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Three World Cup final appearances with world-class kits to match

Paris is the world’s fashion capital, and that influence has clearly helped shape the country’s football team. Over the decades – from historic victories to ignominious exits – France has sported some of the best-ever World Cup kits. The run of great designs even extends to the nation’s early 1990s exile from the tournament, when it released great kit after great kit while failing to qualify for the World Cup.

As the team prepares for their second consecutive World Cup final, we’ve compiled France’s 10 best-ever World Cup kits.

Looking for a classic France shirt of your own?We independently choose all products featured on our site. We may earn a commission when you purchase something through the links provided.

The number of stores dedicated to selling the best vintage football kits, including match-worn shirts, has grown over the years. There is no shortage of treasures you can find on these sites, so here are the best to help you find your next retro gem:

Classic Football Shirts Cult KitseBayFFF StoreSports DirectVintage Football ShirtsWith that in mind, here are the 10 best World Cup shirts France have ever worn.Getty Images102018 Home

In many ways, the 2018 Home shirt was nothing special. The light blue soundwaves on each sleeve were the only real adornment for an otherwise simple dark blue shirt.

Put a number 10 on the back, though, and it becomes something else. Then it brings the memories of 19-year-old Kylian Mbappé driving France to victory, scoring the goals that knocked out Argentina before putting the icing on the cake with France’s last goal as they won their second-ever World Cup. Not bad for a teenager.

AdvertisementGetty Images / GOAL92022 Away

The 2022 World Cup is, so far, going pretty well for France. As well as making it to the final again, they’ve also done well in the kit stakes.

For this year’s away shirt, the nation combines its traditional change colours – white with a blue trim – with an intricate pattern inspired by Toile de Jouy prints and celebrating a whole range of French landmarks.

So far, it hasn’t got a look in at the tournament, and it almost definitely won’t in the final, but it's a banger nonetheless.

Getty Images82014 Away

For another take on the otherwise traditional away shirt, France combined the white and blue shirt with subtle horizontal stripes. The extra detail of the shirt came through the unconventional collar, with a three-button fastening combined with a crew neck.

The air of formality for the kit was only heightened by France’s new stripped-back crest, which was worn for the first time at the Brazil tournament.

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Getty Images72006 Away

There is no beating around the bush. France’s 2006 away shirt will always be associated with one iconic moment in World Cup history: the Zidane headbutt.

Much like the ending of Zidane’s career, it’s unfair for this shirt to get lost in his moment of madness because it’s one of France’s best.

The white base is combined with a red and blue trim, while the standout feature is the gradient that runs across the chest, turning from light blue to bright red.

Chris Rogers is set to be clear to play in the third Test of the Investec Ashes series in Birmingham after scans cleared him of serious damage following his retired hurt on the final morning of the Lord’s Test

Daniel Brettig in London20-Jul-2015Chris Rogers is set to be clear to play in the third Test of the Investec Ashes series in Birmingham after scans cleared him of serious damage following his retired hurt on the final morning of the Lord’s Test.On day two of the Test, Rogers was struck on the helmet near the right ear by James Anderson, and two days later had to leave the field as he complained of dizziness while standing at the non-striker’s end.There was considerable concern for Rogers due to a recent history of concussion – he missed both Tests of the West Indies tour after being struck on the helmet by the Dominican net bowler Anderson Burton – and the team doctor Peter Brukner sought independent medical advice in London the day after Australia’s 405-run victory at Lord’s.Rogers did not take the field after his dizzy spell but stayed with the team for their celebrations in the dressing rooms, after levelling the Ashes series at 1-1. Brukner said the signs of Rogers’ progress were promising.”Chris’s condition is certainly improving. He has had scans and seen a specialist since yesterday to help determine the cause of his dizziness,” he said. “The initial scans have cleared him of any serious damage and we await the results of further tests.”It appears the most likely diagnosis is a delayed ear problem related to being struck on day two of the Test match. We are confident that this is something we can manage in the lead up to the third Test at Edgbaston.”As a precaution he’ll be reviewed by the specialist in London again on Wednesday morning before re-joining the touring party. Chris was not scheduled to play in the tour match against Derbyshire, so he has time to continue resting ahead of the Test match.”Having made his highest Test score of 173 and then 49 in the second innings at the time of his retired hurt, Rogers is a central plank of Australia’s batting order in this series, though he has flagged he will most likely retire from international cricket after the Ashes.”He’s important for a period of time,” the coach Darren Lehmann said. “I think he’s made it clear he’s not going to come on the next Ashes tour, although he’d probably like to, as a tour host. He knows these conditions so well, he loves England and he helps our batters out, that’s the most pleasing thing.”He helps our batters and bowlers about conditions here and for example Middlesex and Lord’s, all the angles you’ve got to play with the slope. He knows them so well, he’s a very important part of this tour.”

