France’s elite group of footballers who have scored 50 or more goals for the national team is a testament to the country’s rich footballing heritage. Leading this prestigious list is Olivier Giroud, the all-time top scorer with 57 goals, followed closely by Thierry Henry with 51 goals. Recently, Kylian Mbappé joined this exclusive club by reaching the 50-goal milestone during the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 third-place match against Germany,
As of June 8, 2025, only three players have reached 50 or more goals for the France national football team:
- Olivier Giroud: Olivier Giroud has etched his name in football history by becoming France’s all-time leading goalscorer, netting a remarkable 57 goals in 137 appearances for the national team between 2011 and 2024. Surpassing the legendary Thierry Henry’s long-standing record of 51 goals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Giroud’s achievement is particularly notable given his unique journey—he did not make his international debut until age 25 and was often seen as an underrated or unconventional striker. Celebrated for his aerial prowess—scoring 16 headed goals, more than any other French player in the past 50 years—and his selfless play, Giroud’s legacy is not just about the number of goals but also his influence on the team’s success and his ability to deliver when it mattered most.
- Thierry Henry: Thierry Henry made a unique mark in football history by scoring 51 goals for the France national team, a record he held as the country’s all-time top scorer until Olivier Giroud surpassed it in 2022. Over a 13-year international career spanning 123 appearances, Henry’s goal-scoring prowess was unmatched for many years, highlighted by his debut goal at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and breaking Michel Platini’s previous record in 2007. Despite never scoring an international hat-trick, Henry scored twice in a match on seven occasions and was particularly prolific at home, netting 31 of his 51 goals in France, including 20 at the Stade de France. Henry retired from international football in 2010, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prolific goal scorers in French football history.
- Kylian Mbappe: Kylian Mbappé has reached a remarkable milestone by scoring his 50th goal for the French national team during the UEFA Nations League third-place match against Germany. This goal not only marked his 50th international goal in his 90th appearance for France but also underscored his exceptional talent and crucial role in the team’s success. Despite Germany dominating much of the first half, Mbappé’s decisive strike, assisted by Aurélien Tchouaméni, secured the lead for France, showcasing his clutch performance ability. At just 26 years old, Mbappé is the fourth youngest European player to reach this milestone, and he is only seven goals shy of becoming France’s all-time top scorer. His achievement highlights his status as one of the greatest forwards in international football history.
Also Read: Top 10 greatest French players ever played in Premier League
These prolific forwards have set the standard for Les Bleus, inspiring future generations with their consistency and impact on the international stage.
