A Moroccan-French footballer and manager who scored 13 goals in the 1958 World Cup, a record that still stands today. He's a legendary figure in French football history.
Just Fontaine is renowned for his incredible feat of scoring 13 goals in the 1958 FIFA World Cup, a record that still stands today. This achievement earned him the Golden Boot, a testament to his exceptional skills as a striker.
Born on August 18, 1933, in Marrakech, French Morocco, to a French father and a Spanish mother, Fontaine's love for football began at a young age. He attended the Lyce Lyautey in Casablanca, where he developed his skills on the pitch.
Fontaine's amateur career took off at USM Casablanca, where he played from 1950 to 1953. His impressive performance caught the attention of Nice, who recruited him in 1953. Over the next three seasons, he scored an impressive 44 goals for the club.
In 1956, Fontaine joined Stade de Reims, where he formed a formidable partnership with Raymond Kopa from the 1959-60 season. During his six seasons at the club, he scored an astonishing 121 goals and won the Ligue 1 championship twice, in 1958 and 1960.
Fontaine's international career was equally impressive, with 30 goals in 21 matches for France. His debut on December 17, 1953, saw him score a hat-trick against Luxembourg, setting the tone for his international career.
Fontaine's 13 goals in the 1958 FIFA World Cup remain the highest number of goals scored by a player in a single tournament. He was also named one of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers by Pelé in 2004. As of 2022, he is tied with Lionel Messi as the fourth-top scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
Fontaine's remarkable career was not without its challenges. He suffered a serious injury in 1962, which forced him to retire from professional football.
Fontaine's achievements have inspired generations of footballers, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in the world of football. His incredible goal-scoring feats have set a high benchmark for modern players, and his name is often mentioned alongside other football legends.
"I was always a bit of a rebel, and I liked to do things my way." - Just Fontaine
Fontaine's 13 goals in the 1958 FIFA World Cup were scored in just six matches, making him one of the most prolific goal-scorers in football history.
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