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- Home Jersey *Matchworn U21* #12
- Year: 1996
- Player: Thierry Henry, David Trézéguet, Cyril Rool
- Size: L (54.4 cm x 70 cm)
- Brand: Adidas
- Sponsor: -
- Details: Excellent condition, matchworn shirt from the U21. This design is never worn by the first team.
In the mid-1990s, the young French team, managed by Raymond Domenech from 1993, wore this shirt. Under his guidance, the "Bleuets" reached the semi-finals of the 1994 UEFA U23 Championship. This generation, with players born in 1971-1972, included future 1998 World Cup winners such as Christophe Dugarry, Lilian Thuram, and Zinédine Zidane. Claude Makélélé, born in 1973, also played up a level to U13. The team was eliminated by Italy on penalties after a 0-0 draw, with Italy going on to win the tournament. In the 1996 edition of the competition, both France and Italy were in the same stage. The French squad, consisting of players born in 1973-1974 like Vincent Candela, Robert Pirès, and Sylvain Wiltord—who would later become European or World champions in 2000—was joined by Patrick Vieira, born in 1976. Italy won again, with a goal from Francesco Totti, and went on to defeat Spain in the final. Despite this, the French U21 team qualified for the 1996 Olympic football tournament. Led by top scorer Florian Maurice, France was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Portugal after extra time.