Famous French People © by Robert Shepherd

This is Robert Shepherd on EnglishWaves and it’s time to explore the life of a famous French person. This time we’re going to focus on an ex-footballer who holds the record for most goals scored in a single World Cup finals. He is Just Fontaine. Although he is a Frenchman, the man nicknamed “Justo” was born in Marrakech on 18th August 1933 before moving to , where he attended Lycée Lyautey. Fontaine started out as an amateur, playing for USM Casablanca from 1950-1953. However, it wasn’t long until Nice spotted his potential and brought him to . Fontaine scored 44 goals in three seasons. In 1956, Fontaine transferred to , teaming up with in the process. Kopa left to join Spanish giants Real in 1958, but Fontaine went on to score an incredible 165 goals in 200 matches in . He also won the league title in 1958 and 1960. In 1959, Fontaine led his Stade de Reims side to the European Cup Final against Real Madrid, but they lost 2-nil. Still, Fontaine was the season’s top scorer with 10 goals. His appearances for the national team were even more eye-catching. On his debut in December 1953, Fontaine netted a hat-trick as France smashed 8-nil. He scored a staggering 30 goals in 21 matches for the national team over seven years. Yet Fontaine is best remembered for his performances in the 1958 World Cup finals in . He scored 13 goals in just six matches – a record which still stands today. Four goals came against defending champions West Germany. Needless to say Fontaine took home the Golden Boot. Despite his incredible achievements, Fontaine played his last match in July 1962 at the age of 28. Whilst most players hit their peak around that time, Fontaine was forced to retire early because of a recurring injury. He briefly managed the French national team in 1967, but was replaced after two defeats in two friendly matches. As coach of the Morocco national team, he led the Atlas Lions to third place in the 1980 African Cup of Nations. In 2004, Fontaine was named one of the 125 greatest living footballers by Brazilian great, Pelé. As of the last World Cup in 2014, Fontaine has scored the fourth most goals by any player in the World Cup finals overall. He is 82-years-old. Stay tuned to EnglishWaves