Instead of Henry, of Arsenal, Zinedine Zidane chose an unexpected candidate to be France’s best striker.

Zinedine Zidane once made headlines by choosing Jean-Pierre Papin — and not Thierry Henry — as France’s greatest-ever striker, a pick that surprised many fans given Henry’s legendary status, especially at Arsenal.

In an interview reflecting on the rich history of French football, Zidane praised Papin for his incredible finishing, movement, and consistency during his prime in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Papin, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1991, was known for his acrobatic volleys and prolific goal-scoring at clubs like Marseille and AC Milan.

By choosing Papin over Henry, Zidane essentially snubbed his former international teammate, who:

Is France’s second-highest all-time scorer (behind Olivier Giroud)

Won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000

Was a Premier League icon at Arsenal

Zidane’s decision reflects a personal preference and possibly admiration for Papin’s style and era, rather than a direct critique of Henry. Still, it reignited debates among fans over who truly is France’s greatest striker — Henry, Papin, Trezeguet, Benzema, or Giroud.