France are just one of the 24 teams taking part at the Euros 2024 in Germany. The two-time Euros winners are one of the best teams in the world, so here’s some amazing facts to learn about Mbappé’s heroes!

1. Their first game was in 1904

The French men’s national team played their first official game away to neighbours Belgium in Uccle on May 1, 1904. It ended in a 3-3 draw.

2. Their badge is based on a Latin word play

To some people, the French badge is a chicken who loves football. But it has a double meaning. In Latin, gallus means ‘Gallic’ (French) and ‘rooster’. Clever!

3. The team play their home games at the Stade de France

The stadium is located in Paris and was made for the 1998 World Cup. It has a capacity of 81,338 and cost €364 million to build.

4. Their captain is Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé began his international career in 2017 and is regarded as one of the greatest players in the world. No surprise, then, that he’s been chosen to lead his country’s side in all major competitions. After spending 7 years at Paris Saint-Germain, he signed with Real Madrid in June 2024.

5. Their nickname is Les Bleus

The French national team play in blue shirts so it makes complete sense that they’re nicknamed the Blues!

6. The French women’s football team are brilliant too

The French women’s football team played their first official game in 1971 in a match against the Netherlands. They won 4-0! They’re currently ranked the second best women’s team according to FIFA and are currently captained by Wendie Renard.

7. France have many rivals

There’s quite a list when it comes to France’s rivalries. You’ve got Belgium, England, Italy, Germany, Spain and Portugal, who all relish an on-field encounter with Les Bleus.

8. Hugo Lloris is their most-capped player

The former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper has represented his country 145 times! His international career began in 2008 and played his last France game in 2022. He currently plays for Los Angeles FC.

9. Olivier Giroud is the team’s highest scorer

Giroud began his international career in 2011 and has scored 57 goals to date. He left AC Milan in 2024 and is now at Los Angeles FC with his former France teammate Hugo Lloris.

10. They’re placed 2nd in the FIFA World Rankings

As the team participated in the Euros 2024, they were ranked second only to Argentina in the FIFA world rankings. They’ve been first on several occasions are one of the most feared teams in the world!

11. Their biggest win was against Gibraltar

As part of their Euros 2024 qualifying games, France faced Gibraltar in Nice on November 18, 2023. The final score was 14-0!

12. Their biggest defeat was against Denmark

Their worst defeat happened in 1908 when they faced Denmark in London. The final score was 17-1, which is pretty shocking!

13. Their head coach is Didier Deschamps

France’s head coach Didier Deschamps made 103 appearances for the national side between 1989 and 2000, as well as representing Nantes, Marseille, Bordeaux, Juventus, Chelsea and Valencia. He was appointed head coach in 2012, after managerial stints at Monaco, Juventus and Marseille.

14. Their fastest ever Euros goal was just 4 minutes

At the Euros in 1984, France were the host nation. And in their match against Belgium on June 16, Michel Platini hit the net in just 4 minutes. He went on to score a hat trick in a 5-0 win at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

15. They’ve won the World Cup twice

The two stars on the men’s national team crest represent their two World Cup victories. Over their 16 appearances in the tournament, they first lifted the trophy on home soil in 1998, and again 20 years later in Russia.