Maxime Bossis
French defender who won Euro 1984 and held the national team caps record.
Maxime Jean Marcel Bossis (born 26 June 1955) is a French retired professional footballer who played as a defender. He spent most of his career at Nantes, winning three Ligue 1 titles and one Coupe de France. He earned 76 caps (one goal) for France, won UEFA Euro 1984, and played in two FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Defender (left-back/right-back)
- Primary clubs
- FC Nantes, RC Paris
- Died
- Still alive
Lore & Background
Bossis was born in Saint-André-Treize-Voies, Vendée. He was a longtime starter for FC Nantes during their most successful period in the 1970s and 1980s, noted chiefly as a left-back but also filling in at various defensive roles. He helped Nantes finish first or second every season between 1976 and 1981. He moved to RC Paris in 1985, then returned to Nantes for one final season in 1990. He was named French Player of the Year in 1979 and 1981. For France, he appeared at the 1978, 1982, and 1986 World Cups, reaching the semi-finals in 1982 and 1986. He is remembered for missing France's last penalty in the 1982 semi-final against West Germany. He held the French record of caps from 1985 to 1992, before Manuel Amoros surpassed it. He also held the French record of World Cup matches with 15, which was subsequently surpassed by Fabien Barthez in 2006.
Reader's Guide
Bossis is a retired French defender who played primarily for Nantes and the France national team. His career highlights include three Ligue 1 titles, one Coupe de France, and winning UEFA Euro 1984. He was a versatile defender, often playing left-back or right-back. After retiring, he worked as a football executive and later as a TV commentator.
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