The Premier League is considered to be the best league in the world and it has seen a number of foreign players from the globe ply their trade in England. There have been a number of French legends move to the league and here we take a look at the five with the most appearances.

5. William Gallas – 321 appearances

William Gallas

A controversial figure who represented all three London rivals, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur during his time in England – William Gallas made a total of 321 appearances in the league and for sometime during that he was without a doubt an impressive figure in defence.

He was part of Jose Mourinho’s side during his revolution of the club, won two league titles while also making it to the PFA Team of the Year twice. 

4. Gael Clichy – 325 appearances

Gael Clichy

A regular at left-back for both Arsenal and Manchester City, Gael Clichy enjoyed immense success during his time in England as he was part of the Gunners ‘INVINCIBLES’ squad and City’s coming of age.

The Frenchman made a total of 325 appearances, winning three league titles in total.

3. Steed Malbranque – 363

Fulham's Steed Malbranque celebrates aft

Steed Malbranque was perhaps unlucky not to get the recognition that he deserved and will go down as one of the most underappreciated players to ever grace the shores of England. An winger by profession, the now 40-year-old was arguably the best player for Fulham between 2001-2006, post which he moved to Tottenham Hotspur.

He did not enjoy the same success at White Hart Lane, while also representing Sunderland in the league, making a total of 363 appearances.

2. Nicolas Anelka – 364

French striker Nicolas Anelka warms up b

Nicolas Anelka came to the worlds attention after breaking through at Arsenal in 1997/98 and from there he went on to have an illustrious career, which is seen by the amount of goals he scored for a number of clubs.

Anelka played for the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea in the Premier League – making 364 appearances, scoring 123 goals, which included winning the Golden Boot in 2008/09.

The striker won two league titles and three FA Cup trophies in England.

1. Sylvain Distin – 469

Sylvain Distin

A legend for both Manchester City and Everton, Sylvain Distin made 469 appearances in the Premier League, which is the most for a French player in England. Distin played for a total of five clubs, eventually retiring after being released by AFC Bournemouth in 2016.