Laurent Robert
Encyclopedia
Laurent Robert is a former French
footballer. He was a left winger, and has played for the French national football team
.
Robert began his professional career in his native France before making a move to English side Newcastle United, where he made his reputation as a free-kick specialist. His career has been noted for a number of high-profile disagreements with club management.
, before signing for Paris Saint-Germain in 1999. He made his debut for France
shortly after, on 18 August 1999, against Northern Ireland
. In a Champions League
match against Rosenborg
in 2000 he set up six goals in a 7–2 win. Following a recall to the national team, Robert scored his first goal for France in a match against Turkey
on 15 November 2000.
for a fee of £9.5 million. During his stay at the club, Robert was known for his pace and crossing ability, and was often called upon to take corners
and free kicks. He had a tendency to shoot from long ranges in both open play and free kicks (scoring four goals in the 2004–05 campaign, all from set pieces) and has scored from almost 40 yards (36.6 m) from goal – one of his most powerful shots has been measured at around 75 mph. The club qualified for the UEFA Champions League
in his first season by finishing fourth, their best finish in five years. However, at the start of the following season there were reports he was unhappy at the signings made by Robson in the summer of 2002. Despite this he still chipped in with the goals as the club made it to the second group stage of the Champions League before finishing third in the Premiership.
His partnership on the left wing with full back Olivier Bernard
earned the two reputations as fans' favourites for their displays. Robert's trademark corners and free kicks, combined with his pace and athleticism added to his reputation in England. He scored many long distance wonder goals and free kicks, two against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2003 in a 4-0 win. It has been regarded as one of his finest displays. Newcastle went on to finish a slightly disappointing 5th when compared to the 3rd they achieved in the 02-03 season, but the side managed to reach the semi finals of the Uefa Cup
despite the effect of injuries.
Robert's goal against Liverpool in the 2004–05 season at St James' Park
is used as the winner against the same team in Goal!
. Santiago Muñez
strikes it and it zooms out as Robert's free kick hits the top corner. In Goal! 2: Living the Dream...
his overhead kick against Fulham is featured as Santiago Muñez's goal at the start.
Robert spent several seasons at the club, before publicly falling out with manager Graeme Souness
. His public criticism of the latter, as well as the entire Newcastle squad, resulted in Newcastle's desire to offload the troubled winger following the 2004–05
season. In his last match as a Newcastle player, Robert stripped down and threw his clothers into the Gallowgate End.
in June 2005 in a unique deal which created much confusion within the press at the time. Unsure of whether the move to Portsmouth was on a permanent basis or a temporary loan move, it was later revealed by the two clubs that Robert was signed by Portsmouth on a year-long loan, with two additional years agreed following the completion of the loan. The deal was created in order to expedite Robert's exit from St James Park, while allowing Portsmouth to protect themselves from Robert's well-documented temperament.
In his time at Portsmouth, Robert scored only one goal, in a 2–1 away loss to West Bromwich Albion
. He refused to sit on the bench for the club's 4–1 win over Sunderland
, storming out of the ground despite the relegation-threatened club's position. His actions left the club with only four substitutes of a possible five for the match. The sacking of Perrin and return of manager Harry Redknapp
meant a return for the final games of 2005 for Robert, but would shortly be followed by Robert's return to Newcastle after his unsuccessful stint. Newcastle would again look to offload the winger as soon as possible, and a move to Portugal would materialize.
's Benfica side. Robert said: "This is a super club. To be able to play in the Champions League
is fantastic and that's why I am here". He added: "They showed a lot of interest in me. I am very happy to be here."
Robert's first goal in the Portuguese Superliga
was, not surprisingly, from a free-kick 40 yards (36.6 m) away against arch-rivals FC Porto. A powerful but fairly central free kick was spilled into the net by Vitor Baia
.
side Levante UD
on 11 July 2006 on a free transfer from Benfica. He played thirteen games before the season ended, twelve of those were incomplete (with one red card), scoring no goals.
