French · Paris, France · Born 8 August 1978Explosive and skilful French striker whose pace and finishing ability shone at Fulham and Manchester United despite persistent injuries.
Louis Laurent Saha was born on 8 August 1978 in Paris, France, to parents of Guadeloupean descent, and trained at the famous Clairefontaine academy alongside future stars including Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, and William Gallas. He began his professional career with Metz in 1996, before a loan spell at Newcastle United in 1999 gave him his first taste of English football. Saha returned to Metz before Fulham signed him, and he became an instant fan favourite, scoring 53 goals in 117 games and helping the club to its first-ever Premier League season with 27 goals during the promotion campaign. His rising profile earned a call-up to France's Euro 2004 squad, and in January 2004 Manchester United paid a club-record £12.8 million to sign him. At Old Trafford, Saha combined pace and clinical finishing with a frustrating susceptibility to injury that repeatedly disrupted his best form, though when fit he formed an effective partnership with Wayne Rooney, who later named him one of his favourite strike partners. Despite starting just 76 games across four and a half seasons, Saha won two Premier League titles, a League Cup — finishing as the competition's top scorer in 2006 — and the 2008 Champions League. Saha moved to Everton in 2008, scoring the fastest goal in FA Cup final history after just 25 seconds against Chelsea in the 2009 final, though Everton ultimately lost. He earned 20 caps for France before finishing his career with spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland, and Italy's Lazio, retiring as a player whose immense talent was persistently shadowed by fitness struggles.
Scoring the fastest goal in FA Cup Final history (25 seconds in 2009)
He scored the fastest-ever goal in an FA Cup final, netting after just 25 seconds against Chelsea in the 2009 final for Everton.
Did You Know?How They Played
Pacey striker with excellent finishing ability and strong aerial presence
Lasting Impact
One of the most clinical strikers in Premier League history despite injury struggles
Career Honours
- Premier League 2x
- Champions League 2008
- Premier League 2007
- Premier League 2008
- League Cup 2006
- FA Cup 2009
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metz | 1997–2000 | — | 47 | 5 |
| Newcastle United | 1999–1999 | loan | 11 | 1 |
| Fulham | 2000–2004 | — | 117 | 53 |
| Manchester United | 2004–2008 | £12.8m | 86 | 28 |
| Everton | 2008–2012 | — | 97 | 27 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2012–2012 | — | 10 | 3 |
| Sunderland | 2012–2013 | — | 11 | 0 |
| Lazio | 2013–2013 | — | 6 | 0 |
 France | — | — | 20 | 4 |
French Athletes