David Regis
Encyclopedia
David Regis is a former French
-American
soccer defender
who played for the United States
at the 1998
and 2002 World Cups
.
and played there until 1993. He then transferred to Strasbourg
in 1993, Lens
in 1996, and Karlsruhe
in 1997. He transferred to Metz
after the 2002 FIFA World Cup, spent four years there, and then spent a season at Troyes
. Since the 04/05 season, Regis then spent time playing in the lower levels of the Belgian leagues with FC Bleid, Regis has since retired in summer 2008.
, the U.S. national coach, jumped at the chance of having an experienced left back on the World Cup squad (though Regis's preferred position was always center back - where he was most successful in his club career), and promised Regis a starting position on the team if he became a U.S. citizen. Regis was naturalized
on May 20, 1998 and received his first cap
against Kuwait
just three days later. Regis received the starting spot from Sampson in front of long-time starter Jeff Agoos
.
Regis played all three matches in the World Cup, and despite being one of the more effective players for the US, the Americans lost all three of their group matches.
Regis made the U.S. roster for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
as well, but this time did not play. He retired with 27 caps.
by Rac Athlétic Florenvillois and Rossignol.
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
-American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soccer defender
Defender (football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
who played for the United States
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
at the 1998
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
and 2002 World Cups
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
.
Career
Regis began his pro career in 1988 with ValenciennesValenciennes FC
Valenciennes Football Club is a French association football club based in Valenciennes. The club was founded in 1913 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Valenciennes plays its home matches at the recently-built Stade du Hainaut located within the city...
and played there until 1993. He then transferred to Strasbourg
RC Strasbourg
Racing Club de Strasbourg is a French association football club founded in 1906 and professional since 1933, based in the city of Strasbourg, in Alsace...
in 1993, Lens
RC Lens
Racing Club de Lens is a French association football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or , comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbors Lille OSC, whom they contest the Derby du...
in 1996, and Karlsruhe
Karlsruher SC
Karlsruher SC is a German association football club, based in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg. KSC rose out of the consolidation of a number of predecessor clubs. They currently play in the 2...
in 1997. He transferred to Metz
FC Metz
Football Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its...
after the 2002 FIFA World Cup, spent four years there, and then spent a season at Troyes
Troyes AC
Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube Champagne is a French association football club, based in Troyes. It was founded in 1900. The club was promoted to Ligue 1 for the 2005–06 season and their first Ligue 1 season was in 1954/55, and their second spell came in 1999/2000 Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube...
. Since the 04/05 season, Regis then spent time playing in the lower levels of the Belgian leagues with FC Bleid, Regis has since retired in summer 2008.
International
Since Regis's wife was an American citizen, an option to play for the United States appeared. Steve SampsonSteve Sampson
Steve Sampson is a soccer coach and the former head coach of the United States men's national team and the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer...
, the U.S. national coach, jumped at the chance of having an experienced left back on the World Cup squad (though Regis's preferred position was always center back - where he was most successful in his club career), and promised Regis a starting position on the team if he became a U.S. citizen. Regis was naturalized
Naturalization
Naturalization is the acquisition of citizenship and nationality by somebody who was not a citizen of that country at the time of birth....
on May 20, 1998 and received his first cap
Cap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
against Kuwait
Kuwait national football team
The Kuwait National Football Team is the national team of Kuwait and is controlled by the Kuwait Football Association. They made one World Cup Finals appearance, in 1982, managing a draw with Czechoslovakia but losing to England and France. During the match against France, France scored a goal...
just three days later. Regis received the starting spot from Sampson in front of long-time starter Jeff Agoos
Jeff Agoos
Jeffrey Alan "Jeff" Agoos is a retired American soccer defender, and one of the all-time appearance leaders for the United States national team....
.
Regis played all three matches in the World Cup, and despite being one of the more effective players for the US, the Americans lost all three of their group matches.
Regis made the U.S. roster for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
as well, but this time did not play. He retired with 27 caps.
Coaching career
After his retirement worked as Head coach in BelgiumBelgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
by Rac Athlétic Florenvillois and Rossignol.