Ludovic Giuly

Ludovic Giuly took his first steps in professional football with his hometown team, Olympique Lyonnais, at the age of 18. He stayed for four seasons (1994-95 to 1997-98).

A key figure in his early development, Jean Tigana, took him to Monaco where he quickly earned widespread admiration under the orders of another former legendary French international, Didier Deschamps.

He stayed with Monaco from 1997 until 2004, winning both titles and international recognition. In the 2003-04 season, Giuly helped Monaco reach the final of the Champions League where they lost to Porto.

Thanks to his efforts with Monaco, he made his international debut with France against Scotland in 2000. He was selected for the French squad for EURO 2004 but had to pull out after he was injured in the Champions League final.

He moved to FC Barcelona in the summer of 2004. Giuly made his official Barça debut on August 29, 2004 at Ràcing Santander, starting the match and playing the full 90 minutes. He soon won his place as the first choice right winger and in an excellent debut season he played 29 league matches and 6 in the Champions League, scoring 12 goals.

In the 2005-06 season, Giuly competed for place with Leo Messi and Henrik Larsson. But he still played 29 league matches, 20 as a starter, and scored 5 goals. In the Champions League, it was his goal away to Milan that sent Barcelona into the Champions League Final in Paris.

CHARACTERISTICS

At 1.64 m, Giuly is one of the shortest professional footballers in the top flight but turns this to his advantage with an explosive burst of speed.

He usually plays on the right side of the pitch, either as a midfielder or out on the wing, but is equally at home in the hole behind the centre forward or as a second striker.

He combines speed with a goal poacher's mentality, which means that whatever position he's playing in, he always has an eye on the opposition goal, employing constant cross-field movement to pull defenders out of position.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 - Spanish Supercup
2005-06 - Champions League
2005-06 - League
2005-06 - Spanish Supercup
2004-05 - League

AS Monaco
2000-01 - French League
2002-03 - French League's Cup

French National Team
2002-03 - Confederations Cup