Thirteen goals in six matches remains the highest single-tournament total in FIFA World Cup history, a record set by Just Fontaine in 1958. This achievement defined his international career, marking him as one of the most clinical strikers in the sport during his short tenure on the professional pitch.
Early Career and Success in France
Born in 1933 in Marrakech, Fontaine attended the Lycée Lyautey while residing in Casablanca. His professional journey began at US Marocaine before he transferred to Nice in 1953, where he recorded 44 goals over three seasons. He later moved to Stade de Reims, where he achieved 121 goals across six seasons. Throughout his time in the French Division 1, he secured the championship title twice, in 1958 and 1960, and reached the 1958-59 European Cup final.
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Fontaine debuted for France in 1953, marking the occasion with a hat trick against Luxembourg. Over a seven-year period, he accumulated 30 goals in 21 appearances. His performance in the 1958 FIFA World Cup, where he scored four goals in the third-place playoff against West Germany, solidified his status as a prolific striker. A recurring leg injury forced his retirement in July 1962 at the age of 28.
Coaching and Post-Football Life
Following his retirement, Fontaine transitioned into management. He briefly led the France national team in 1967 and later managed the Morocco national team, achieving a third-place finish in the 1980 African Cup of Nations. He also served as sporting director for Paris Saint-Germain. In his later years, he resided in Toulouse, where he managed two Lacoste shops. He was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1984 and an Officer of the Legion of Honour in 2013. He died in Toulouse in 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, Marrakech
- Died: 2023, Toulouse
- Citizenship: France
- Primary Occupations: Association football player and coach
- World Cup record: 13 goals in 1958
- Education: Lycée Lyautey
- Awards: Officer of the Legion of Honour (2013)
- Professional debut: 17 December 1953
Questions readers ask
How many goals did Just Fontaine score in the 1958 World Cup?
He scored 13 goals during that tournament.
Why did Just Fontaine retire from professional football?
He retired in 1962 due to a recurring leg injury.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 1984
- Officer of the Legion of Honour — 2013
- Educated at Lycée Lyautey
- Worked as association football player and association football coach
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