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Paul Le GuenFrench footballer, now coach of the Cameroon national team
Date of Birth: 01.03.1964
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Football Career
- Professional Football Career
- Coaching Career
- Olympique Lyonnais
- Rangers F.C.
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Cameroon National Team
- Oman National Team
Early Life and Football Career
Paul Le Guen, a French footballer and current manager of the Oman national football team, was born on March 1, 1964, in Pencran, France. At age 7, he joined the youth club Gardiens d'Armor as a midfielder. In 1977, he moved to Pencran, where he was promoted to the senior team at 17. A year later, Le Guen signed with AS Brest, playing in the French third division.
Professional Football Career
In 1983, Le Guen joined Stade Brestois 29, balancing football with his education. On August 24, 1984, he made his French first division debut against FC Nantes Atlantique, with Stade Brestois 29 winning 4-2. During his first professional season, Le Guen scored three goals in over 30 appearances.
After the club's relegation in 1989, Le Guen transferred to FC Nantes, where he spent two seasons, scoring only once. He earned 17 caps for the French national team, but his international career was largely unsuccessful, with France failing to qualify for the 1994 World Cup despite players like Eric Cantona and David Ginola.
On May 21, 1998, Le Guen's playing career ended after a 1-1 draw against Cameroon in a friendly match.
Coaching Career
Stade RennaisLe Guen's first coaching role came at Stade Rennais in 1998. He gained recognition for signing then-unknown players Shabani Nonda and El-Hadji Diouf, who later became talented footballers.
Olympique Lyonnais
In 2001, after leaving Rennes, Le Guen took a year's sabbatical before replacing Jacques Santini as manager of Olympique Lyonnais. After a slow start, Le Guen led the club to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. His contract was terminated on May 9, 2005, with Gérard Houllier taking over. Stunned by this event, Le Guen initially refused to coach again, declining offers from Benfica and Lazio.
Rangers F.C.
On March 11, 2006, however, Le Guen signed with Scottish club Rangers F.C. Despite his experience, the club's expectations were not met, as they lost in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals to St. Johnstone in his first season. On January 4, 2007, Le Guen left the club by mutual consent, making it his shortest coaching tenure ever.
Paris Saint-Germain
Days later, Le Guen signed with Paris Saint-Germain. Under his guidance, the team rose from 17th place to the top of the league in a short period of time. However, his contract was terminated again at the end of the 2008-2009 season.
Cameroon National Team
In July 2009, Le Guen signed a five-month contract with the Cameroon national team. He implemented several changes, most notably appointing Samuel Eto'o as team captain. The team qualified for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa but failed to win any of their two matches.
Oman National Team
In 2021, Le Guen was appointed manager of the Oman national football team. He is currently leading the team in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
