Loïc Loval
Loïc Loval | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 28, 1981 Longjumeau, France |
| Occupation | Professional footballer (retired) |
| Years active | 2003–2016 |
| Known for | Playing as a striker for Dutch clubs De Graafschap, Go Ahead Eagles, FC Utrecht; representing Guadeloupe national team |
Loïc Loval Landré (born 28 September 1981) is a retired professional football player who operated primarily as a striker. The majority of his playing years were spent in the Netherlands, representing clubs such as De Graafschap, Go Ahead Eagles, and FC Utrecht. Although born in metropolitan France, he chose to represent the Guadeloupe national side at the international level.
Early life
Loval's birthplace is Longjumeau, located near Paris, where he also spent his early childhood in the adjacent town of Évry. When he was eleven years old, his family moved to Guadeloupe, the homeland of his parents.
Initial stages
Loval’s youth football career began in Guadeloupe. Following a tournament held in France that drew attention from prominent French clubs, he enrolled at a sports academy in Paris and subsequently joined the youth ranks of Sochaux. During his time there, he played alongside emerging talents including El Hadji Diouf. After spells with Valenciennes and Besançon, he caught the eye of Belgian side Cercle Brugge. Nevertheless, after persuasion by scout John van den Brom, Loval opted to sign for Dutch team De Graafschap.
Career in the Netherlands
In 2003, Loval became part of De Graafschap. His debut season contributed to the club’s promotion through play-offs, during which he netted 3 goals across 25 appearances. Following a campaign with 5 goals in 19 Eredivisie matches, he transferred to the second division club Go Ahead Eagles in 2005.
While at Go Ahead Eagles, Loval emerged as the leading scorer by tallying 11 goals in 30 matches in his inaugural season, which garnered attention from Eredivisie teams. On 27 January 2007, he secured a contract with FC Utrecht. Initially brought on as a midfielder, he was converted into a striker due to a shortage in that position. His contract extended until 2011, and he publicly affirmed his intention to play exclusively for Utrecht among Dutch clubs.
Return to France
In August 2010, Loval moved back to France by signing with Vannes OC on a free transfer, citing personal reasons for departing FC Utrecht. In June 2015, he joined US Orléans, where over two seasons he made 35 appearances and scored 8 goals. He wrapped up his professional playing career at FC Fleury 91 competing in the Championnat National 2 during the 2015–16 season.
Guadeloupe
Loval made his international debut for Guadeloupe during the CONCACAF Gold Cup Finals in June 2007 against Haiti, appearing alongside former FC Utrecht teammate Franck Grandel. He also participated in the 2008 Caribbean Cup tournament.
Career statistics
- The scoring list places Guadeloupe’s goal count first; the score column reflects the match score immediately following each goal scored by Loval.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 July 2009 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, Guadeloupe | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 1–2 | 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup |
| 2 | 27 November 2010 | Stade En Camée, Riviére-Pilote, Guadeloupe | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 1–1 | 2010 Caribbean Championship |
External links
- Voetbal International, Monologue: Loïc Loval, 30 May 2007
- Player statistics – Voetbal International
- Player profile – L'Equipe