, Robert signed a contract that would run until the end of the 2007–08 season.
side Toronto FC
announced on 2 April 2008, that they had signed Robert to a contract. He made his debut on 5 April, against D.C. United
in the 4–1 loss. Robert impressed, delivering a number of excellent set piece opportunities. Robert continued to impress in his team's second match against Los Angeles Galaxy
, delivering a free kick, from which the subsequent rebound was converted by Jarrod Smith
en route to a 3–2 victory, Toronto's first of the 2008 season. On 19 April, Robert scored his only MLS goal from a free kick in the 31st minute of the first home game for Toronto against Real Salt Lake
, and was named "Man of the Match" in the 1–0 victory. In his last game with the team he was substituted at half-time. He was waived by Toronto FC on 19 August 2008.
side Larissa announced on 27 August that they signed in Robert for two-years, as a replacement for Nektarios Alexandrou
who was released from his contract a few days before. He joined up with his former Newcastle teammate Nikos Dabizas
.
on 18 August 1999 against Northern Ireland
. Following a recall to the national team, Robert scored his first goal for France in a match against Turkey
on 15 November 2000. He was also called for the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup
. He has appeared nine times for France, scoring once in France¹s 4-0 win over Turkey on November 15, 2000.
France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
footballer. He was a left winger, and has played for the French national football team
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
.
Robert began his professional career in his native France before making a move to English side Newcastle United, where he made his reputation as a free-kick specialist. His career has been noted for a number of high-profile disagreements with club management.
Club career
Robert started his career at MontpellierMontpellier HSC
Montpellier Hérault Sport Club is a French association football club based in the city of Montpellier. The club was founded in 1919 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Montpellier plays its home matches at the Stade de la Mosson, located within the city...
, before signing for Paris Saint-Germain in 1999. He made his debut for France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
shortly after, on 18 August 1999, against Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team
The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...
. In a Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
match against Rosenborg
Rosenborg B.K.
Rosenborg Ballklub is a Norwegian football club from the city of Trondheim, currently playing in the Norwegian Premier League. With 22 league titles and nine Norwegian Cup titles, the club is the most successful in Norway and has dominated Norwegian football since the start of the 1990s...
in 2000 he set up six goals in a 7–2 win. Following a recall to the national team, Robert scored his first goal for France in a match against Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
on 15 November 2000.
Newcastle United
In 2001, he joined English club Newcastle UnitedNewcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
for a fee of £9.5 million. During his stay at the club, Robert was known for his pace and crossing ability, and was often called upon to take corners
Corner kick
A corner kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football. It was first devised in Sheffield under the Sheffield Rules 1867...
and free kicks. He had a tendency to shoot from long ranges in both open play and free kicks (scoring four goals in the 2004–05 campaign, all from set pieces) and has scored from almost 40 yards (36.6 m) from goal – one of his most powerful shots has been measured at around 75 mph. The club qualified for the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
in his first season by finishing fourth, their best finish in five years. However, at the start of the following season there were reports he was unhappy at the signings made by Robson in the summer of 2002. Despite this he still chipped in with the goals as the club made it to the second group stage of the Champions League before finishing third in the Premiership.
His partnership on the left wing with full back Olivier Bernard
Olivier Bernard
Olivier Bernard is a retired French footballer. He announced his retirement after leaving Newcastle United on 16 May 2007.-Newcastle United:Bernard made his name during his first spell with Newcastle after joining from Lyon...
earned the two reputations as fans' favourites for their displays. Robert's trademark corners and free kicks, combined with his pace and athleticism added to his reputation in England. He scored many long distance wonder goals and free kicks, two against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2003 in a 4-0 win. It has been regarded as one of his finest displays. Newcastle went on to finish a slightly disappointing 5th when compared to the 3rd they achieved in the 02-03 season, but the side managed to reach the semi finals of the Uefa Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
despite the effect of injuries.
