France's 2018 World Cup Winning Team: Where Are They Now?

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was a tournament to remember, and for French football fans, it was the culmination of years of hope and rebuilding. France's victory in the final against Croatia secured their second World Cup title, etching the names of the players in that squad into the nation’s sporting folklore. But what has happened to the celebrated starting eleven since that momentous day in Moscow? Let's delve into the journey of each player from that iconic lineup and explore where their careers have taken them.

Hugo Lloris (Goalkeeper)

As the captain of the team, Hugo Lloris was a reassuring presence between the posts throughout the tournament. His experience and leadership were crucial to France's success. He was already a well-established goalkeeper with Tottenham Hotspur at the time, and he continued to be their first-choice keeper for many years. Lloris has consistently delivered outstanding performances in the Premier League, and his shot-stopping ability remains top-notch. In the years following the World Cup win, Lloris continued to lead both club and country with distinction, achieving milestones such as becoming France's most capped player. However, after a long and illustrious career, he eventually moved on from Tottenham, seeking new challenges. He has since joined Los Angeles FC in MLS, marking a new chapter in his career and bringing his wealth of experience to the American league. His legacy as one of France's greatest goalkeepers is secure, and his influence on and off the field is still felt by many.

Benjamin Pavard (Right-Back)

Benjamin Pavard was a relatively unknown quantity before the World Cup, but his stunning goal against Argentina and solid defensive performances quickly turned him into a household name. After the tournament, he continued his development at VfB Stuttgart before securing a high-profile move to Bayern Munich. At Bayern, Pavard cemented his status as one of the world's best right-backs, winning numerous Bundesliga titles and the Champions League. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple positions across the defense, making him an invaluable asset to his team. However, seeking a new challenge, Pavard moved to Inter Milan in 2023, where he continues to showcase his defensive prowess and contribute to another top European club. His journey from a relatively unknown player to a World Cup winner and a key player for elite clubs is a testament to his talent and hard work.

Raphael Varane (Center-Back)

Raphael Varane was already a seasoned professional with Real Madrid when the World Cup took place. His partnership with Samuel Umtiti formed a formidable barrier in front of Lloris' goal. After winning the Champions League multiple times with Real Madrid, Varane sought a new challenge and joined Manchester United in 2021. His arrival at Old Trafford was met with great excitement, as fans hoped he would bring his experience and leadership to shore up the defense. While his time at United has been marked by some injury concerns, Varane has still shown glimpses of his world-class ability and remains an important figure in the team. His experience and composure at the back are invaluable as United continues to strive for success in both domestic and European competitions. Varane's career continues to be defined by his success at the highest level, and he remains a key player for both club and country.

Samuel Umtiti (Center-Back)

Samuel Umtiti was a rock in the heart of the French defense during the World Cup, forming a solid partnership with Varane. However, his career has been plagued by injuries since then. After the World Cup, Umtiti continued playing for Barcelona, but persistent knee problems limited his playing time and impacted his performances. After several seasons with limited impact, he was eventually loaned out to Lecce in Italy, hoping to revive his career and regain his fitness. His time in Italy was a mixed bag, with flashes of his old self but also ongoing struggles with injuries. Currently, Umtiti is trying to rebuild his career and find a stable environment where he can consistently play and regain his best form. The hope is that he can overcome his injury issues and once again showcase the talent that made him a key player in France's World Cup-winning team.

Lucas Hernandez (Left-Back)

Lucas Hernandez's versatility and defensive solidity were crucial to France's success in the World Cup. He was playing for Atletico Madrid at the time and soon after secured a move to Bayern Munich. At Bayern, Hernandez continued to be a key player, winning numerous titles and establishing himself as one of the best defenders in Europe. However, injuries have also been a recurring issue for him, limiting his playing time at times. In 2023, Hernandez moved to Paris Saint-Germain, returning to his home country and joining one of the most ambitious clubs in the world. His addition to PSG's squad further strengthens their defense and adds valuable experience to the team. Hernandez's career has been marked by both success and challenges, but his determination and quality have always shone through.

