You might find this statement offensive but this is something that strikes me. France has always been a top nation in football and its players have displayed their skills and talents all around the world. However, the top players in its history are not exactly French…

Coming from a family of Algerian origin, Zinedine Zidane’s parents are from Kabylia in the province of Bejaia in Algeria.

Zinedine Zidane.

Coming from a family of Algerian origin, Zinedine Zidane’s parents are from Kabylia in the province of Bejaia in Algeria.

Michel’s father Aldo Platini, son of an Italian immigrant (originally from Novara ) who settled in Lorraine after the First World War

Michel Platini.

Michel’s father Aldo Platini, son of an Italian immigrant (originally from Novara ) who settled in Lorraine after the First World War.

Eric Cantona was born in Marseille, his parents were of Spanish and Italian origins.

Eric Cantona.

Eric Cantona was born in Marseille, his parents were of Spanish and Italian origins.

Thierry Henry is a French footballer of Caribbean origin, particularly Guadeloupe and Martinique by his father and by his mother.

Thierry Henry.

Thierry Henry is a French footballer of Caribbean origin, particularly Guadeloupe and Martinique by his father and by his mother.

His real name is Raymond Kopaszewski and he was born into a family of miners. His paternal grandparents came from Poland to France in 1919.

Raymond Kopa.

His real name is Raymond Kopaszewski and he was born into a family of miners. His paternal grandparents came from Poland to France in 1919.

And you? Can you say the same thing for your country? Do you think it matters or not? If you take countries like Ghana or Nigeria, or even Middle-Eastern or Asian countries, their National teams are made of one nationality. You can also argue that Spain, who won the most recent World Cup and Euros is a team made 100% of Spaniards.

The French National football team in 1998, year when France won the World Cup on its homeground, was very multiethnic

Let me ask the controversial question. What makes a national team? The ethnic origin of its players or the country where they have played most of their life. Who won the 1998 World Cup? France? Who will win the 2014 World Cup? Will it be a nation? Does it really matter? Leave your thoughts and comments below I’d be interested to hear your opinion.