Lucien Laurent
Lucien Laurent | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 10, 1907 Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France |
| Died | April 11, 2005 (aged 97) |
| Occupation | Footballer |
| Known for | Scoring the first goal in FIFA World Cup history |
Lucien Laurent (10 December 1907 – 11 April 2005) was a French forward known for his football career. He gained historical significance by netting the inaugural goal in FIFA World Cup history during the 1930 tournament, scoring against Mexico.
Career
Laurent was born in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, a suburb of Paris, and was the younger sibling of Jean Laurent, who also represented France internationally and was part of the 1930 World Cup squad. Although selected for France's team at the 1928 Summer Olympics, he did not appear in any matches.
Between 1921 and 1930, he played for the semi-professional side Cercle Athlétique de Paris before transferring to FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, a club affiliated with the Peugeot automobile company where he was employed. During the 1930 World Cup, Laurent participated as an amateur and received only modest financial compensation.
On 13 July 1930, at Estadio Pocitos in Montevideo, he made football history by scoring the first-ever goal in World Cup competition with a volley in the 19th minute against Mexico. France secured a 4–1 victory; however, they were eliminated following defeats to Argentina and Chile. Laurent was unable to play in the final group match due to injury.
Although selected for the 1934 World Cup roster, injury prevented him from competing. Subsequently, he joined Stade Rennais FC, where he played until 1937, and then moved to RC Strasbourg until 1939. Over his international career, Laurent earned ten caps for France and scored twice, including a notable goal against England in May 1931.
During the Second World War, Laurent served in the French military and was held as a prisoner of war in Saxony for three years before being released in 1943. He continued playing wartime football with Besançon RC until retiring in 1946. After retirement, he transitioned into coaching roles focused on training and youth development. As the last surviving member of France’s squad from the 1930 World Cup, Laurent witnessed France's triumph at the 1998 World Cup before passing away at age 97 in Besançon.
List of international goals scored by Lucien Laurent
France's tally listed first
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 July 1930 | Estadio Pocitos, Montevideo, Uruguay | Template:Fb | 1–0 | 4–1 | 1930 FIFA World Cup |
| 2 | 14 May 1931 | Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir, Colombes, France | Template:Fb | 1–1 | 5–2 | Friendly match |
Honours
CA Paris
- Runner-up in Coupe de France: 1928
- Winner of Peugeot Cup: 1931