Patrick Blondeau – French National Team (01/22/1997)

Here is an absolutely monumental piece of history, bearing witness to the foundations of French football's golden age. This match worn jersey was sported by the tough and determined right-back Patrick Blondeau in the colours of the French National Team during the friendly clash against Portugal.

Match Context: Les Bleus' Festival and the Fervour of Braga

A year and a half before their World Cup, Aimé Jacquet's squad travelled to the 1º de Maio Stadium in Braga for a high-level test against Portugal's golden generation. Les Bleus delivered a brilliant collective performance, opening the scoring in the 10th minute thanks to a superb long-range strike from their captain Didier Deschamps. Masters of the tempo and impressively composed against Luís Figo's teammates, the Tricolores definitively sealed the deal in the second half. In the 62nd minute, the elusive Ibrahim Ba used his speed to double the lead. France won with immense brilliance (0-2), sending a strong signal across Europe.

Patrick Blondeau: The Warrior Serving the Tricolour Jersey

An uncompromising defender, endowed with extraordinary grit, a devastating physical impact, and a winning temperament, Patrick Blondeau celebrated his very first official selection for Les Bleus that evening, rewarding his consistency at the highest level with AS Monaco. Coming on in the 79th minute in place of Robert Pirès to solidify the defence and lock down the right flank, the number 13 demonstrated his sense of sacrifice to preserve this precious lead until the final whistle. His official tricolour jersey features the period flocking as well as all the specific professional details. A legendary and extremely rare collector's item.