Clairefontaine - Secret To The French Powerhouse
The France national team has a monterous depth in their squad and the best in the world right now. 2016 Euro finalists and the reigning World Champions have many world class players as well as youth prodigies and potential stars of world football. France's youth system is arguably the biggest reason behind it. This production facility of world talents isn't just about this generation which we see today. In fact it's going on for quite a long time. One of the most elite organizations of the french youth system is the INF Clairefontaine.
INF Clairefontaine is supervised by FFF. Boys of the age 13 to 15 apply for the academy. Out of them 23 players are selected each season. These players train at the facility throughout the week and return to their locale to play matches on the weekend. Other football academies usually try developing a philosophy in the players. While Clairefontaine focuses on basic pillars of the game to produce better individuals. The facility works with the goal to perfect the player's tactical and technical ability. They are trained to play at the worst conditions and intensity to improve their weaknesses. Unlike FC Barcelona's La Masia or Ajax's Youth academy, where the players learn a certain style of play, The players of this academy are built to become better players rather than a better team. The youth facility of Clairefontaine helps them to unlock their full potential. This player development makes the them technically and tactically flamboyant for the betterment of French Football. The idea is that if the players manage to perfect themselves and get over their weaknesses and gain the ability to fit into any tactic, and the versatility, they won't be able to show their true potential. They'll learn to improve their decision making and individual abilities. Interesting part is that this philosophy of individual player develop is to build them up for collective adaptability.
INF Clairefontaine's different but affective philosophy has the reputation of producing some footballing greats. The great Thierry Henry is a graduate of Clairefontaine. One of the greatest strikers in football history who had a legendary football career filled with goals over his career. He's French national team's top goal scorer and a World Cup winner as well. Another striker to have come out of the academy is Nicolas Anelka. He has played for great clubs across Europe such as Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City in his successful career. It just tells you how classy of a career Anelka has had. Premier League great William Gallas and an ex Premier League striker Louis Saha also are two honorable Clairefontaine graduates. Former Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby is a Clairefontaine academy product. Abou Diaby could've been a great player, flourishing the name of Clairefontaine, but repeated injuries have eaten up his career. Hatem Ben Arfa was a menacing talent. He was tipped to become a world beater. Who soon got lost in the void of time simply because of his attitude problems, another Clairefontaine youth bit the dust. Mehdi Benatia is a non French youth profuct of the academy. Clairefontaine is home to World Cup winning players in Blaise Matuidi and Olivier Giroud. There's another big name the academy has produced. Football's poster boy Kylian Mbappé also owes Clairefontaine for helping him get where he is today. One of the best players in the world at this early age.
A sign on the walls of the Clairefontaine football centre looks like this : “Pour L’INF, merci pour ces deux années inoubliables.” which roughly translates to: “Thank you, INF, for these two unforgettable years.” The sign, surrounded by pictures, was given by Kylian Mbappé. From Henry to Mbappe, from Saha to Anelka, and the ever present Olivier Giroud, Clairefontaine has given birth to players who took it to the next level. Some made their lifelong dreams come to reality, Some lost to their battle of contradiction. But Clairefontaine will always be there. And will always be producing immense talent and breathtaking stories throughout the lifetimes.