France has had some spectacular troops over the years, but no doubt no one has been as special as the one who took over the world between 1998 and 2000.
Not even a change of boss after driving to the World Cup at home managed to kill their speed, as Roger Lemerre seamlessly managed Aime Jaquet and led a star-studded side in honor of the golden goal in Rotterdam.
Here, 90 minutes have looked back at the wonderful team and checked in to see how they went in the following years.
Fabien Barthez was France’s first choice / Graham Chadwick / Getty Images
Bernard Lama – Aged 37 when Euro 2000 came and made their last cap against the Netherlands in their last group game. Has recently handled Kenya.
Fabien Barthez – The euro won Barthez a move to Manchester United and he continued with a great career at Old Trafford. Retired in 2007 and pursued a motorsport career and now competes in a Ferrari when he is not training for the French national team.
Ulrich Rame The famous Bordeaux goalkeeper only managed 12 international matches during his esteemed 22-year career. Retired in 2011 and returned to deal with Bordeaux for a spell in 2016.
Lilian Thuram receives Jesper Gronkjaer / Phil Cole / Getty Images
Vincent Candela – Candela’s versatility and adaptability made him an important part of Lemerre’s squad, even though he was never a guaranteed start on any of the slopes. Usually seen on punditry customs in France today and running a wine business in his spare time.
Bixente Lizarazu – A champion of whatever he did – whether it was winning titles with France, Bayern Munich or in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after hanging up his boots.
Laurent Blanc – A reliable defender for France, Blanc was 34 at this time and bowed out after the tournament. Managed his country between 2010-12 before taking over at PSG and now trains in Qatar.
Marcel Desailly Commonly known as one of the best defenders ever, Desailly has left football after his retirement in 2006, but still makes the odd punditry when his country is in action.
Lilian Thuram – Many people began to feel very old when Thuram’s son Marcus was named a French troupe for Euro 2020. His old man is now a pronounced political activist who fights against racism and for same-sex marriage among other reasons.
Frank Leboeuf Leboeuf began an acting career long before giving up football and starring in the German war film Taking Sides while starring in Chelsea in 2001. He can be seen in various films today, including Stephen Hawking’s biopic The Theory of Everything.
Zinedine Zidane fire at Euro 2000 / Phil Cole / Getty Images
Patrick Vieira – One of the best midfielders of his generation, the Arsenal legend has taken the lead with mixed success and seems set to take the reins at Crystal Palace.
Youri Djorkaeff – He may be overshadowed by some of the big names in midfield, but game maker Djorkaeff was a sensational player for his country. Now an ordinary expert on French TV and does a lot of charity work in his spare time.
Didier Deschamps – Will be remembered as a French legend in good faith even after monitoring France’s latest Euro exit from Switzerland. He won the World Cup both as captain and head of his country.
Zinedine Zidane – Won the Golden Ball at Euro 2000 for his sublime performances when he took France all the way, and is now by far the favorite to succeed Deschamps as manager, whenever it is.
Robert Pires – Assisted the famous David Trezeguet for the golden goal in the final, and is now working with UEFA together with various charity projects.
Johan Micoud – Known for his efficiency with set pieces, Micoud did not play too often for France but was a popular figure among his teammates. Keeps a low profile nowadays but works a bit with L’Equipe, and is still seen when he participates in Bordeaux matches over and over again.
Emmanuel Petit – Likes the odd conspiracy theory, but Petit is an ambassador for the homeless World Cup when he does not appear on ITV.
Christian Karembeu – A quiet important gear on the French side both 1998 and Euro 2000. A busy guy off the field who works with BT Sport, Olympiacos and La Liga in various roles.
Thierry Henry on the accusation against Italy / Graham Chadwick / Getty Images
Nicolas Anelka – A great career saw Anelka play for five different clubs in the Premier League (continue, name them) and has gone into coaching since he hung up his boots. Works part of the Lille Academy and is sports director for the fourth level Hyeres.
Thierry Henry – The managerial career did not go according to plan for Henry, but he is a respected coach together with Roberto Martinez in Belgium and is a famous face on British television – namely to touch Jamie Carragher’s legs after Brendan Rodgers was fired as Liverpool manager.
Sylvain Wiltord – Fired in a famous equalizer to take the final with Italy to extra time in what was just his 19th international hat. Did not look back from there. He is seen on French TV from time to time but is generally a bit of a ghost today.
David Trezeguet – His throbbing strike won the euro for France and for that he retains a place in French football folklore. Managed 34 goals in 71 internationals and retired only in 2014, 36 years.
Christophe Dugarry – Dugarry was the original selfless goalkeeper and received plenty of recognition for his France career even though he only did eight times. He was one of the main commentators on Canal + for almost a decade.
