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Louis Saha
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Louis Laurent Saha (born 8 August 1978) is a French former professional footballer who played as a striker. Saha was capped 20 times for the France national team and scored four goals. Louis Saha was a former scholar at the Clairefontaine football academy, he began his career at Metz before playing on loan at Newcastle United. Before the start of the 2000–01 season, Saha moved to Fulham where he established himself as first-choice striker, helping them to gain promotion to the Premier League in his first season with them.

Key Information

His performances gained attraction from Manchester United, who eventually secured his signing for around £12.4 million midway through the 2003–04 season. Injuries plagued his Old Trafford career, however he enjoyed major success including winning the Premier League title twice, the UEFA Champions League in 2008, and the League Cup in 2006 where he was the top scorer in the competition and netted in the final. Despite Saha's injury woes, United star Wayne Rooney stated on Sky Sports that Saha was one of his favourite strike partners.[5]

After four and a half years at United, Everton took him to Goodison Park, where he opened the scoring in the 2009 FA Cup Final after 25 seconds, setting the record for the fastest goal scored in FA Cup Final history.

Saha made his France debut in 2004, in a 2–0 victory over Belgium. He represented France at UEFA Euro 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

[edit]

Saha was born in Paris.[6] His parents were born on the island of Guadeloupe (a department of France), where his grandparents remain to this day.[7][8][9] He has a younger sister and younger brother.[7] Saha also revealed he and his siblings were brought up from a strict Caribbean culture.[7]

His father worked as an aircraft mechanic and his mother worked as a nurse.[10][11] Growing up in Paris, Saha said his family had little money, leading him to "never take anything for granted",[11] In return, he bought his parents a house in the West Indies, and covered his parents' debt.[11][10] Saha revealed that his father tried to make him balance his football with the rest of his education, but nevertheless, push him to make sure he "got enough education away from football" and supported him "all the way in helping him mature as a footballer and as a man".[7]

Club career

[edit]

Metz

[edit]

Saha began his football career at Soisy-Andilly-Margency in the commune of Soisy-sous-Montmorency before he joined Clairefontaine. He later moved to Metz at the age of 15 and then signed his first professional contract with the club at 17.[11][12] Saha progressed to the senior team in 1997.[13][4] Saha made his Metz debut on 8 August 1997, coming on as a late substitute against Bordeaux and scored the club's fourth goal of the game, in a 4–1 win.[14] This was his only goal of the season, as Metz finished second place in the league behind Lens by goal difference.[15] Overall, he made 25 appearances in all competitions. The 1998–99 season saw Saha lose first team opportunities, as he only made six appearances in all competitions.[16]

Saha went on loan to Newcastle United in January 1999, scoring once against Coventry City[17] and playing in a total of 11 league games. He also scored in Newcastle's run to the 1999 FA Cup Final with the only goal in the fifth round clash against Blackburn Rovers;[18] however, he was left out of the cup final squad entirely by manager Ruud Gullit.[19] He later reflected his time at Newcastle United, saying it made him acknowledge how hard he has to work as a footballer and gaining confidence.[20]

At the conclusion of the 1998–99 season, Saha returned to Metz, where he made an impact, scoring seven goals for the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup, against MŠK Žilina, Lokeren, Polonia Warsaw and West Ham United.[21] Saha's first goal for the club came on 7 August 1999, winning 3–0 against Auxerre.[22] Saha scored three more goals later in the 1999–2000, as he made 33 appearances and scoring 11 times in all competitions.[23] Despite being in a goal scoring form, Saha revealed that the club wanted him to "take on a lot more defensive duties", something that made him consider quitting football.[12] By the time Saha left the club at the close of the 1999–2000 season, he netted five goals in 47 matches for a two-year spell.[citation needed]

Fulham

[edit]
Saha, just after signing for Fulham, in a pre-season friendly against Tiverton Town in 2000

Saha returned to England, where he was signed by Fulham for £2.1 million in 2000.[24] Upon joining the club, Manager Jean Tigana said: "Louis is a very good signing. I have known him since he was 17 and he has great ability. I am sure he will follow the success of his contemporaries Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. I believe he will be a very good player in the First Division and has the right qualities to be a success in the Premiership".[25]

