Christophe Dugarry

Christophe Dugarry
Personal information
Full name	Christophe Dugarry
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Position(s)	Striker
	‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of December 12 2006

Christophe Dugarry (born March 24, 1972 in Lormont) is a former French football (soccer) forward.

Biography

Coming from the Girondins de Bordeaux youth ranks, he was part of a gifted generation at the club which included future France teammates Bixente Lizarazu and Zinedine Zidane (who was a close friend of Dugarry). The highlight of his career at this club was the two goals he scored in quarter final of the UEFA cup against AC Milan, sealing his move the following year to the Italian club in the process.

Dugarry made his international debut in a 1-0 win against Australia on 26 May 1994 he went on to be selected 55 times for the national team scoring 8 goals in the process. With the French national team, Dugarry won World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000.

Dugarry's talent has always been debated. He was undoubtedly accomplished but as a forward his scoring rate was poor. He was however, a central figure in one of the most successful international teams ever.

After less successful moves to Barcelona and his beloved Bordeaux, Dugarry's unexpected move to English Premiership strugglers Birmingham City led to a brief 'golden period' for both parties that was demonstrative of Dugarry's true value as a player. His scoring rate per game was not much better than his average at any level, although an impressive run of five goals in five games cemented the club's Premiership status. Most astonishing, however, was his effect on the players around him. When Dugarry played well, the team played above itself with flair and style. In particular, the archetypal English forward Geoff Horsfield added new movement and ball skills to his repertoire at odds with his hard-man image. Watching a football club totally transformed, it was easy to see why he had held his place in the French national side for so long.

It also seems that Dugarry had never been so loved in his career. The more the crowd chanted his name (du-du-du-garry), the better he played.

Always an enigma, and typically Gallic in demeanour, Dugarry faded during the following season while his team mates pushed the club into the top six. Citing family issues, he left the club by mutual consent mid-season and all but retired from the game. However, his final goal for Birmingham, during a spirited defeat to Charlton, typified Dugarry at his best: determined, skilful and inspiring.