Robert Herbin

Youth career

Working his way through the youth ranks at Cavigal Nice, by 1956-57 Herbin had become the captain of the club's youth side, who finished second in the Southeast youth league behind OGC Nice, and would also be selected for the France under-18 side. In the summer of 1957, Herbin had a trial with OGC Nice, one of the best teams in France at the time, but would instead have his head turned by reigning French champions Saint-Étienne.

Saint-Étienne

Herbin moved from Cavigal Nice to Saint-Étienne at age 18, for 2.5 million French francs (around €3,800 in 2020). He made his debut on 29 September 1957 against OGC Nice, and quickly established himself as a starting player in the Division 1 side, playing as a central defender. During the 1962–63 season, which his side spent in Division 2 having been relegated the season prior, Herbin finished as Saint-Étienne's top scorer, netting 16 times for les Verts as they bounced back to the top flight. The following season, with the emergence of the 4-2-4 which required greater mobility from both central midfielders, coach Jean Snella decided to move Herbin into midfield, where his stamina and ability to win back possession could greatly help his side. He continued playing in this position for the rest of the 1960s, forming formidable midfield duos alongside René Ferrier and later Rachid Mekhloufi. Herbin's force of character made him one of the pillars, as captain, of the Saint-Étienne side that would win four…

While still at Cavigal Nice, Herbin featured in the France under-18 side that finished joint third in the 1957 UEFA European Under-18 Championship. Following the end of his third season in professional football, Herbin made his debut for the France national team on 6 July 1960 against Yugoslavia in the semi-final of the first European Championship. At the Parc des Princes, he started in central defence alongside Jean-Jacques Marcel, with his side ultimately losing 4–5, and ultimately finishing fourth in the competition. Herbin's first win with the national team came during his third cap on 27 February 1963, a 5–2 victory over England in 1964 Euros qualification. Having failed to qualify for the previous year's World Cup, the French team began a long dry spell that would limit both the international careers and reputations of that entire generation of French footballers, including Herbin. During this period, he scored his first goal for Les Bleus in his sixth appearance for the national team, a long-distance strike in a 3–1 win over Bulgaria, again in 1964 Euros qualification. Herbin took part in the 1966 World Cup in England, in which France disappointed, going out in the group stage with two losses against Uruguay and eventual winners England, and a draw against Mexico. During France's match against England, he suffered a serious knee injury from a strong tackle by midfielder Nobby Stiles, which would affect the rest of his career. His final international appearance came on…

As a player, Herbin was known for his jumping and heading ability, and for possessing a powerful shot from distance. He also earned plaudits for his consistency, versatility, and tactical awareness.

Herbin was born on 30 March 1939 in Paris. He had an older brother and two sisters, and his father, whose name was also Robert, was a professional musician who played the trombone. The classical music that surrounded Herbin as a child would become a lifelong passion. In 1947, when Herbin was aged 8, his father accepted a role in the newly founded Opéra de Nice, and the family thus moved to Nice. He first began playing football there in a local parish team, before at the age of 11 following in the footsteps of his older brother, whose footballing talents had been noticed first, by committing to play for Cavigal Nice.