French football is celebrating one of its great legends this Wednesday: Laurent Blanc was born on November 19, 1965 and is celebrating his 60th birthday! “The President” of the 1998 world champions Blues has his place in the pantheon of French football. He was one of the magnificent leaders of Aimé Jacquet’s team, both defensively and in the game, during the world title in 98 then during Euro 2000 won under the orders of Roger Lemerre.
“Lolo” Blanc in particular gave France victory in the round of 16 of the World Cup with an unforgettable golden goal against José Luis Chilavert’s Paraguay. Two years later, he scored in the Blues’ first match against Denmark and, at the age of 34, was selected in the typical team of the tournament! He retired from international football with a record of 97 caps for 16 goals.
Laurent Blanc’s playing career is all in all incredible since the native of Alès not only started as an attacking midfielder in the French championship but was launched into the French team as number 10 by Michel Platini! As the site tells it Blue Chroniclesthe young prodigy from Montpellier then passed Philippe Vercruysse, Jean-Marc Ferreri or Christian Perez. The Blues do not qualify for the 90 World Cup but White scores his first two goals.
Laurent Blanc can’t take it anymore
It is this same “Platoche” who will then tempt Laurent Blanc in central defense! In February 1990, against West Germany, Basile Boli went out with an injury and Blanc was tried as a libero – understand: back-up leader like Franz Beckenbauer. The new defender became essential in the selection (despite his failed stint at Naples) and, after a failed Euro 1992 by the Blues, was part of the executives of the next coach, Gérard Houllier.
History does not remember that Laurent Blanc retired at the age of 28 in the wake of the disaster of November 1993. The Blues were well on their way to qualifying for the 94 World Cup but fell against Israel then the Bulgarians at the Parc des Princes. The libero pounces on Emil Kostadinov’s shot in the 90th minute. In vain. Disgusted by the result and the deleterious atmosphere in the group, he announces that he will not return. Aimé Jacquet, interim coach, needs several months to convince him to return. Laurent Blanc will resume his international career during a tour of Japan in May 1994.
