France is one of the world’s great producers of football talent. Its national teams have won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018, and many of their stars began in French youth systems.
Clairefontaine
The national football academy at Clairefontaine trains some of the country’s best young players and has been described as a model for other nations.
Lyon and Monaco
Olympique Lyonnais has a well-known academy, and the club won seven consecutive league titles between 2001-02 and 2007-08. AS Monaco has produced or developed many stars, including Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé.
A springboard to the top
Because Ligue 1 clubs give young players a chance, the league is often called a springboard for talent that later joins Europe’s biggest teams.