Patrick Battiston

Lore & Background

Battiston is particularly remembered for the 1982 FIFA World Cup semi final in Seville, when France faced West Germany. He came off the bench in the second half, and after ten minutes of play, following a through ball by Platini, Battiston was clear through the German defence racing towards goal. The German goalkeeper, Harald Schumacher, raced towards Battiston as the Frenchman took the shot, missing the goal. Schumacher leapt into the air, twisting his body and colliding with Battiston.

In the process Schumacher's hip hit the Frenchman's face. Battiston, clattered, fell to the ground unconscious, with damaged vertebrae and teeth knocked out. Emergency medics had to administer oxygen on the pitch. Michel Platini later said that he thought that Battiston was dead, because 'he had no pulse and looked pale'.

The Dutch referee Charles Corver did not give a foul, let alone send Schumacher off. Schumacher then proceeded to take the goal-kick and play resumed. After winning the game, the goalkeeper caused more controversy when he was told that Battiston had lost two teeth, and replied: 'If that's all that's wrong with him, I'll pay him the crowns.' Schumacher did not personally apologize to Battiston at the time; he only offered a public apology years later, which Battiston eventually accepted.

In his autobiography, Anpfiff, published a couple of years later, Schumacher said the reason he did not go over to check on Battiston's condition was because a number of French players were standing around Battiston and making threatening gestures in his direction. Battiston regained consciousness in the dressing room, was taken to hospital, recovered well from his injuries, and returned to competition some time after.

Reader's Guide

Battiston earned 56 caps for his national side, scoring three goals. He represented France in the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups, and helped France to their victory at UEFA Euro 1984. At club level, he won the Division 1 title with Saint-Étienne in 1980–81, with Bordeaux in 1983–84, 1984–85 and 1986–87, and with Monaco in 1987–88. He also won the Coupe de France with Bordeaux in 1985–86 and the Trophée des Champions in 1986. Individually, he was named to Onze Mondial in 1984 and 1986.

Did You Know?

• Battiston's paternal grandfather was Italian from Veneto.
• His uncle Raymond Battiston (1924–2006) played for FC Metz between 1945 and 1953.
• After retirement, Battiston joined the Bordeaux staff and held various positions including sporting director, youth and reserve team coach and head of the youth academy.
• Under his leadership at Bordeaux's academy, players such as Marouane Chamakh, Rio Mavuba and Marc Planus were produced.
• Despite being knocked unconscious and losing teeth in the 1982 World Cup semi-final, Battiston did not slip into a coma; he came to in the dressing room.