Ligue 1 boasts some great talents at left-back, players who excel both in defense and in attacking support, and who are essential to the tactical balance of their teams. But who are the best left backs in France today?
Taking a look at this list will make your matches much more exciting and entertaining.
That’s why we’ve created this guide that summarizes the careers, titles won and some interesting facts about each of the best left backs in France today.
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Best left backs in France: career, titles and records
Here’s the list of the best left backs in France this season:
- Bradley Locko (Brest) – team of the year.
- Christopher Operi (Le Havre)
- Nuno Mendes (PSG)
- Lucas Hernandez (PSG)
- Caio Henrique (Monaco)
- Adrien Truffert (Rennes)
- Melvin Bard (Nice)
- Quentin Merlin (Marseille)
- Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)
- Caleb Wiley (Strasbourg)
Read on to discover the career and track record of each of best left backs in France.
Bradley Locko (Brest)
Bradley Locko made the Ligue 1 Players of the Year List for the 2023/24 season and one of the reasons was his part in the team’s incredible campaign this season, achieving third place in the league and the first qualification in the team’s historyfor the UEFA Champions League.
Currently one of the best left backs in France, the star began his professional career in 2020 when he signed for Reims before joining Brest in 2023, where he stood out for his defensive consistency and ability to support the attack, as well as his endurance and agility, qualities that make him a key player in the team’s tactical scheme.
2. Christopher Operi (Le Havre)
Operi began his career in French soccer, playing for minor clubs until he made a name for himself at Guingamp, which led to a move to Le Havre.
The player possesses a great ability to start and impressive speed.
However, his qualities do not stop there and, among his main characteristics, his versatility stands out. After all, one of best left backs in France, the player is a reliable option in both defense and attack.
3. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Three-time Ligue 1 champion, Ligue 1 national team selection in 2021/22 and 2022/23 and Ligue 1 revelation in 2022/23, Nuno Mendes emerged from Sporting Portugal and was signed by PSG in 2021, quickly establishing himself as one of best left backs in France.
Known for his speed and passing accuracy, Mendes is not only a defensive prodigy, but also a constant offensive threat to opponents.
PSG titles
- Ligue 1: 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24
- French Cup: 2023-24
Read also: The champions of Ligue 1: the biggest clubs in Ligue 1 [List].
4. Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain)
Despite being French, Hernandez began his career with Atletico Madrid, playing La Liga and other tournaments with the Spanish team, but it was with German side Bayern Munich with whom he became Champions League winner, even in a final against PSG, his current team.
In 2023 he signed for PSG and became one of the best left backs in France, standing out above all for his defensive solidity and his ability in the air.
Paris Saint-Germain honors
- French Super Cup: 2023
- Ligue 1: 2023-24
French National Team
- FIFA World Cup: 2018
- UEFA Nations League: 2020-21
5. Caio Henrique (Monaco)
At Monaco from 2020, Brazilian Caio Henrique played for Atlético de Madrid, Santos, Grêmio and other teams before arriving in France.
With excellent vision and accurate crosses, he is one of the most attacking fullbacks in the country, with a high rate of assists and the ability to play several roles at left back and in midfield.
He was key to the successful 2023/24 campaign that saw Monaco finish second in Ligue 1 and secure a place in the Champions League.
6. Adrien Truffert (Rennes)
Truffert, who came through the youth ranks at Rennes, has shown great potential since making his debut with the first team. He stands out for his finishing ability and his speed.
With his dynamic style and attacking ability, he has established himself as one of France’s best left backs.
7. Melvin Bard (Nice)
Bard began his career with Lyon before moving to Nice, where he established himself as a starting center-back and became one of best left backs in France.
The player is praised for his defensive discipline and intercepting ability, contributing both in defense and in support of the attack.
His determination and commitment on the pitch have made him a favorite among Nice fans.
8. Quentin Merlin (Marseille).
Merlin began his career at Nantes, also French, and was recently signed by Marseille, where he has become known for his crossing ability and precision at set pieces.
Despite his young age, he has already shown maturity on the field and is earning a place in the first team.
In addition to playing as a center-back, Merlin is an excellent free-kick taker, which makes him a differential player for Marseille.
Achievements with Nantes
French Cup: 2021-22
Runner-up of the Trophée des Champions: 2022
9. Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)
World champion in 2022 with Argentina, Tagliafico had a successful spell at Ajax (Netherlands) before being signed by Lyon.
Experienced, the Argentine has brought to the French team a combination of defensive ability and offensive aggressiveness. His performances are marked by solidity and tactical intelligence, and he is one of the team’s main leaders.
10. Caleb Wiley (Strasbourg)
Wiley is one of the most promising players in European soccer and has just signed for Strasbourg. Despite his youth, he has an exceptional ability to support the attack. His speed and endurance are his strengths, making him a valuable asset for Strasbourg.
As one of best left backs in France, he is considered one of the great promises of American soccer, and is already part of the senior national team, even though he is only 19 years old!
These are best left backs in France currently playing in Ligue 1.
Undoubtedly, as you can see, the presence of these players makes Ligue 1 stand out not only for its technique, but also for its versatility and innovation in playing tactics.
Read also:
France’s top 10 right backs: stars of Ligue 1.
TOP 10 Best goalkeepers in France in Ligue 1 season
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