Saha quickly made an impact on his Fulham debut, scoring his first goal of the season in a 2–0 win against Crewe Alexandra in the opening game of the season.[26] This was followed up by scoring in a 3–1 win against Birmingham City.[27] Since making his debut, Saha quickly established himself in the first team, becoming the club's first-choice striker and along with John Collins and Lee Clark. Their performances were described "world class" by the Evening Standard.[28][29] He then scored eight goals in four matches in September 2000, scoring once against Nottingham Forest, braces against Northampton Town and Burnley, and a hat-trick against Barnsley.[30] His goalscoring form continued with three goals in two matches against Grimsby Town on 25 November and Derby County on 29 November 2000.[31] Saha scored two goals in two matches between in January 2001 against Norwich City and Watford.[32] He then scored twice for the side in a 4–1 win against Tranmere Rovers on 30 March 2001.[33] Saha scored three goals in two matches between in April 2001 against Portsmouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.[34] In the promotion-winning campaign of 2000–01 Saha scored 27 league goals to fire Fulham into the Premier League, making him the league top–scorer.[35] At the conclusion of the 2000–01 season, he made 48 appearances and scored 32 times in all competitions. For his achievement, Saha was named PFA Team of the Year.[36]

In the first two matches of the 2001–02 season, Saha scored three goals, against Manchester United and Sunderland.[37] During his first month in the top flight he was named Premier League Player of the Month.[38] Saha continued to regain his first team place as the club's first choice striker, forming a partnership with Barry Hayles throughout the 2001–02 season.[39] Although Saha did score in the League Cup against Derby County on 10 October 2001, he went on a three-month spell without scoring in the league before scoring against Newcastle United, in a 3–1 victory on 17 November 2001.[40] However, Saha's goal scoring form continued to dip,[12][41][42] scoring only four more goals later in the 2001–02 season, including a brace against Chelsea.[43] At the conclusion of the season, Saha had made 44 appearances and scored nine times in all competitions.[citation needed]

At the start of the 2002–03 season, Saha appeared in every match of the UEFA Intertoto Cup, scoring once against Egaleo in the third round on 20 July 2002.[44] He played in both legs of the Intertoto Cup finals against Bologna, as they won 5–3 to win the tournament and qualify for the UEFA Cup.[45][46] Saha scored his first league goal of the season, from a penalty, in a 4–1 win against Bolton Wanderers in the opening game of the season.[47] However, he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for the rest of 2002.[48] Saha scored on his return on 5 January 2003, in a 3–1 win against Birmingham City in the third round of the FA Cup.[49] However, his return was short-lived as he suffered another injury that saw him miss two matches.[50] He returned to the first team on 1 February 2003, coming on as a 69th-minute substitute, in a 2–1 loss against Arsenal.[51] He then scored his fourth goal of the season in a 3–0 win against West Bromwich Albion.[52] Following his return, Saha managed to regain his first team place for the rest of the 2002–03 season, playing in the striker position.[53] He scored three more goals later in the 2002–03 season, including scoring two goals in two matches in March 2003 against Sunderland and Southampton.[54] As a result of his injuries he was less prolific in the 2002–03 season, scoring onlyseven goals in 28 appearances in all competitions.[citation needed]

Ahead of the 2003–04 season, it was announced by the club that Saha would be staying put.[55] He started the season well, scoring in the opening game of the season, winning 3–2 win against Middlesbrough.[56] Saha then scored three goals in three matches in September 2003, scoring against Birmingham City, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.[57] Throughout the first half of the season, he continued to be in the first team regular for Fulham, playing in the striker position.[58] His goal scoring form continued to the end of the year, scoring three braces.[59] As a result, Saha was named as the Player of the Month for December.[60] In his final season at Fulham, he contributed 15 goals in only 22 appearances before leaving in the January transfer window.[citation needed]

It was announced on 23 December 2003 by the club that they rejected a bid from Manchester United to sign Saha, saying he was not for sale.[61] It came after when his performance at Fulham's victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in October 2003[62] was thought to be influential in persuading Alex Ferguson to sign him in 2004.[63] Around this time, Saha revealed that he had a fallen out with manager Chris Coleman as a result of the way in which he left Fulham.[64] During a spell of nearly four years at the club, Saha scored 63 goals.[citation needed]

Manchester United

[edit]

