Alexandre Lacazette
Encyclopedia
Alexandre Lacazette is a French football player who currently plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais
in Ligue 1
. He plays as a striker
and is also capable of playing on the wings. Lacazette is a France youth international
having earned caps with all of the youth teams beginning with the under-16 team
. With the under-19 team
, he won the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
having scored the game-winning goal in the final against Spain
.
and began his football career with Elan Club Sportif Lyon, a local club located in the city's 8th arrondissement
. He spent five years at the club before signing youth papers with Olympique Lyonnais
in 2003. Upon his arrival at the club, Lacazette began training at the Centre Tola Vologe
, the club's training center. While undergoing training, he was likened to former Lyon striker Sonny Anderson
by many coaches, including the player himself. As a youth player, Lacazette played on the club's under-18 team that finished in third place in the Championnat National 18 ans during the 2007–08 season. The following season, he began making appearances with the club's Championnat de France amateur team appearing in 19 matches and netting five goals.
In the 2009–10 season
, Lacazette had a stellar campaign in the CFA scoring 12 goals in 22 appearances. During the latter part of the season, he was called up to the senior team by manager Claude Puel
and appeared on the bench in the team's 1–0 victory over Montpellier
on 2 May 2010. Three days later, Lacazette made his professional debut in a league match against Auxerre
. On 3 July 2010, Lacazette signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal. Due to still having another year left on his aspirant (youth) contract, the contract will start on 1 July 2011.
Lacazette's successful international campaign saw the player draw interest from Italian club Roma
. He also drew praise from the media, alongside international teammates Yannis Tafer
and Clément Grenier
, for his club dedication after playing in a pre-season Emirates Cup
match hours after playing in the final of the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
. Lacazette began the 2010–11 campaign
training full-time with the first team, though he did have a stint with the club's CFA team in September 2010. He scored his first professional goal on 31 October in a league match against Sochaux. The goal gave Lyon a 2–1 lead, which was the final scoreline. Three days later, Lacazette made his UEFA Champions League
debut against Portuguese
club Benfica appearing as a substitute in the second half with Lyon trailing 4–0. Minutes after entering, he provided the assist on Lyon's opening goal scored by Yoann Gourcuff
. Lacazette later assisted on the team's second goal in the 85th minute. Lyon, however, were unable to complete the comeback losing 4–3.
beginning with the under-16 team
making his debut in the team's 2–0 victory over Cameroon
on 3 April 2007 at the Montaigu Tournament
. He finished the campaign with four appearances with all of them coming at the tournament. With the under-17 team
, Lacazette was a regular and contributed to the team's qualification for the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
. In the competition, he scored the game-winning goal in the team's 2–1 win over the Republic of Ireland
in the group stage. France later reached the final where the team was defeated 4–0 by Spain
.
With the under-18 team
, Lacazette made his debut in the team's opening match against the Ukraine
. He featured in ten of the eleven matches the team contested scoring one goal, which came against Denmark in the Tournio de Limoges. For under-19 duty
, Lacazette was again called upon by coach Francis Smerecki making his first appearance with the team in a 4–2 defeat to the Netherlands
on 9 November 2009. He scored his first goal for the team on 4 March 2010 in a 2–1 win against the Ukraine
. On 7 June 2010, Lacazette was named to coach Smerecki's 18-man squad to participate in the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
. In the tournament, he scored two goals in the team's 5–0 victory over Austria
. France later reached the final where they faced Spain
, which was essentially composed of the same players that defeated France in the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship final. In the match, France came back from a goal down to win 2–1 with Lacazette netting the game-winning goal in the 85th minute after heading in a cross from Gaël Kakuta
. The title is the country's second UEFA Under-19 championship.
Due to France's victory at the UEFA Under-19 championship, the nation qualified for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
, which merited under-20 team
appearances for Lacazette. He made his debut with the team on 7 October 2010 in a friendly match against Portugal
. The match ended 3–3 with Lacazette scoring the opening goal of the match. Three days later, Lacazette scored a double in the team's 5–0 thrashing of the Juventus Primavera
team. The match was unofficial and was contested as part of the celebration of the Treaty of Turin. On 9 February 2011, Lacazette scored the game-winning goal in a 2–1 victory over England
. In March 2011, Lacazette scored goals in back-to-back matches against Peru
. On 10 June 2011, he was named to the 21-man squad to participate in the U-20 World Cup. He made his debut in the competition on 30 July 2011 in the team's 4–1 defeat to the hosts Colombia
appearing as a substitute. In the team's next group stage match against South Korea, Lacazette appeared as a substitute again and responded by scoring the team's final goal in a 3–1 victory.