Roelof van der Merwe, who last tasted international cricket five years ago, is attempting to resurrect his career by making a switch to Netherlands

Firdose Moonda30-Jun-2015Roelof van der Merwe, who last tasted international cricket five years ago, is attempting to resurrect his career – but not with South Africa. The allrounder secured a Dutch passport on Monday and made himself available for Netherlands immediately. He was included in their squad to play against Nepal for a T20I the day after confirming his documentation but was not named in the starting XI on Tuesday.Van der Merwe could play a part in the World T20 Qualifiers in July and, should Netherlands make it through, in the tournament itself, which he has said is his ultimate aim.His new passport also means he can play county cricket as a local player, because of the European Union connection, and that he will end his career in South Africa. Van der Merwe spent nine seasons with the Titans franchise and was an integral part of their set-up, but decided to move on in the hopes of playing at the highest level again and prolonging his career.”It has been a privilege and an amazing journey to be part of the Titans family for the past eight years. My cricket journey will continue, but I have decided on a different path that could be beneficial to my long-term career and family life,” van der Merwe said in a statement issued by Titans.”His indomitable spirit and defiance has endeared Roelof to the Titans fans and to a wider South African audience,” Titans coach Rob Walter said. “He had a never-say-die-attitude and was extremely motivated to make a difference and to win matches.”Those qualities did not put van der Merwe was on the South African selectors’ radar recently but earned him a call-up at the turn of the decade. He played 13 ODIs and the same number of T20Is between 2009 and 2010 and was part of the 2010 World T20 squad.In the seasons that followed, van der Merwe made key contributions for Titans. He bowled them to the one-day cup final in the 2013-14 season, with 15 wickets in a 12-match campaign and was their leading run-scorer in last summer’s first-class competition with 774 runs at an average of 55.28.He remained part of South African A squads and often seemed on the fringes of a comeback, especially as South Africa searched for an allrounder, but was not reselected. Van der Merwe made use of his Dutch ancestry to open doors to play for Netherlands. He is not the first South African to go Dutch. Ryan ten Doeschate and Stephen Myburgh are among the other South Africans who have played for Netherlands.

Rafatullah Mohmand and Mohammad Rizwan stroked rapid half-centuries, helping Peshawar Panthers chase down 179 with six wickets in hand and one over to spare against Abbottabad Falcons in Faisalabad