Robert's goal against Liverpool in the 2004–05 season at St James' Park
St James' Park
St James' Park, known for sponsorship reasons as the Sports Direct Arena, is an all-seater stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is the home of Newcastle United Football Club and is the sixth largest football stadium in the United Kingdom with a capacity of between 52,387 and 52,409.St James'...
is used as the winner against the same team in Goal!
Goal! (film)
Goal! is a 2005 film directed by Danny Cannon. It is the first installment of a trilogy also named Goal!. This film was made with full cooperation from FIFA, which is one of the reasons actual teams and players are used throughout the film...
. Santiago Muñez
Santiago Muñez
Santiago Muñez is a fictional character in the Goal! series of films and has recently retired. He is the main character in Goal! and Goal II: Living the Dream, and he is a supporting character in Goal III: Taking on the World. Muñez is portrayed by actor Kuno Becker...
strikes it and it zooms out as Robert's free kick hits the top corner. In Goal! 2: Living the Dream...
Goal! 2: Living the Dream...
Goal II: Living the Dream is the second part of the football film trilogy Goal! and it was released on 9 February 2007 in the United Kingdom and 29 August 2008 in the United States.- Plot :...
his overhead kick against Fulham is featured as Santiago Muñez's goal at the start.
Robert spent several seasons at the club, before publicly falling out with manager Graeme Souness
Graeme Souness
Graeme James Souness is a Scottish former professional football player and manager.Souness was the captain of the successful Liverpool team of the early 1980s and player-manager of Rangers in the late 1980s as well as captain of the Scottish national team. He also played for Tottenham Hotspur,...
. His public criticism of the latter, as well as the entire Newcastle squad, resulted in Newcastle's desire to offload the troubled winger following the 2004–05
FA Premier League 2004-05
The 2004–05 season of the FA Premier League began on 14 August 2004 and ended on 15 May 2005. Arsenal were the defending champions after going unbeaten the previous season....
season. In his last match as a Newcastle player, Robert stripped down and threw his clothers into the Gallowgate End.
Portsmouth
Following his time at Newcastle United and a falling out with the club, Robert moved to fellow Premier League team PortsmouthPortsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
in June 2005 in a unique deal which created much confusion within the press at the time. Unsure of whether the move to Portsmouth was on a permanent basis or a temporary loan move, it was later revealed by the two clubs that Robert was signed by Portsmouth on a year-long loan, with two additional years agreed following the completion of the loan. The deal was created in order to expedite Robert's exit from St James Park, while allowing Portsmouth to protect themselves from Robert's well-documented temperament.
In his time at Portsmouth, Robert scored only one goal, in a 2–1 away loss to West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
. He refused to sit on the bench for the club's 4–1 win over Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
, storming out of the ground despite the relegation-threatened club's position. His actions left the club with only four substitutes of a possible five for the match. The sacking of Perrin and return of manager Harry Redknapp
Harry Redknapp
Henry James "Harry" Redknapp is a former English footballer who has enjoyed a long career in football management starting in 1983 with Bournemouth. He is the current manager of Tottenham Hotspur....
meant a return for the final games of 2005 for Robert, but would shortly be followed by Robert's return to Newcastle after his unsuccessful stint. Newcastle would again look to offload the winger as soon as possible, and a move to Portugal would materialize.
Benfica
It was not long before he signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Ronald KoemanRonald Koeman
Ronald Koeman is a former Dutch footballer, and the current manager of Feyenoord. He is the younger brother of former Feyenoord coach Erwin Koeman and the son of former Dutch international Martin Koeman...
's Benfica side. Robert said: "This is a super club. To be able to play in the Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
is fantastic and that's why I am here". He added: "They showed a lot of interest in me. I am very happy to be here."
