André-Pierre Gignac

Lore & Background

Gignac began his career in Bouches-du-Rhône, playing for Fos-sur-Mer and Martigues. In 2002, he joined Lorient. He starred for two seasons, including a loan at amateur club Pau. He joined Toulouse in 2007 amid controversy. After early struggles, he became the league's top scorer in 2008–09 with 24 goals. He joined Marseille in August 2010 on a five-year contract, scoring 77 goals in 186 matches, winning two Coupe de la Ligue titles and the 2011 Trophée des Champions. He moved to Tigres UANL after his contract expired, becoming the club's all-time top scorer. He was a France international from 2009 to 2016, debuting in April 2009 against Lithuania, scoring his first goal five months later against the Faroe Islands. He played at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016, including the final.

Reader's Guide

Gignac made his professional debut for Lorient on 13 August 2004 as a substitute in the 78th minute against Châteauroux. Within seconds, he scored the winning goal for a 2–1 victory. He scored his only other goal that season against Reims on 29 October. He was loaned to Pau in the winter transfer period, appearing in 20 league matches and scoring eight goals. Returning to Lorient for the 2006–07 season, he scored a hat-trick in 27 minutes in a 3–1 victory against Nantes on 4 November 2006. He finished the campaign with 37 league appearances and nine goals. At Toulouse, he scored a last-minute goal against CSKA Sofia on 4 October 2007. In 2008–09, he scored braces against Sochaux, Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, Marseille, and twice against Nice. He scored with his left foot against Nantes after a challenge from his coach. He finished the season with 24 goals. In 2009–10, he scored against Saint-Étienne, a brace against Trabzonspor, and goals against Club Brugge, Lens, Rennes, and Sochaux. He provided three assists against Valenciennes on 16 January 2010.

Did You Know?

• Gignac is of partial Romani descent and considers himself an adopted Manouche.
• He is the cousin of former defender Jacques Abardonado and winger Yohan Mollo.
• Gignac played in the final of UEFA Euro 2016, which France lost to Portugal after extra time.