ESPNcricinfo staff13-May-2015Rafatullah Mohmand and Mohammad Rizwan stroked rapid half-centuries, helping Peshawar Panthers chase down 179 with six wickets in hand and one over to spare against Abbottabad Falcons in Faisalabad. Panthers lost Israrullah for a duck in the third over of the chase, but by then Mohmand had already come out firing, hitting 18 runs off Ahmed Jamal’s first over. Mohmand added a further 70 runs for the second wicket with Iftikhar Ahmed, as he eventually blazed 78 off 34 balls with 10 fours and four sixes.At 102 for 1 inside 10 overs, Panthers were well on course, but Mohmand and Iftikhar fell in quick succession, opening the doors slightly for Falcons. However, Rizwan counterattacked and steered his team home, stroking an unbeaten 28-ball 51 with four fours and three sixes.Falcons, opting to bat, had earlier been buoyed by handy knocks from all their top-order batsmen to end with 178 for 4. Yasir Hameed (20) and Sajjad Ali (52) first added an opening stand of 66, setting up an ideal stand for Adnan Raees (45*) and Kamran Ghulam (32) to launch a late surge.Rawalpindi Rams comfortably defended 152 against Sialkot Stallions, who managed 127 for 9 in their chase to go down by 25 runs. Barring Ayaz Tasawwar, who made an unbeaten 64, no other Stallions batsman made more than 15. Mohammad Asghar (3 for 29) and Samiullah (2 for 9) had reduced Stallions to 86 for 9 by the end of the 16th over. The highest partnership of the innings was 41 for the last wicket between Tasawwar and Najaf Shah, the latter contributing nothing to the stand. Tasawwar faced 50 deliveries and struck five fours and four sixes.After Stallions had chosen to bowl, Bilawal Bhatti (4 for 27) and Usama Mir (3 for 21) struck regularly but could not prevent Rams from scoring 152, with Najaf conceding 43 in four overs. A third-wicket stand of 48 between Khurram Shehzad (32) and Zahid Mansoor (27) set up the innings before quick 20s down the order from Mohammad Nawaz and Jamal Anwar helped Rams recover from 112 for 6.

Everton boss Sean Dyche has revealed how he and his players reacted to being deducted 10 points by the Premier League.

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Everton handed strongest punishment in EPL historyDyche admits surprise at verdict Toffees looking to shock Man Utd on Sunday Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Toffees received the punishment after being found to have breached Profit and Sustainability Rules. The deduction leaves them in the relegation zone on four points heading into Sunday's meeting with Manchester United at Goodison Park.

AdvertisementWHAT SEAN DYCHE SAID ABOUT POINTS DEDUCTION

“Like everyone, well everyone in these parts, we’re shocked. With the wave of noise after that, it seems as though most people in football are shocked… the enormity of it, disproportionate is a word that’s been used by the club," Dyche said.

WHAT DYCHE SAID ABOUT HOW EVERTON WILL BE AFFECTED

Despite the bad news, Dyche insisted that his team's task has not shifted as a result. He added: "Obviously we’re going to feel a bit aggrieved by that. On the other hand it doesn’t change the focus. The focus since I got here has been sorting things out on the pitch. Getting the team to win, getting the team to feel different, the performances to be different and we were obviously on the right lines for that and delivering strong performances, I felt, and this has just given us a push backwards to then come forwards again. The job hasn’t changed for me. It’s just made it more difficult in the current circumstances until the appeal of course."

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Last week's bombshell points deduction news came as a shock, not only to the Toffees but rival clubs and supporters as well. The decision led to a Premier League shareholders meeting to discuss the verdict, while potential punishments for other sides may well have been on the agenda. Indeed, Manchester City have previously been charged for 115 alleged breaches of FFP regulations and, following the strict action taken against Everton, they may well be worried about what could be to follow for them.

New Zealand will be without Adam Milne for the rest of their World Cup campaign after the fast bowler suffered a heel injury in the quarter-final win over West Indies