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
. He plays as a striker
Striker
Forwards, also known as strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals...
and is also capable of playing on the wings. Lacazette is a France youth international
France national youth football team
The France national youth football team are the national under-20, under-19, under-18, under-17 and under-16 football teams of France and are controlled by the Fédération Française de Football. The youth teams of France participate in tournaments sanctioned by both FIFA and UEFA and also...
having earned caps with all of the youth teams beginning with the under-16 team
France national under-16 football team
The France national under-16 football team is the national under-16 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team previously competed in the annual UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship before it was converted into an under-17 competition in 2002...
. With the under-19 team
France national under-19 football team
The France national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the annual UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. They were the 2010 champions of the competition having won on home soil...
, he won the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette...
having scored the game-winning goal in the final against Spain
Spain national under-19 football team
The Spain national under-19 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain.-UEFA European Under-19 Championship Record:...
.
Club
Lacazette was born in the city of LyonLyon
Lyon , is a city in east-central France in the Rhône-Alpes region, situated between Paris and Marseille. Lyon is located at from Paris, from Marseille, from Geneva, from Turin, and from Barcelona. The residents of the city are called Lyonnais....
and began his football career with Elan Club Sportif Lyon, a local club located in the city's 8th arrondissement
8th arrondissement of Lyon
The 8th arrondissement of Lyon is one of the 9 arrondissements of Lyon.-Quarters:* Le Bachut* Monplaisir Ville* Monplaisir La Plaine, usually known as La Plaine* Mermoz Nord* Mermoz Sud* Les États-Unis* Le Transvaal* Laënnec* Le Grand Trou-Streets:...
. He spent five years at the club before signing youth papers with Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
in 2003. Upon his arrival at the club, Lacazette began training at the Centre Tola Vologe
Centre Tola Vologe
The Centre Tola Vologe is the training center and club headquarters of French football club Olympique Lyonnais. It is located in the city of Lyon, not far from the club's home stadium, the Stade de Gerland. The facility is named after Anatole Tologe, commonly called Tola Vologe, who was a Lyon...
, the club's training center. While undergoing training, he was likened to former Lyon striker Sonny Anderson
Sonny Anderson
Anderson da Silva Nilmar , known as Sonny or Anderson, is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as a striker....
by many coaches, including the player himself. As a youth player, Lacazette played on the club's under-18 team that finished in third place in the Championnat National 18 ans during the 2007–08 season. The following season, he began making appearances with the club's Championnat de France amateur team appearing in 19 matches and netting five goals.
In the 2009–10 season
2009–10 in French football
The 2009–10 season was the 77th season of competitive professional football in France.The season began on 7 August 2009 for the Championnat National and Ligue 2 and on 8 August for Ligue 1 and the Championnat de France amateur...
, Lacazette had a stellar campaign in the CFA scoring 12 goals in 22 appearances. During the latter part of the season, he was called up to the senior team by manager Claude Puel
Claude Puel
Claude Puel is a French football manager and former player. He spent 17 years playing for AS Monaco.-Managerial career:...
and appeared on the bench in the team's 1–0 victory over Montpellier
Montpellier 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...
on 2 May 2010. Three days later, Lacazette made his professional debut in a league match against Auxerre
AJ Auxerre
Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the...
. On 3 July 2010, Lacazette signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal. Due to still having another year left on his aspirant (youth) contract, the contract will start on 1 July 2011.
Lacazette's successful international campaign saw the player draw interest from Italian club Roma
A.S. Roma
Associazione Sportiva Roma, commonly referred to as simply Roma, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. Founded by a merger in 1927, Roma have participated in the top-tier of Italian football for all of their existence but one season in the early 50s...
. He also drew praise from the media, alongside international teammates Yannis Tafer
Yannis Tafer
Yannis Tafer is a French football player of Algerian descent who currently plays for French club Lyon in Ligue 1. He is a France youth international having represented the country under-17, under-18, and under-19 level...
and Clément Grenier
Clément Grenier
Clément Grenier is a French football player who currently plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. He is a France youth international having played with at all levels for which he has been eligible. He is known for his technical ability, dribbling, and free-kick taking...
, for his club dedication after playing in a pre-season Emirates Cup
Emirates Cup
The Emirates Cup is an annual two-day pre-season football tournament hosted by English Premier League club Arsenal and held at the Emirates Stadium, the club's home ground...
match hours after playing in the final of the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette...
