As it turns out, what was required to really define the identity of our football was a perspective that was partly inward-looking and partly continental. Erudite and engrossing, this book adds a biting modernity to the old legend of France's magnificent losers.

Vincent Duluc, lead football writer, L'ÉQUIPE

Williams is an engaging and intelligent storyteller, who knows France well beyond sport. This is an inspiring account of how French football went, in a very few years, from almost nowhere to regularly leading the world – and of some of the colourful and sometimes frankly bizarre people who took it there. In a word, it's excellent.

Simon Kuper, author of the bestselling FOOTBALL AGAINST THE ENEMY

A comprehensive account of the highs, lows and scandals of French football, told through a series of fascinating vignettes.

Jonathan Wilson, author of INVERTING THE PYRAMID

The definitive story of how French football came of age.

Christian Karembeu, world and European champion with France

I loved my time in France and it changed the way I thought about the game. Using the stories of France's most celebrated teams and players, this fabulous book explains what sets French football apart.

Glenn Hoddle, former Monaco midfielder

A masterclass. A delightful insight into the history, the culture and the values of French football. Having worked in France for three years now, it helped me understand so many concepts and words that they use in the weird and wonderful world that is la Ligue 1.

Will Still, head coach, Reims