Lilian Thuram vs N'Golo Kanté
Both France. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Lilian Thuram
France · 1994–2008 · RB
- Rank in France
- #6 of 33
- Caps · France
- 142 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- AS Monaco, Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 1998
A formidable and versatile defender, he anchored France's World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 victories before marshalling the defence for Juventus, Parma, and Barcelona. Career record: 142 caps and 2 goals for France; club career at AS Monaco, Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus; honours include FIFA World Cup 1998.
N'Golo Kanté
France · 2016– · CDM
- Rank in France
- #10 of 33
- Caps · France
- 69 (as of 4 October 2026) · 2 (as of 4 October 2026) goals
- Clubs
- Stade Malherbe Caen, Chelsea, Al Ittihad
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 2018
In Porto on 29 May 2021 he covered the whole width of Manchester City's midfield, winning the ball again and again, and left the pitch as man of the match in Chelsea's Champions League final. Career record: 69 (as of 4 October 2026) caps and 2 (as of 4 October 2026) goals for France; club career at Stade Malherbe Caen, Chelsea, Al Ittihad; honours include FIFA World Cup 2018.
The careers, side by side
Lilian Thuram is editorial rank 6 and N'Golo Kanté rank 10 in France's collection. Read the careers and make your own choice.
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