British Athletes Who Competed in France
At its nearest point, France lies a mere 20 miles from the UK, which explains why numerous British footballers have chosen to pursue their careers across the Channel.
In this piece, we’ve highlighted some of the standout players who have made this journey.
We’ve got players from all four home nations on this list – let’s dive in!
Clive Allen
Once considered a potential star, Clive Allen enjoyed a fruitful period with Bordeaux from 1988 to 1989, netting 13 goals in 19 Ligue 1 matches.
The 1987 PFA Players’ Player of the Year and five-time England international made the switch from Tottenham to the multiple French champions in March 1988 and briefly played alongside a young Eric Cantona.
Ross Barkley
After mutually parting ways with Chelsea in the summer of 2022, Ross Barkley made his way to Nice for his first stint abroad.
The former Everton star made 28 appearances in all competitions for Le Gym during his sole season, scoring four goals before returning to England to join Luton.
Joey Barton
After receiving a 12-match suspension for elbowing Carlos Tevez and kicking Sergio Aguero during QPR’s final game of the 2011/12 Premier League season against Manchester City, Joey Barton was loaned to Marseille for the 2012/13 season.
Initially restricted to Europa League matches due to his suspension, he ended up making 33 appearances and faced another ban, this time for his comments regarding PSG’s Thiago Silva on Twitter…
Eric Black
A pivotal player in Alex Ferguson’s immensely successful Aberdeen team, whose honours included the 1982/83 Cup Winners’ Cup, Eric Black concluded his playing career at Metz.
The Scottish striker scored in the final as Metz clinched the 1986/87 Coupe de France, but was unfortunately forced to retire at just 28 due to a persistent back injury.
Joe Cole
Renowned as one of England’s most skillful players, Joe Cole spent the 2011/12 season on loan at Lille during a difficult period at Liverpool.
The former Chelsea and West Ham star netted nine goals in 43 appearances for the northern French team, where he played alongside Eden Hazard and Dimitri Payet.
John Collins
A prominent figure for Scotland in the ’90s, midfielder John Collins transferred from Celtic to Monaco on a free transfer in the summer of 1996.
In his debut season with Les Rouge et Blanc, Collins clinched the French title; in the following season, he played a crucial role in their triumph over Manchester United, securing a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
Angel Gomes
Born in London, Angel Gomes emerged from Manchester United’s youth academy, making his professional debut with the Red Devils.
However, he truly made his mark overseas, joining Lille in 2020 and surpassing 100 appearances for the club by 2024, the same year he received his first caps for England.
Etienne Green
This is a prime example of nominative determinism. Goalkeeper Etienne Green was born in Essex but raised in France, emerging from the youth setup of – you guessed it – Saint Etienne (who also wear green!).
Following 37 appearances across the top two divisions of French football, Green transitioned to Burnley ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Mark Hateley
Before joining Monaco, Mark Hateley had already played abroad with Milan, but he found his greatest success at the principality club after moving there in 1987 from the Rossoneri.
The 32-time capped England forward struck 14 league goals at an impressive rate of one every two matches, contributing to Les Rouge et Blanc‘s title victory in his debut season.
Michael Hughes
Northern Ireland midfielder Michael Hughes swapped Manchester City for Strasbourg in the summer of 1992.
He went on to make 83 appearances in Ligue 1, aiding them to an eighth-place finish in the 1992/93 season before returning to English football with West Ham.
Glenn Hoddle
England legend Glenn Hoddle donned the Monaco jersey from 1987 to 1991, participating throughout their championship-winning season in 1987/88.
The dazzling midfielder, who earned his legendary status at Tottenham over 11 years, scored 30 goals for Les Rouge et Blanc, with 20 of those coming during the 1988/89 season.
Mo Johnston
Notorious for one of football’s most controversial transfers, Mo Johnston stirred controversy by signing for Rangers after a two-year stint at Nantes from 1987 to 1989.
The former Celtic forward, who earned 38 caps for Scotland, consistently found the back of the net at La Maison Jeune, where he helped secure finishes of 10th and seventh in Ligue 1.
Aaron Ramsey
After departing Juventus as a free agent, Welsh international Aaron Ramsey joined Nice prior to the 2022/23 season.
The former Arsenal midfielder made 34 appearances in his only season with Le Gym, playing alongside fellow Brit Ross Barkley and scoring once. He returned to his childhood club, Cardiff City, in July 2023.
Trevor Steven
An integral part of Everton’s success during the 1980s, England winger Trevor Steven transferred from Rangers to Marseille for £5.5 million in 1991, equaling the transfer record for a British player.
He only spent one season in France but still collected a Ligue 1 winner’s medal by the end of it.
Chris Waddle
Recognized as one of England’s notable football exports, Chris Waddle clinched three consecutive Ligue 1 titles with Marseille.
After transferring from Tottenham for £4.5 million in 1989, the mullet-sporting player solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most exceptional attacking talents, making just shy of 150 appearances for Les Phocéens.
Ray Wilkins
Ray Wilkins’ second stint abroad was a short one at PSG, which he joined from Milan in 1987.
A talented midfielder for Chelsea, Manchester United, and England – with 84 caps – Wilkins played 13 matches for Les Parisiens before returning to the UK to join Rangers.