Robert's first goal in the Portuguese Superliga
Portuguese Liga
The Primeira Liga , formerly called Primeira Divisão, currently named Liga ZON Sagres after their main sponsors, is the top professional association football division of the Portuguese football league system...
was, not surprisingly, from a free-kick 40 yards (36.6 m) away against arch-rivals FC Porto. A powerful but fairly central free kick was spilled into the net by Vitor Baia
Vítor Baía
Vítor Manuel Martins Baía, OIH , is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a goalkeeper.His career was intimately connected with F.C...
.
Levante
Robert signed for Spanish La LigaLa Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
side Levante UD
Levante UD
Levante Unión Deportiva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, in the namesake community.Founded in 1909, it plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadi Ciutat de València.-Early years:...
on 11 July 2006 on a free transfer from Benfica. He played thirteen games before the season ended, twelve of those were incomplete (with one red card), scoring no goals.
Derby
Following a trial at Derby CountyDerby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
, Robert signed a contract that would run until the end of the 2007–08 season.
Toronto FC
MLSMajor League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
side Toronto FC
Toronto FC
Toronto FC is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Toronto, Ontario which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada....
announced on 2 April 2008, that they had signed Robert to a contract. He made his debut on 5 April, against D.C. United
D.C. United
D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
in the 4–1 loss. Robert impressed, delivering a number of excellent set piece opportunities. Robert continued to impress in his team's second match against Los Angeles Galaxy
Los Angeles Galaxy
The Los Angeles Galaxy are an American professional soccer team, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California, which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, and the league's second...
, delivering a free kick, from which the subsequent rebound was converted by Jarrod Smith
Jarrod Smith
Jarrod Smith is a New Zealander Professional footballer who plays for Ljungskile SK in SuperettanSweden.-College:...
en route to a 3–2 victory, Toronto's first of the 2008 season. On 19 April, Robert scored his only MLS goal from a free kick in the 31st minute of the first home game for Toronto against Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake is an American professional soccer club based in Sandy, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The team competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. They currently play their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won...
, and was named "Man of the Match" in the 1–0 victory. In his last game with the team he was substituted at half-time. He was waived by Toronto FC on 19 August 2008.
Larissa
Super League GreeceSuper League Greece
The Superleague Greece is the highest professional football league in Greece. It was formed on July 16, 2006 and replaced Alpha Ethniki at the top of the Greek football league system. The league consists of 16 teams and runs from August to May, with teams playing 30 games each...
side Larissa announced on 27 August that they signed in Robert for two-years, as a replacement for Nektarios Alexandrou
Nektarios Alexandrou
Nektarios Alexandrou is a Cypriot footballer who currently plays for APOEL in Cypriot First Division. He is mainly a left winger, but in 2010 he started to play as left fullback also.- APOEL :...
who was released from his contract a few days before. He joined up with his former Newcastle teammate Nikos Dabizas
Nikos Dabizas
Nikolaos "Nikos" Dabizas is a retired Greek professional footballer and former Newcastle United, Leicester City, Olympiacos and Larissa defender . He was also in Greece's 2004 European Football Championship winning squad....
.
International career
He made his debut for FranceFrance national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
on 18 August 1999 against Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team
The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...
. Following a recall to the national team, Robert scored his first goal for France in a match against Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
on 15 November 2000. He was also called for the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup
2001 FIFA Confederations Cup
-Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Third place play-off:-Final:-Awards:-Top scorers:2 goals Shaun Murphy Éric Carrière Robert Pirès Patrick Vieira Sylvain Wiltord Takayuki Suzuki Hwang Sun-Hong...
. He has appeared nine times for France, scoring once in France¹s 4-0 win over Turkey on November 15, 2000.
Honours
FranceFrance national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
- FIFA Confederations CupFIFA Confederations CupThe FIFA Confederations Cup is an association football tournament for national teams, currently held every four years by FIFA. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships , along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host nation, to bring the number of teams...
: 20012001 FIFA Confederations Cup-Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Third place play-off:-Final:-Awards:-Top scorers:2 goals Shaun Murphy Éric Carrière Robert Pirès Patrick Vieira Sylvain Wiltord Takayuki Suzuki Hwang Sun-Hong...