Andrew McGlashan in Auckland22-Mar-20151:51

Conditions will determine Milne’s replacement – McCullum

Matt Henry faces the prospect of being parachuted from outside the New Zealand squad into the World Cup semi-final against South Africa after fellow fast bowler Adam Milne was ruled out of remainder of the tournament with a heel injury.Milne, 22, underwent an MRI scan on Sunday after experiencing discomfort in his left heel. Mike Hesson said the problem had been an issue for two weeks but was manageable until after the quarter-final against West Indies. The amount of swelling will not allow him to play in the final week of the tournament, with New Zealand hoping to secure a first World Cup semi-final win at the seventh attempt and progress to Melbourne.Henry joined up with New Zealand on Sunday when they arrived in Auckland, trained the day before the semi-final and was given ICC approval as a replacement late on Monday afternoon.He was considered unlucky to miss out on the original squad after impressing in New Zealand’s win over Pakistan in the UAE before Christmas. He has 21 wickets at 15.42 from eight ODI appearances and will provide competition for McClenaghan and Kyle Mills to replace Milne with the feeling growing on the eve of the semi-final that he was already the favourite.Brendon McCullum said the team “did not have to roll out the same game plan” they have used during the tournament but added it had served them well which hinted at Henry standing a good chance of being a like-for-like replacement for Milne.”We probably need to have another look at the wicket tomorrow, look at the overhead conditions, as well, and try and factor all those things in,” McCullum said. “But I think you’ve seen the way we’ve operated with Adam in that third seamer role has worked quite well for us coming in after our two opening bowlers swinging the ball; the role that he’s been able to play has been very good.”A factor in Henry’s favour is that he has been playing regular cricket, albeit the red-ball version, in the Plunket Shield while the reserves in the New Zealand have been left with endless net sessions to keep themselves sharp. Since featuring in two matches against Sri Lanka in January, when acting as cover for Mills, Henry has taken 20 wickets in five matches for Canterbury including six in the most recent outing against Central Districts in Nelson. However, his numbers in the one-day Ford Trophy are far less compelling: three wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 7.29.McClenaghan is the only player outside the first-choice XI to have appeared in the tournament, when he replaced Milne for the game against Bangladesh, but he had a poor outing as he conceded 68 runs off eight overs. Mills, meanwhile, does not provide the pace that came from Milne although the experience of 170 ODIs cannot be discounted in a World Cup semi-final.Despite the scenario having emerged of New Zealand needing to make a change for a knockout match, McCullum stood by the decision to make as few alterations as possible during the group stage even once the team had comfortably qualified.”I think seven from seven is a testament to the strategy that we’ve rolled out,” he said. “We’re very confident in every member of the squad that we have here, and if Matt gets brought into the squad officially, then we’re obviously confident in him, as well. We talked before the tournament, as well, about the guys that sat on the periphery of the squad and how they were unlucky to obviously miss out initially.”Matt is one of those guys who now if he does get brought in, then he has the opportunity to come out there and perform, and we’ll back him immensely, just as the guys who have been sitting on the sidelines.”Milne played in six out of New Zealand’s seven matches and although he only took five wickets, at a cost of 39.80, his extra pace provided a valuable contrast with the rest of the seam attack. The absence of his fielding should not be discounted, either, after he repeatedly showed his athleticism in the outfield during the tournament, especially with the catches he took against England and Afghanistan. McCullum confirmed Milne would remain with the squad during the semi-final.”Adam has been outstanding for us in that third seamer role throughout the tournament,” he said. “It’s really disappointing for Adam but he’ll remain part of the squad, which is good, because he’s a good team man, as well, good fellow to have around.”It is not the first time Milne’s body has let him down. At the start of the New Zealand season he was ruled out of the series against South Africa with an elbow injury which followed an abdominal muscle strain against India last year. Back in early 2013 he missed a one-day series in South Africa due to an Achilles problem.

Harry Kane could lose Thomas Muller at Bayern Munich as the veteran has been urged to leave, with Manchester United one potential destination.

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Muller advised to leave Bayern Struggling for minutes under Thomas TuchelTen Hag ready to bring him to Old TraffordWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2014 World Cup winner has slipped down the pecking order at Allianz Arena, particularly with the arrival of Kane. Moreover, competition from other players like Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has made it difficult for him to be a regular. This has prompted Lothar Matthaus, a World Cup-winning captain, to suggest Muller consider a move away from Germany which would see Kane lose one of his closest friends in the Bayern dressing room. Matthaus even touted the MLS as a potential destination for Muller where he could unite with former Uefa Champions League rival Lionel Messi.

AdvertisementWHAT MATTHAUS SAID ABOUT MULLER

Writing for Sky Germany, Matthaus said: "At Bayern Munich, he will no longer get the minutes he got two years ago. If he has the confidence to play from the start like he did two years ago, then he has to change clubs. You have to say that openly. Muller’s situation looks like a gradual decline.

