football is now experienced as much on the pitch as on screens, with each exploit becoming a globally shared event.
As we can see, this ranking tells not only the story of victories or statistics. It paints a portrait of a society that, through its favorite players, seeks models, references, and sometimes a bit of hope. On the green rectangle or in the light of social networks, the heroes of football continue to inspire, divide, and above all, unite, season after season.