Saha was transferred to Manchester United for a fee of £12.4 million in 2004 having scored 15 goals so far that season and impressing Alex Ferguson in Fulham's 3–1 win at Old Trafford. Fulham were reluctant to sell Saha[65] but he pushed for a deal and it eventually went through on 23 January 2004.[66] A month later, however, Metz brought a case to FIFA (and later Court of Arbitration for Sport) arguing that they were entitled to a share of Saha's transfer fee from Fulham.[67] Two years later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of Metz and Fulham were ordered to pay.[68]

Saha impressed early, with seven goals in his ten starting appearances of the 2003–04 season and scoring on his debut against Southampton.[69] After the match, Manager Ferguson praised his performance.[70] In the next match, versus Everton, Saha and Ruud van Nistelrooy both scored two goals in a 4–3 win.[71] On 28 February 2004, he faced his former team for the first time, scoring the only goal for United in a 1–1 draw.[72] Throughout the match, Saha received boos and jeers from Fulham supporters.[73] He then played in both legs of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Porto, as Manchester United lost 3–2 on aggregate.[74] After missing two matches due to an Achilles problem, Saha returned to the first team and scored in the next two matches against Arsenal and Birmingham City.[75] He was unable to play in the 2004 FA Cup Final win over Millwall, being cup-tied due to an earlier appearance with Fulham.[76] Despite this, Saha went on to make 12 appearances and scoring seven times in all competitions by the conclusion of the 2003–04 season.[citation needed]

The 2004–05 season was a stop-start season marred by constant injury for Saha.[77] He made his first appearance of the season on 28 August 2004, coming on as a second half substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Blackburn Rovers.[78] However, Saha picked up a knee injury playing for France against the Faroe Islands which put him out of action for a month.[79] He returned to the first team on 16 October 2004, playing the full 90 minutes of a 0–0 draw against Birmingham City.[80] Saha then scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the League Cup on 10 November 2004.[81] Shortly after, he picked up an injury again while playing for the national side and costing him nearly two months out.[82] Saha did not next play a full 90 minutes until 12 January 2005, in a 0–0 draw against Chelsea in the first leg of the League Cup semi–finals.[83] Ten days later on 22 January 2005 he scored his second goal of the season, as well as setting up the first goal of the game in a 3–1 win against Aston Villa.[84] However in February, the problem recurred, leaving Saha out for a further two months.[85] At the conclusion of the 2004–05 season, Saha never got going, making only 11 starting appearances, 11 from the bench and scoring two goals.[citation needed]

Over the summer, Saha suffered another hamstring strain which ruled him out for the first three months of the 2005–06 season.[86] He scored on his first appearance of the season, as well as setting up the third goal of the game, in a 3–1 win against West Bromwich Albion on 30 November 2005.[87] Following his return, Saha eased back into side as a substitute, making appearances in League Cup matches.[88] To the surprise of many, the French striker recaptured his initial good form and started a streak of goalscoring form.[89] Six goals in the League Cup run saw him usurp Van Nistelrooy as the first-choice strike partner for Wayne Rooney.[90] Saha was named a starter over Van Nistelrooy in the final against Wigan Athletic, and scored a goal.[91] Despite suffering from an injury along the way, he scored four more goals later in the 2005–06 season, including a brace against West Bromwich Albion on 18 March 2006.[92] At the end of the 2005–06 season, Saha had made 30 appearances and scored 15 times in all competitions.[citation needed]

Saha, scorer of United's second goal, pictured during the 3–1 Manchester derby win on 9 December 2006.

Saha was chosen by Ferguson to partner alongside Rooney for the next season, after Van Nistelrooy's exit for Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.[93] He began the 2006–07 season by scoring only seven minutes into the first game against Fulham.[94] This was followed up by scoring his second goal of the season in a 3–0 win against Charlton Athletic, as well as setting up the second goal of the game.[95] Saha then scored twice for the side, as well as setting up the third goal of the game, in a 3–2 win against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League.[96] He scored the winning goal away to Benfica in the UEFA Champions League and later scored in the home leg.[97] Saha's goal scoring form continued for the rest of 2006.[98] As a result, he signed an extension to his contract[99] lasting to 2010, though soon after began suffering from more injury problems.[100] Groin and hamstring injuries restricted appearances and meant he only scored one goal in the second half of the season.[101] He returned as substitute at Roma but then picked up a knee injury and was therefore absent for United's 1–0 extra-time loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup final.[102] Saha ended the season with 13 goals in all competitions, largely thanks to his pre-Christmas form.[citation needed]

