2009 France Home – Hatem Ben Arfa #11 Large

The 2008–09 season marked a transitional and turbulent period for the French national team, as manager Raymond Domenech attempted to rebuild Les Bleus following a disappointing Euro 2008 campaign.

• Competition: 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (UEFA)

  • France finished 2nd in Group 7, behind Serbia, with 21 points from 10 matches.

  • Advanced to the playoffs, where they controversially defeated Ireland 2–1 on aggregate — the second leg famously decided by Thierry Henry’s handball assist.

• Key Matches:

  • France 3–1 Faroe Islands

  • France 1–1 Romania

  • Serbia 1–1 France

  • France 1–0 Republic of Ireland (Playoff, Henry’s assist → Gallas goal)

• Key Storyline:

  • The French team, despite its talent, struggled for consistency and identity.

  • Manager Domenech was under heavy criticism for tactical confusion and lack of direction.

  • However, the emergence of young talents like Hatem Ben Arfa, Karim Benzema, and Samir Nasri offered glimpses of a bright future.

• Kit: The 2008–10 France home jersey, designed by Adidas, was an elegant royal blue with thin red and white horizontal chest stripes, symbolizing the French tricolor. It’s remembered for its clean, modern aesthetic and the final years before France’s switch to Nike kits.

2. Player’s Impact – Hatem Ben Arfa (2008–09)

Hatem Ben Arfa, one of the most gifted French players of his generation, was part of France’s next wave of creative attackers during this transitional era.

• Club Context: In 2008–09, Ben Arfa played for Olympique de Marseille, showcasing exceptional dribbling, flair, and close control. His performances earned him international attention and sporadic call-ups to the senior France squad.

• National Team Role:

  • While not a regular starter, Ben Arfa was called up for select World Cup qualifiers and friendlies during the 2008–09 cycle.

  • His appearances came primarily as a substitute, offering attacking spark and creativity from the flanks.

• Style of Play: A dazzling winger capable of beating defenders one-on-one, Ben Arfa’s technical skill and unpredictability mirrored the flair of 1990s French attackers — though inconsistency and temperament sometimes limited his opportunities.

• Legacy: Even without a major role in 2009, Ben Arfa remained a fan favorite — a symbol of raw talent and artistry in a rigid, tactical French setup. His presence during this period represents the bridge between France’s post-2006 generation and the youth movement that would later thrive under Deschamps.

3. Full Squad List – France 2009 (2010 World Cup Qualifying Campaign)

Manager: Raymond Domenech

Goalkeepers:

• Hugo Lloris (Lyon)

• Steve Mandanda (Marseille)

• Cédric Carrasso (Toulouse)

Defenders:

• Patrice Evra (Manchester United)

• William Gallas (Arsenal)

• Eric Abidal (Barcelona)

• Bacary Sagna (Arsenal)

• Julien Escudé (Sevilla)

• Sébastien Squillaci (Sevilla)

• Rod Fanni (Rennes)

• Gaël Clichy (Arsenal)

Midfielders:

• Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid)

• Jérémy Toulalan (Lyon)

• Alou Diarra (Bordeaux)

• Florent Malouda (Chelsea)

• Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille)

• Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

• Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich)

• Sidney Govou (Lyon)

Forwards:

• Thierry Henry (Barcelona, Captain)

• Karim Benzema (Lyon)

• Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea)

• André-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse)

• Djibril Cissé (Sunderland)