Maxime Bossis, a former record holder for selections in the French national football team with 76 caps, finds himself notably absent from the newly established Hall of Fame des Bleus. This initiative was launched during a tribute to Olivier Giroud at the Stade de France on March 23, 2025, celebrating Giroud's remarkable career as the top scorer for the French national team, who retired following Euro 2024.
The Hall of Fame, inspired by American models, features large banners suspended from the stadium's roof, honoring players with over 100 international caps. Giroud’s banner was displayed alongside those of other legends such as Hugo Lloris, Lilian Thuram, Thierry Henry, Marcel Desailly, Zinédine Zidane, Patrick Vieira, and Didier Deschamps. However, this exclusive criterion has sparked criticism from several former players.
Bossis voiced his concerns regarding the selection criteria, stating, "It’s good to pay tribute, but the criteria are biased because players today can play many more matches compared to the 1980s. It’s easier to reach 100 caps, which doesn’t diminish their merit... This Hall of Fame is a very good idea, but it should have considered other criteria. This removes any possibility of honoring the entire Kopa generation or ours." His sentiments echo those of another 1984 European champion, Luis Fernandez, who expressed even greater dissatisfaction with the criteria.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), acknowledged the feedback and confirmed that the Hall of Fame's criteria will be expanded. He stated, "The composition of this Hall of Fame is obviously set to evolve. The jersey of Antoine Griezmann will appear when a tribute is paid to him, as will those of other great players who have marked history, such as Michel Platini, Just Fontaine, or Raymond Kopa. Honoring them is my deep conviction." This indicates a shift towards a more inclusive recognition of the contributions of past players.
Maxime Bossis made his international debut alongside Michel Platini in March 1976 during a match against Czechoslovakia. He played a pivotal role in the French team during the 1978 and 1982 World Cups, where he was known for his defensive prowess. However, his career was marred by a painful moment in the 1982 semi-final against West Germany, known as the "Seville drama," where he missed the decisive penalty in the shootout after a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Bossis’s career reached its zenith when he was part of the squad that won the European Championship in 1984, marking a historic victory for France on home soil. He retired from international football after the 1986 World Cup, where he played in the third-place match against Belgium at the age of 31. Subsequently, he continued his club career with Racing for three more seasons before hanging up his boots.
In 1990, at the age of 35, Bossis returned to FC Nantes, but his comeback was fraught with challenges. The team struggled significantly, culminating in a disastrous 6-0 defeat to Marseille, where Jean-Pierre Papin and Abédi Pelé each scored twice. The season saw FC Nantes finish in a disappointing 15th place in Division 1, leading to Bossis’s definitive retirement from professional football.
Despite the setbacks in his later career, Bossis remains a respected figure in French football history, having been part of the golden generation that laid the groundwork for future successes. As the Hall of Fame des Bleus evolves, it aims to celebrate the rich heritage of French football, ensuring that legends from all eras receive the recognition they deserve.
In summary, while the Hall of Fame des Bleus initially faced criticism for its restrictive criteria, the FFF is poised to adapt and honor a broader spectrum of French football history. As the organization works to include the jerseys of players like Griezmann, Platini, and Kopa, it underscores the importance of acknowledging the contributions of all generations to the sport.