. Lacazette began the 2010–11 campaign
2010–11 in French football
The 2010–11 season is the 78th season of competitive professional football in France. The league season began on 6 August 2010 for the Championnat National and Ligue 2 and on 7 August for Ligue 1 and the Championnat de France amateur. The season concluded on 26 May 2011 for Ligue 2, 27 May for the...
training full-time with the first team, though he did have a stint with the club's CFA team in September 2010. He scored his first professional goal on 31 October in a league match against Sochaux. The goal gave Lyon a 2–1 lead, which was the final scoreline. Three days later, Lacazette made his 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...
debut against Portuguese
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
club Benfica appearing as a substitute in the second half with Lyon trailing 4–0. Minutes after entering, he provided the assist on Lyon's opening goal scored by Yoann Gourcuff
Yoann Gourcuff
Yoann Miguel Gourcuff is a French international footballer who currently plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. He operates mainly as an attacking midfielder, but can also be utilized as a withdrawn striker and is described as a "playmaker of real quality" who "is an accomplished...
. Lacazette later assisted on the team's second goal in the 85th minute. Lyon, however, were unable to complete the comeback losing 4–3.
International
Lacazette has featured for all of France's national youth teamsFrance national youth football team
The France national youth football team are the national under-20, under-19, under-18, under-17 and under-16 football teams of France and are controlled by the Fédération Française de Football. The youth teams of France participate in tournaments sanctioned by both FIFA and UEFA and also...
beginning with the under-16 team
France national under-16 football team
The France national under-16 football team is the national under-16 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team previously competed in the annual UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship before it was converted into an under-17 competition in 2002...
making his debut in the team's 2–0 victory over Cameroon
Cameroon national football team
The Cameroon national football team, nicknamed Les Lions Indomptables , is controlled by the Fédération Camerounaise de Football and is Africa's most successful side in FIFA world cup; having qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times – in 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010– more than any...
on 3 April 2007 at the Montaigu Tournament
Montaigu Tournament
The Montaigu Tournament is an international association football competition that is contested by under-16 national teams. The tournament was founded in 1973 by Dutchman André Van Den Brink who was the president of FC Montaigu, a French amateur football team...
. He finished the campaign with four appearances with all of them coming at the tournament. With the under-17 team
France national under-17 football team
The France national under-17 football team is the national under-17 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the annual UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship and the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which is held every four years...
, Lacazette was a regular and contributed to the team's qualification for the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
The final tournament of the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship was the 26th UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, UEFA's premier football tournament for players under the age of 17. The tournament was held in Turkey from 4 May to 16 May 2008...
. In the competition, he scored the game-winning goal in the team's 2–1 win over the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team
The Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team, is the national under-17 football team of the Republic of Ireland and is controlled by the Football Association of Ireland and competes in the biennial UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship....
in the group stage. France later reached the final where the team was defeated 4–0 by Spain
Spain national under-17 football team
The Spain national under-17 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain....
.
With the under-18 team
France national under-18 football team
The France national under-18 football team is the national under-18 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team serves as a feeder team to the under-19 team as its matches aren't competitive...
, Lacazette made his debut in the team's opening match against the Ukraine
Ukraine national football team
The Ukraine national football team is the national football team of Ukraine and is controlled by the Football Federation of Ukraine. After Ukrainian Independence and breakaway from the Soviet Union, they played their first match against Hungary on 29 April 1992...
. He featured in ten of the eleven matches the team contested scoring one goal, which came against Denmark in the Tournio de Limoges. For under-19 duty
France national under-19 football team
The France national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the annual UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. They were the 2010 champions of the competition having won on home soil...
, Lacazette was again called upon by coach Francis Smerecki making his first appearance with the team in a 4–2 defeat to the Netherlands
Netherlands national under-19 football team
The Netherlands national under-19 football team represents the Netherlands at this age level and is governed by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond — KNVB...
on 9 November 2009. He scored his first goal for the team on 4 March 2010 in a 2–1 win against the Ukraine
Ukraine national under-19 football team
The Ukraine national under-19 football team represents Ukraine in international football at this age level and is controlled by Football Federation of Ukraine, the governing body for football in Ukraine.The current coach is Oleksandr Holovko....
. On 7 June 2010, Lacazette was named to coach Smerecki's 18-man squad to participate in the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette...
