Land of talents and cradle of legends: Martinique football

From fine sandy beaches to lush green hills, Martinique's only asset is its natural beauty. The Caribbean island is also a land of passion for football, where exceptional talents have blossomed over the years. If Martinique does not play under the aegis of FIFA, its national selection, crowned with a rich and vibrant history, regularly ignites the hearts of supporters during the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

From generation to generation, Martinican players have left their mark on the football landscape, both on the island and abroad. Legendary figures, such as Marius Trésor, nicknamed "the black libero", or Joseph-Antoine Bell, appear in the pantheon of Martinique's glories.

Today, new talents are emerging and flying the colors of the island, nourishing the hope of a bright future for Martinican football. It is to discover these legends of yesterday and today that we invite you, for a journey to the heart of an island passion.

Top 10 legends of Martinican football

1. Marius Trésor (Defender)

  • Clubs: Ajaccio, Marseille, Bordeaux

  • Selections: 64

  • Prize list: Champion of France (1972, 1978), Winner of the Coupe de France (1976, 1981), Semi-finalist of the World Cup (1982)

  • Highlights: Elected best French player of the year (1972), Nicknamed "the black libero", Iconic captain of the France team

2. Joseph-Antoine Bell (Goalkeeper)

  • Clubs: Marseille, Toulon, Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne

  • Selections: 48

  • Prize list: Champion of France (1987), Winner of the Coupe de France (1986), Finalist of the European Cup of Champion Clubs (1987)

  • Highlights: First black goalkeeper to play in the French first division, Considered one of the best goalkeepers of his generation

3. Jocelyn Angloma (Defender)

  • Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Valencia, Inter Milan

  • Selections: 37

  • Prize list: Champion of France (1994), Winner of the Coupe de France (1993), Winner of the European Cup of Champion Clubs (1993)

  • Highlights: Versatile and talented defender, Winner of the Champions League with OM

4. Sidney Govou (Striker)

  • Clubs: Lyon, Olympique de Marseille, Panathinaikos

  • Selections: 49

  • Prize list: Champion of France (7 titles), Winner of the Coupe de France (2008)

  • Highlights: Fast striker and scorer, Marked the history of Olympique Lyonnais

5. Ludovic Giuly (Striker)

  • Clubs: Monaco, Lyon, Barcelona, Roma

  • Selections: 17

  • Prize list: Champion of France (2000), Winner of the Champions League (2006)

  • Highlights: Technical and creative player, Won the Champions League with Barcelona

6. Kévin Théophile-Catherine (Defender)

  • Clubs: Rennes, Monaco, Saint-Étienne, Angers

  • Selections: 20

  • Prize list: League Cup finalist (2013)

  • Highlights: Solid and offensive full-back, Captain of the Martinique selection

7. Daniel Cousin (Striker)

  • Clubs: Lens, Rangers, Hull City, Larissa

  • Selections: 17

  • Prize list: Scottish Champion (2005), Top scorer in the Scottish Championship (2005)

  • Highlights: Powerful and prolific striker, Scored 25 goals in 31 caps

8. Gaël Monfils (Midfielder)

  • Clubs: Saint-Étienne, Rennes, Monaco, Gaziantepspor

  • Selections: 28

  • Prize list: League Cup finalist (2013)

  • Highlights: Technical and intelligent midfielder, Good dribbler and excellent passer

9. Steve Mandanda (Goalkeeper)

  • Clubs: Marseille, Crystal Palace, Rennes

  • Selections: 34

  • Prize list: French Champion (2010), Winner of the Coupe de France (2010, 2016), Finalist of the Europa League (2018)

  • Highlights: Experienced and talented goalkeeper, Captain of Olympique de Marseille

10. Samuel Kalu (Striker)

  • Clubs: Bordeaux, Girondins de Bordeaux, Watford

  • Selections: 13

  • Prize list: -

  • Highlights: Fast forward and dribbler, Promising young talent

For each player, photos and videos are available online to illustrate their journey and exploits.

Feel free to share your comments and your favorite players below this article !

Top 5 Martinican football prospects

1. Kévin Fortuné (Striker)

  • Clubs: Brest, Troyes, Excelsior Virton

  • Selections: 22

  • Prize list: -

  • Highlights: Powerful striker and goalscorer, Scored 10 goals in 22 caps

2. Dylan Saint-Louis (Midfielder)

  • Clubs: Saint-Étienne, National 2

  • Selections: 8

  • Prize list: -

  • Highlights: Technical and creative midfielder, Great hope of Martinican football

3. Jordy Delem (Defender)

  • Clubs: Caen, Valenciennes

  • Selections: 15

  • Prize list: -

  • Highlights: Solid and offensive full-back, Indisputable starter at Valenciennes

4. Samuel Grandsir (Striker)

  • Clubs: Troyes, Monaco, Brest

  • Selections: 5

  • Prize list: -

  • Highlights: Fast forward and dribbler, Able to play on the flanks and up front

5. Yanis M’bemba (Midfielder)

  • Clubs: Paris FC

  • Selections: 4

  • Prize list: -

  • Highlights: Defensive and recovery midfielder, Promising young talent

These five talented players represent the future of Martinique football. They have already shown great things at club and national level and have the potential to become big stars in the years to come.

Feel free to share your comments and your favorite players below this article !

Martinique has a rich footballing history and has given birth to many talented players who have left their mark on the history of the sport. Legends like Marius Trésor and Joseph-Antoine Bell paved the way for future generations, and contemporary players like Kévin Fortuné and Dylan Saint-Louis today carry the hopes of the island.

Martinican football is a pool of talent and has a promising future. With the support of fans and governing bodies, there is no doubt that Martinique will continue to produce world-class players and thrill the hearts of football enthusiasts.

Feel free to share your comments and your favorite players below this article !

And you, what do you think about the future of Martinique football ?