1. Overview
Thierry Tusseau (born January 19, 1958) is a former French professional footballer who primarily played as a defender, specifically as a left-back. His distinguished career included stints with notable French clubs such as FC Nantes, Girondins de Bordeaux, RC Paris / Matra Racing, and Stade de Reims. A key member of the France national team, Tusseau achieved significant international success, prominently winning the UEFA European Championship in 1984 and securing a third-place finish at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. His career spanned from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s, marking him as a respected figure in French football history.
2. Early life
Thierry Tusseau was born on January 19, 1958, in Nogent-sur-Marne, located in the Val-de-Marne department of the Île-de-France region of France.
3. Club career
Thierry Tusseau's professional club career began in France, where he played for several prominent teams over more than a decade. His tenure with these clubs saw him accumulate significant experience and success, particularly in the top flight of French football.
He started his career at FC Nantes, playing for the club from 1975 to 1983. During his time at Nantes, he made 237 appearances and scored 12 goals. Following his successful period with Nantes, Tusseau joined Girondins de Bordeaux in 1983, remaining with the club until 1986. At Bordeaux, he played in 92 matches, scoring 3 goals.
After leaving Bordeaux, Tusseau moved to RC Paris, where he played from 1986. The club underwent a name change in 1987, becoming Matra Racing, and he continued to play there until 1988. Across both periods, he made a total of 49 appearances and scored 11 goals. His final club was Stade de Reims, where he concluded his professional career, playing from 1988 to 1991. For Reims, he participated in 88 matches and scored 2 goals.
Over his entire club career, Thierry Tusseau amassed a total of 466 appearances and scored 18 goals.
| Club | Period | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Nantes | 1975-1983 | 237 | 12 |
| Girondins de Bordeaux | 1983-1986 | 92 | 3 |
| RC Paris / Matra Racing | 1986-1988 | 49 | 11 |
| Stade de Reims | 1988-1991 | 88 | 2 |
| Total | 1975-1991 | 466 | 18 |
4. International career
Thierry Tusseau was a significant part of the France national team during the late 1970s and 1980s. He earned a total of 22 international caps for France, without scoring any goals.
His international career was highlighted by participation in two major tournaments. He was a key member of the French squad that won the 1984 UEFA European Championship, which was held on home soil. During this triumphant campaign, Tusseau featured in 2 matches. Two years later, he also represented France at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. In this tournament, he played in 4 matches, contributing to France's impressive third-place finish.
5. Honours
Thierry Tusseau enjoyed a successful career marked by significant titles and awards at both the club and international levels.
5.1. Club honours
Tusseau achieved considerable success in French domestic football, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles with his clubs:
- FC Nantes
- Ligue 1: 1976-77, 1979-80, 1982-83
- Girondins de Bordeaux
- Ligue 1: 1983-84, 1984-85
5.2. International honours
His most notable achievements came with the France national football team:
- UEFA European Championship
- Winner: 1984
- FIFA World Cup
- Third place: 1986
6. Playing style and position
Thierry Tusseau was known primarily as a defender. Throughout his career, his main playing position was on the left side of the defense, specifically as a left-back. His consistency and reliability in this role were key attributes of his playing style, allowing him to contribute effectively to both his club and national teams.
7. Legacy
Thierry Tusseau's career, spanning from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s, cemented his place as a respected figure in French football. His contributions to multiple Ligue 1 winning teams with FC Nantes and Girondins de Bordeaux showcased his quality at the domestic level. Internationally, he was a vital part of the golden generation of the France national team, which achieved significant success by winning the 1984 UEFA European Football Championship and securing third place in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. While not always in the spotlight, his consistent performances as a reliable defender, particularly as a left-back, ensured his valuable contribution to these historic achievements. Tusseau is remembered as a disciplined and effective player who contributed to a memorable era for French football.
[http://www.fff.fr/equipes-de-france/tous-les-joueurs/fiche-joueur/890-thierry-tusseau French Football Federation Profile]