N'Golo Kante (Defensive Midfield)

N'Golo Kante's tireless energy and ball-winning abilities were essential to France's midfield dominance during the World Cup. He was playing for Chelsea at the time and continued to be a vital player for them for many years. Kante's performances in the Premier League were consistently outstanding, and he was widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. However, after several seasons with Chelsea, Kante moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in 2023. His move to Saudi Arabia marked a new chapter in his career, and he joined a growing list of high-profile players making the move to the Saudi League. Despite the change in scenery, Kante's legacy as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation remains secure. His impact on the game, both on and off the field, is undeniable, and he continues to be an inspiration to many.

Paul Pogba (Central Midfield)

Paul Pogba's creativity, passing range, and physical presence made him a key figure in France's midfield. He was playing for Manchester United at the time of the World Cup, but his time there was marked by inconsistency and injuries. After struggling to consistently deliver his best form at United, Pogba returned to Juventus in 2022, hoping to reignite his career in a familiar environment. However, his return to Juventus has been plagued by injuries and off-field issues, limiting his playing time and impact. Pogba's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and he continues to face challenges as he tries to regain his best form and fulfill his immense potential. Despite the setbacks, his talent and ability are undeniable, and he remains a player capable of changing a game.

Blaise Matuidi (Central Midfield)

Blaise Matuidi's energy and work rate were crucial to France's midfield balance during the World Cup. He was playing for Juventus at the time and continued to be a valuable player for them. After leaving Juventus, Matuidi played for Inter Miami in MLS before eventually retiring from professional football. Since retiring, Matuidi has remained involved in the sport, taking on various roles and projects. His experience and knowledge of the game make him a valuable asset, and he continues to contribute to the football community. Matuidi's career was defined by his work ethic and team spirit, and he will always be remembered as a key member of France's World Cup-winning team.

Antoine Griezmann (Attacking Midfield/Forward)

Antoine Griezmann's versatility, work rate, and goal-scoring ability made him one of France's most important players during the World Cup. He was playing for Atletico Madrid at the time and continued to be a key player for them. After a brief and unsuccessful stint at Barcelona, Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid, where he has rediscovered his best form. His performances for Atletico have been consistently excellent, and he remains one of the top players in La Liga. Griezmann's ability to score goals, create chances, and contribute defensively makes him an invaluable asset to his team. His career has been marked by his dedication and versatility, and he continues to be a key player for both club and country.

Kylian Mbappe (Forward)

Kylian Mbappe was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup, showcasing his incredible speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability. He was playing for Paris Saint-Germain at the time and has since become one of the best players in the world. Mbappe has continued to dominate in Ligue 1 and has also made a significant impact in the Champions League. His goal-scoring record is phenomenal, and he has won numerous individual awards. Mbappe's speed, skill, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders, and he is widely regarded as one of the future faces of football. He continues to be a key player for both PSG and the French national team, and his career is only just getting started.

Olivier Giroud (Forward)

Olivier Giroud's hold-up play, aerial ability, and link-up play made him a valuable focal point for France's attack during the World Cup. He was playing for Chelsea at the time and has since played for AC Milan before joining Los Angeles FC. Giroud has continued to score goals and contribute to his teams, proving his longevity and adaptability. His ability to bring others into play and score crucial goals makes him a valuable asset. Giroud's career has been marked by his hard work and determination, and he has consistently proven his doubters wrong. He remains a key player for the French national team and continues to defy expectations.

The French team of 2018 will forever be etched in football history. While their careers have taken different paths since that glorious summer, the memories of their triumph in Russia will undoubtedly last a lifetime. From those who've continued their dominance at the highest levels to those who've sought new challenges or faced setbacks, each player's journey tells a unique story of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. This team not only brought joy to a nation but also inspired a generation of footballers. Guys, always remember the names of these legends!