. In the tournament, he scored two goals in the team's 5–0 victory over Austria
Austria national under-19 football team
The Austria national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of Austria and is controlled by the Austrian Football Association.The team competes in the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, held every year....
. France later reached the final where they faced Spain
Spain national under-19 football team
The Spain national under-19 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain.-UEFA European Under-19 Championship Record:...
, which was essentially composed of the same players that defeated France in the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship final. In the match, France came back from a goal down to win 2–1 with Lacazette netting the game-winning goal in the 85th minute after heading in a cross from Gaël Kakuta
Gaël Kakuta
Gaël Kakuta is a French footballer of Congolese descent. He currently plays for Premier League club Bolton Wanderers on loan from Chelsea...
. The title is the country's second UEFA Under-19 championship.
Due to France's victory at the UEFA Under-19 championship, the nation qualified for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the eighteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup since its inception in 1977 as the FIFA World Youth Championship. Colombia hosted the tournament between 29 July and 20 August 2011, with matches being played in eight cities...
, which merited under-20 team
France national under-20 football team
The France national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is held every two years and the Toulon Tournament, which is held every May when football league...
appearances for Lacazette. He made his debut with the team on 7 October 2010 in a friendly match against Portugal
Portugal national under-20 football team
The Portugal national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of Portugal and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal....
. The match ended 3–3 with Lacazette scoring the opening goal of the match. Three days later, Lacazette scored a double in the team's 5–0 thrashing of the Juventus Primavera
Juventus F.C. Youth Sector
Juventus F.C. Youth Sector is youth set-up of Juventus Football Club. The Youth Sector is made up of various squads divided by age groups...
team. The match was unofficial and was contested as part of the celebration of the Treaty of Turin. On 9 February 2011, Lacazette scored the game-winning goal in a 2–1 victory over England
England national under-20 football team
- Round of 16 :-Friendlies:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup running from 29 July to the 20 August 2011.-Recent call-ups:...
. In March 2011, Lacazette scored goals in back-to-back matches against Peru
Peru national under-20 football team
Peru national under-20 football team represents Peru in international football competitions such as South American Youth Championship.Peruvian U-20 squad has participated in all South American Youth Championships, but had no luck in qualifing to a World Cup...
. On 10 June 2011, he was named to the 21-man squad to participate in the U-20 World Cup. He made his debut in the competition on 30 July 2011 in the team's 4–1 defeat to the hosts Colombia
Colombia national under-20 football team
The Colombia national under-20 football team, is controlled by the Federación Colombiana de Fútbol and represents Colombia in international under-20 football competitions.-Current squad:The following players are participating in the 2011 U-20 FIFA World Cup....
appearing as a substitute. In the team's next group stage match against South Korea, Lacazette appeared as a substitute again and responded by scoring the team's final goal in a 3–1 victory.
Club
(Correct as of 15 September 2011)| Club | Season | League | CupIncludes Coupe de France Coupe de France The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation... , Coupe de la Ligue Coupe de la Ligue The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel... , Trophée des Champions Trophée des champions The Trophée des champions , is a French association football trophy contested in an annual match between the champions of Ligue 1 and the winners of the Coupe de France. It is equivalent to the Super Cups found in many countries... |
Europe UEFA The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer.... Includes UEFA Supercup |
Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||
| Lyon Olympique Lyonnais Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The... |
2009–10 2009–10 Ligue 1 The 2009–10 Ligue 1 season was the 72nd since its establishment. Bordeaux were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 5 June 2009, and play commenced on 8 August and ended on 15 May 2010. There were three promoted teams from Ligue 2, replacing the three teams that were relegated... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Ligue 1 The 2010–11 Ligue 1 season was the 73rd since its establishment. Entering the season, Marseille were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 21 May 2010 and the season began on 7 August and ended on 29 May 2011. The winter break was in effect between 23 December and 15 January 2011... |
9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 2 | 2 | |
| 2011–12 2011–12 Ligue 1 The 2011–12 Ligue 1 season is the 74th since its establishment. Lille are the defending champions. The league schedule was announced on 31 March 2011 and the fixtures were determined on 10 June. The season began on 6 August 2011 and will end on 20 May 2012... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 2 | 2 | |
| Career total | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 2 | 2 | |
International
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...
-
- UEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipUEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
: 20102010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette... - 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup2011 FIFA U-20 World CupThe 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the eighteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup since its inception in 1977 as the FIFA World Youth Championship. Colombia hosted the tournament between 29 July and 20 August 2011, with matches being played in eight cities...
: Fourth Place
- UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship