JUST FONTAINE

Just Fontaine was a French soccer legend.

He still holds the record for most goals scored by a player at a single World Cup–13 goals in six games, during the 1958 competition in Sweden.

To lend clarity, today Fontaine is tied with Lionel Messi for fourth on the all-time scorer’s list, 65 years later.

Think about that.

It is rightfully considered one of the greatest records in international soccer; no player has come close to matching it.

His 13 goals scored have stood the test of time to the tune of 16 World Cups.

Gerd Muller had ten for West Germany in 1970; French countryman Kylian Mbappe had 8 in last year’s World Cup.

Pele?

He scored 12 World Cup goals in three appearances (1958; 1962; 1970).

Miroslav Klose of Germany tallied 16 strikes in four tournaments.

Ronaldo had 15 in four.

Muller had 14 in two.

Messi had 13 in five.

Fontaine had 13 in one.

One.

Just Louis Fontaine died March 1 in Toulouse, France.

Entering the World Cup tournament, the Moroccan-born Fontaine was a little-known forward outside of the French league.

But he tormented opponents with his lightning speed and finishing touch.

Even when he had to borrow a teammate’s boots, after damaging his own in practice.

He could score.

Finish.

Fontaine scored four goals in the third-place game against West Germany and might have had five if he took–and converted–a penalty kick in the contest.

The Golden Boot–FIFA’s specific award celebrating the tournament’s top scorer–was not a thing when Fontaine set his record.

He was modestly but symbolically rewarded.

“All I got was a rifle from a Swedish newspaper for being top marksman,” he told the AP in a 2006 interview.

After he retired, Fontaine co-founded France’s players’ union and served as chairman for a few years.

He also coached France’s national team, before stints with Luchon, Paris Saint-Germain, Toulouse and the Moroccan national team.

His playing career ended when he suffered a horrific leg fracture after a mistimed tackle in March 1960.

The brutal sound of Fontaine’s snapping bones was so piercing that France goalkeeper Dominique Colonna claimed he heard it from the other end of the pitch.

That effectively was it for him.

No more speed, a signature.

Retirement, shy of 29.

During that 2006 AP interview he was asked who the best finisher was of all time.

Ever.

“Fontaine,” he replied.

Faster than he ran.

[Editor’s Note: This piece was written by Mr. Kaplan in March 2023.]