France U21

The France national under-21 football team (French: Equipe de France Espoirs), known in France as Les Espoirs (French pronunciation: [ɛs.pwaʁ], The Hopes), is the national under-21 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, held every two years.

Following the realignment of UEFA's youth competitions in 1976, under-21 football teams in Europe were formed. The team is exclusively for football players that are age 21 or under at the start of the two-year campaign of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, meaning a player can represent the national team until the age of 23.

France has won the Under-21 Championship once, in 1988. Notable players on the team that went on to play for the senior national team include Laurent Blanc, Eric Cantona, Franck Sauzée, and Jocelyn Angloma, among others. Blanc was named the tournament's Golden Player. The team's best finish since was in 2002 when the team finished runners-up to the Czech Republic in Switzerland.

The France under-21 team does not have a permanent home. The team plays in stadiums located all around France, particularly grounds of Ligue 2 clubs. Because of the smaller demand compared to the senior national team, smaller facilities are used. Recently, the under-21 team has established the Stade Auguste-Delaune II, home of Stade Reims, as a home residence having played numerous matches there over the past two seasons.

The France U21 national football team, also known as Les Bleuets (The Little Blues), represents France in international football competitions for players under the age of 21. Established in 1976, the team serves as a vital stepping stone for young talents aspiring to join the senior national team, showcasing the depth and quality of French football.

The squad is known for its dynamic playing style, characterized by technical skill, tactical intelligence, and a strong emphasis on teamwork. France U21 has produced numerous world-class players who have gone on to achieve great success in both club and international football, including stars like Kylian Mbappé, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann.

Competing in prestigious tournaments such as the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, the team has a rich history of success, consistently performing well on the European stage. The coaching staff focuses on developing young players, fostering their growth and preparing them for the challenges of professional football.

With a passionate fan base and a commitment to excellence, France U21 continues to be a formidable force in youth football, embodying the spirit and tradition of French soccer. The team's colors, blue, white, and red, reflect the national identity, and their emblem features the iconic rooster, a symbol of French pride. As they strive for glory on the international stage, France U21 remains a beacon of hope for the future of French football.