"As far as Muller’s future at Bayern is concerned, the question is what Thomas wants. Is he content with only being a part-time worker or even not playing at all? Muller is rooted in Munich, but perhaps he can imagine a new life experience, for example in North America?"

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According toTen Hag is an admirer of Muller and would want him at his disposal at Old Trafford in 2024. The Dutch manager wanted to get him in the previous winter but could not thrash out a deal for the striker. However, this time the winds are in his favour as Muller's contract is expiring at the end of the season.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United are struggling for goals as Marcus Rashford has been just a shadow of his former self and Rasmus Hojlund is bizarrely yet to find the net in the Premier League after 651 minutes of action. The Red Devils had been linked with a move for Napoli's Victor Osimhen but their president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed that the striker is on the verge of extending that would see him stay in Naples beyond 2025. Hence Muller could be an option who could lift United, at least in the short term.

The Red Devils have broken the transfer record a number of times in the last three decades, but which players have been their best signings?

Getty Images1Eric Cantona – 1992 – £1.2 million from Leeds UnitedManchester United started the Premier League era with a couple of marquee signings, bringing in Dion Dublin from Cambridge United and Eric Cantona from Leeds United. Dublin was Alex Ferguson's second-choice in the transfer market, bringing him to Old Trafford after Alan Shearer moved from Southampton to Blackburn Rovers. He scored just two league goals for the Red Devils before leaving for Coventry City in 1994. On the other hand, Cantona was a revelation for the club, reaching double figures in the Premier League in four of his five seasons, picking up four league titles and two FA Cups along the way.AdvertisementGetty2Roy Keane – 1993 – £3.75m from Nottingham ForestRoy Keane became the most expensive player in English football when he joined United as a 21-year-old and was the face and heart of the team for the next 13 seasons. He played 480 times for the Red Devils winning seven league titles as well as the Champions League in 1999. The Republic of Ireland midfielder was the team's captain for their European success, but missed the final due to suspension after picking up a yellow card during a career-best performance against Juventus in the semi-final.Getty Images3Andy Cole – 1995 – £7m from NewcastleAndy Cole was an immediate success at Manchester United after signing in January 1995. The England attacker ended the season in double figures in the Premier League despite playing just 18 times in half-a-campaign. He went on to score 121 times in all competitions for the club, finishing with five league titles and a Champions League medal.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images4Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 1996 – £1.5m from MoldeOle Gunnar Solskjaer would go down in Manchester United history for one single moment, but scored almost 100 Premier League goals as he became the world's best 'super sub' under Alex Ferguson. He was signed by United after local rivals Manchester City were not willing to take a chance on him, and ended up coming off the bench to score the winner in the club's miraculous comeback in the 1999 Champions League final.

Joyraz Sheik’s century lit up the final day of the first Youth Test between Bangladesh Under-19s and Sri Lanka Under-19s that ended in a draw

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jan-2015
ScorecardFile photo – Joyraz Sheik’s 100 not out had 11 fours•WICBJoyraz Sheik’s century lit up the final day of the first Youth Test between Bangladesh Under-19s and Sri Lanka Under-19s that ended in a draw. The visitors led by 73 runs at the end of the third and final day in Dambulla.Opting to bat first, the home side were bowled out for 216 runs on the second morning. Salindu Ushan top-scored with 77 off 254 balls with nine fours, but the rest of the batsmen didn’t make much after getting set – four of them fell in the 20s.Left-arm spinner Nihaduzzaman took five wickets while offspinner Mehedy Hasan picked up three wickets.The visitors reached 78 for 2 at the end of a truncated second day, which was affected by rain. Shadman Islam started quickly off the blocks with his 69-ball 56 with 11 boundaries. Afterwards, Sheik added 66 runs for the fourth wicket with Hasan, who made 41.Sheik made 100 off 167 balls with 11 fours. For Sri Lanka, offspinner Nishan Peiris took four wickets while chinaman bowler Ravindu Tillakaratne took two wickets.

