Throughout Euro 2024, 20 Minutes will offer you new statistics on the competition via articles and videos with our partner Sofascore. Episode 1 with a focus on Michel Platini and Zinédine Zidane, two players who actively contributed to the two titles won by the Blues in the competition.
It is a symbolic anniversary date, one which forever marks the entry of French football into the restricted circle of the great nations in the history of this game, those who win the major trophies.
40 years ago, the French team wrote the first line of its record by winning the Euro in 1984. It was at home, after an admirable run of five victories in as many matches, and especially with 14 goals scored, nine of which were signed by a man: Michel Platini. This is a record at the top, still inaccessible to any player despite the increase in the number of tournament matches over the years.
Beyond the goals, Platoche’s stat sheet provides eloquent information on his indispensable role in winning this first title for the Blues: minutes played, zone of activity on the field, key passes… number 10 was the ramp launch which propelled France to the roof of Europe.
Zidane, the worthy heir in 2000
16 years after this triumph, the French team, which had won its very first world champion title two years earlier, offered itself a second star on the continent during Euro 2000, co-organized by Belgium and the Netherlands. Here again, the individual qualities of a man, Zinédine Zidane, have enhanced a collective with remarkable talent and state of mind.
The journey to the coronation commands respect. A serious first round despite the defeat against the Dutch host. Spain is knocked out in the quarter (2-1), Portugal crucified in the semi (2-1) with a golden goal from Zizou in overtime, and above all, the pinnacle of the pinnacle, Italy, overthrown in the final , by the golden goal of David Trezeguet (103rd), after the equalizer in extremis by Sylvain Wiltord at the end of regulation time. Quite simply the best scenario in the history of the France team.
Shining in the midfield with his delicious dribbling, his silky touch on the ball and his ability to set the tempo, Zidane was logically voted the best player in the competition. A fair reward as evidenced by his stats throughout the tournament.
Mbappé, the successor in 2024?
Since this stunning scenario against the Italians, which rocked an entire people with happiness, like the Russian World Cup six years ago, we must however recognize that the Blues are having difficulty reestablishing themselves at the top of the continent. That’s exactly 24 years of famine this year. Almost an anomaly, which urgently needs to be repaired this summer.
And who other than Kylian Mbappé, captain and number 1 lethal weapon of the Blues, to carry this ambition? “I won the World Cup. I won the Nations League. It’s the only one I miss with the national team after having done everything,” recently launched the former Parisian, revenge for the painful episode of 2021 and above all eager to take France to the roof of Europe. As did Platini and Zidane before him.
