Lucien Laurent

Early Life

Lucien Laurent was born in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, Val-de-Marne, near Paris, in 1907. He was the younger brother of Jean Laurent, who also played football and represented France. Lucien's early football career began with the semi-professional team Cercle Athlétique de Paris, where he played from 1921 until 1930.

Career

Laurent's professional career took off when he joined FC Sochaux-Montbéliard in 1930, a club associated with the Peugeot car manufacturer, where he was employed. He played as an inside forward and midfielder, making a significant mark in football history by scoring the first-ever goal in FIFA World Cup history during the 1930 tournament in Uruguay. This historic moment occurred on July 13, 1930, when he netted a volley against Mexico in the 19th minute of the match, leading France to a 4-1 victory.

Throughout his career, Laurent played for several clubs, including Stade Rennais F.C., RC Strasbourg Alsace, and FC Mulhouse, among others. He represented the French national team from 1930 to 1935, earning 10 caps and scoring two goals, with one being against England in 1931. Laurent was also part of the French squad for the 1928 Summer Olympics and was named to the 1934 World Cup squad but could not play due to injury.

Legacy

Laurent's football journey was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the French armed forces and spent three years as a prisoner of war in Saxony. After his release in 1943, he continued to play wartime football. His contributions to French football are remembered, particularly for his historic World Cup goal, which remains a significant milestone in the sport's history. Laurent passed away in 2005, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of international football.