If the role of a county cricket club is to win trophies and produce players for England, Yorkshire are doing an excellent job

George Dobell at Trent Bridge12-Sep-2014
ScorecardYorkshire get into their victory huddle•PA PhotosIf the role of a county cricket club is to win trophies and produce players for England, Yorkshire are doing an excellent job.A club that was, in the words of its chairman, 48 hours from going out of business a few years ago has now lifted the 32nd County Championship title in its history. No club has as many.And they have done it while providing several players for England – five of this team have played Test cricket for England in the last 12 months – and while developing a production line of talent that will serve club and country for years to come.On the final day of this match, their hero was Ryan Sidebottom. He claimed four wickets for six runs in 7.2 overs to complete the 26th five-wicket haul of his first-class career and end Nottinghamshire’s resistance. Bowling a tight line and nipping the ball away off the seam, he produced beauties to account for both Chris Read and Luke Fletcher and, when James Taylor, left in a desperate position, slashed to cover, the match and the title were Yorkshire’s. Victory was wrapped up by 11.36am.”Pride” is a word that occurs often in conversations with those associated with Yorkshire. Pride in the club’s history, pride in the club’s values, pride in the club’s role. Cricket still matters in Yorkshire. And Yorkshire cricket matters most of all.That explains the spirit and unity which has seen this squad through the dark days. The spirit and unity that gave the team strength when they gained only one win in their first five Championship games of the season. The spirit and unity that saw them overcome the England withdrawals and the crushing defeat at Lord’s when an inspired Chris Rogers led Middlesex to a miraculous victory.The captain and coaches will, quite rightly, gain many of the plaudits for this victory. Certainly Yorkshire’s record since Jason Gillespie arrived is exceptional: the club have lost three Championship games in three years. The director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, has made some shrewd signings and remains largely responsible for the development of the batsmen, and Andrew Gale remains a calm and selfless leader.But the skills and spirit that have led to this title are generated long before players reach the first team. When you have coaches like Ian Dews, steeped in Yorkshire cricket, in the academy and others likes Richard Dawson and Kevin Sharp (now with Worcestershire) working below the first team, players graduate to the first-class game knowing what is expected of them and prepared technically and temperamentally.This, truly, was a victory not just for the team but for the entire club.It was telling that, of the 19 men who represented Yorkshire in the Championship this season, only five were not born or brought up in the county. Two of the team that lifted this trophy are the sons of former Yorkshire and England players. It brings a unity of purpose and understanding to the dressing room. It brings shared values and a sense of pride in representing this team that, on the tough days, just might make all the difference.Certainly, they were at their best when they were challenged. In these last few weeks, they have won five games out of six and four games in succession. When confronted by their closest rivals – Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire – they responded with innings victories. Such has been their dominance this season that five of their eight victories came by innings margins, another by nine wickets and two more by 220 runs or more. They have proved themselves, by a distance, the best side in the land.And there is more to come. In Alex Lees and Adam Lyth they have an opening pair who have contributed, on average, 76 runs per stand and both have realistic England aspirations. They have a legspinning allrounder in Adil Rashid who continues to press for international opportunities and, just below the surface, the likes of Matt Fisher, a young seamer who could not break into the side this season, but who has a wonderfully bright future. Throughout the club, from first team to academy to youth teams, talent is burgeoning.It was a shame, therefore, that their captain was not able to share in the moment of triumph. The exact nature of Gale’s misdemeanour remains, at the time of writing, unclear but it does seem odd that ECB, who have failed to make any specific comment or condemnation of the shameful booing of Moeen Ali at Edgbaston, appear so keen to flex their muscles here.But such a controversy should not overshadow Yorkshire’s success. Nothing should deflect the credit that the likes of Jack Brooks, who has taken 64 Championship wickets, or Lyth, who has scored 1,428 Championship runs, deserve. Nothing should deflect from that fact that, for the second year in succession, a club has won the Championship not through its expensive imports, but through its home-grown talent.Yorkshire have endured many setbacks over the years. They have suffered internal conflict, economic catastrophe and such bitter infighting. Until today, no club in the land had gone so long since they last won a trophy.But, on the pitch at least, they are delivering. Yorkshire cricket is strong again. And for that, all England should be grateful.