1. Overview
René Bliard (René Bliardʁə.ne blijaʁFrench; 18 October 1932 - 27 September 2009) was a prominent French professional footballer who played as a striker. He is best known for his significant contributions during the golden era of Stade de Reims in the 1950s, a period marked by the club's dominance in French football and notable appearances in European competitions. Bliard's career saw him achieve multiple Division 1 titles and a Coupe de France, alongside reaching the European Cup final twice. He was also part of the France national football team squad for the 1952 Summer Olympics.
2. Biography
René Bliard's life spanned from the early 1930s into the new millennium, primarily defined by his impactful career as a professional footballer.
2.1. Early life
René Bliard was born on 18 October 1932, in Dizy, a commune located in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Details about his formative years leading up to his professional football journey are limited in the provided sources, but his early life in this region preceded a highly successful career primarily in the French club system.
2.2. Club career
Bliard's professional club football career is most notably associated with Stade de Reims, where he played a pivotal role as a striker during the club's golden era in the 1950s. This period saw Stade de Reims establish itself as a dominant force in French football, securing multiple domestic league and cup titles. As a striker, Bliard was instrumental in the team's offensive prowess, contributing to their success in the Division 1 championships in the 1954-55 and 1957-58 seasons. He also played a key part in the team's victory in the Coupe de France during the 1957-58 season. Beyond domestic triumphs, Bliard was a key member of the Stade de Reims squads that reached the finals of the European Cup twice, in the 1955-56 and 1958-59 seasons, showcasing the club's prominence on the European stage.
2.3. International career
René Bliard had limited involvement with the France national football team. His most notable international recognition came with his inclusion in the French squad for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. Although he was part of the official team roster, Bliard did not feature in any matches during the tournament. The French squad for the 1952 Summer Olympics included the following players:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Léonce Deprez |
| GK | Jean-Guy Astresses |
| DF | Lucien Bochard |
| DF | Roger Colliot |
| DF | Mustapha Zitouni |
| MF | Jacques Barreau |
| MF | Jean-Claude Druart |
| MF | Albert Eloy |
| MF | Joseph Ibáñez |
| FW | Jacques Bohée |
| FW | Michel Leblond |
| FW | Bernard Lefèvre |
| FW | Célestin Oliver |
| FW | René Persillon |
| FW | René Bliard |
| MF | Michel Braucheli |
| DF | Joel Demaria |
| FW | Paul Carrier |
2.4. Death
René Bliard passed away on 27 September 2009, at the age of 76. He died in Montreuil, a commune situated in the Île-de-France region of France.
3. Honours
René Bliard achieved significant success throughout his professional football career, particularly with Stade de Reims. His major honours include:
- Division 1: 1954-55, 1957-58
- Coupe de France: 1957-58
- European Cup: Runner-up 1955-56, 1958-59
4. Playing style and assessment
As a striker, René Bliard was a key offensive force for Stade de Reims during their dominant period in the 1950s. His consistent goal-scoring and crucial contributions helped the team secure multiple domestic titles, including two Division 1 championships and a Coupe de France. His presence was also vital in Stade de Reims reaching two European Cup finals, underscoring his impact on the team's success both nationally and continentally. While specific details of his individual playing style are not extensively documented in the provided sources, his role as a striker in a highly successful team indicates a strong offensive presence and an ability to convert opportunities, solidifying his legacy as an important figure during Stade de Reims' golden era and in French football history.