Rudy Gestede

Metz

Born in Essey-lès-Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Gestede started at youth level at the age of 16, in 2004, where he played for Metz. A year later, he signed a professional contract with Metz's B Team. In 2007, he was promoted to play for the first team, whilst still also continuing to play for the B team, but in 2010, he ended his five years playing for the B team when he was sent on loan to Cannes.

Cardiff City

Gestede joined Football League Championship side Cardiff City on a week-long trial during City's training camp in Seville, Spain in July 2011. He scored his first goal for Cardiff in the 25th minute of the club's pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic on 15 July. On 23 July, Gestede passed his medical and was unveiled as a Cardiff City player three days later. He made his competitive debut for Cardiff on 7 August against West Ham United, coming on in the 68th minute in place of Robert Earnshaw, setting up Kenny Miller for the match's only goal. Gestede's first start came the following game three days later, on 10 August, against Oxford United in the League Cup. He made his 50th appearance in a 5–3 victory over Huddersfield Town, putting in a man of the match performance. Gestede scored his first goal for Cardiff City against Leicester City in the League Cup, before going on to convert from the penalty spot in his side's 7–6 penalty shootout victory over Leicester. Gestede's first league goal came on 15 October against Ipswich Town, with the…

Gestede played for the France under-19 national team between 2006 and 2008. He was called up for the Benin national team in February 2013 for the World Cup qualifiers due to a parent being of Beninois origin; he was also eligible for the United States through a grandparent. After three years, he was recalled to the national team in August 2019.

On 14 June 2024, Gestede returned to former club Blackburn Rovers as Head of Football Operations.

In the summer of 2012, Rudy's wife, Hawa, gave birth to their first child, Elijah Gestede. He is a Muslim.