In the 2007–08 season, Saha returned from injury and came as a substitute against Sunderland, scoring the winning goal.[103] On 23 September 2007, Saha won and converted a penalty against Chelsea in Chelsea's first game with Avram Grant in charge. United won the game 2–0.[104] This earned Saha a recall to the France national team after a year out. Against Arsenal, Saha came on to replace the under-performing Carlos Tevez in a 2–2 draw. He was key in setting up a goal as Cristiano Ronaldo gave United a 2–1 lead.[105] Saha continued to make appearances off the bench, but when Wayne Rooney was ruled out for a few weeks he partnered Tevez up front.[106] He then started in a match against Sunderland on Boxing Day, and scored twice including a penalty, winning 2–0 to lift Manchester United to 1st position in the Premier League.[107] After being sidelined with a knee injury that kept him out for a month, Saha made his return in an FA Cup clash versus Arsenal on 16 February 2008, winning 4–0.[108] The following weekend, he came on as a substitute for Ronaldo, scoring the final goal in a 5–1 rout of Newcastle United.[109] After returning to nearly full fitness, Saha's injury haunts returned and forced him off with a hamstring complaint during United's win over Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford.[110] Saha was ruled out for several weeks, missing key games.[111] In the final game of the Premier League season against Wigan Athletic, Saha was named as a substitute, but played no part in the game.[112] In May 2008, Saha admitted that he believed his United career was in doubt. Despite his desire to stay and love for the club, he was unsure of what the future held for him at Old Trafford.[113]

Despite struggling with injuries in many of his seasons with Manchester United, Saha still contributed 42 goals in all competitions in 120 appearances for the club.[citation needed]

Everton

[edit]
Saha (right) alongside Sylvain Distin with Everton in 2009

Saha joined Everton in 2008 for an undisclosed fee,[114] signing a two-year 'pay-as-you-play' deal.[115] Not match-fit at his time of signing, Saha offered to train without being paid while injured.[115]

Saha made his Everton debut on 22 September coming on as a substitute in a league game away to Hull City,[116] before scoring his first goal against his former club Fulham, at Goodison Park on 1 November.[117] This was followed up by scoring a brace, as well as setting up the first goal of the game in a 3–1 win against West Ham United.[118] However during a 1–0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on 30 November 2008, he suffered a knee injury and was substituted in the 60th minute.[119] Following this, it was announced that Saha would be out for two months.[120] He returned to the first team on 22 February 2009, coming on as a 74th-minute substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Newcastle United.[121] This was followed up by scoring his fourth league goal of the season in a 2–0 win against West Bromwich Albion.[122] A week later on 8 March 2009, he came off the bench at half-time in that season's FA Cup quarter-final against Middlesbrough, scoring the winner and helping Everton reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1995.[123] Two months later, against West Ham United, Saha scored twice for the second time in the season, as the club won 3–1.[124] Two weeks later in the FA Cup final, Saha scored the fastest goal in the final's history after 25 seconds, though opponents Chelsea came from behind to win 2–1.[125] This broke Bob Chatt's record, set 114 years earlier in the 1895 Final.[126] It was also the fastest goal in any match at the new Wembley Stadium, beating the previous record by Giampaolo Pazzini in March 2007 in an under-21 international for Italy.[127] Throughout the 2008–09 season, he established himself in the starting 11, forming a striking partnership with Yakubu.[128] At the end of the 2008–09 season, Saha had made 29 appearances and scored eight times in all competitions.[citation needed]

Saha warming up prior to Everton's match against Fulham in 2009

Saha scored his first goal of the 2009–10 season after coming on as a substitute on the opening day of the season against Arsenal, in a 6–1 defeat at Goodison Park.[129] His goalscoring form continued for the next two months, scoring a goal against both Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth, as well as braces against Sigma Olomouc and Blackburn Rovers.[130] He went on to a run of seven goals in seven games in all competitions by the end of the year.[131] The next two months saw Saha earned two Player of the Month awards by the club.[132] Saha signed a two-year contract extension with Everton on 5 February 2010, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2011–12 season.[133] Five days later he scored a brace for the side, in a 2–1 win against Chelsea.[134] Throughout the 2009–10 season he established himself in the starting 11, playing in the striker position, but found his goalscoring form dipped as the season progressed.[135] Despite suffering from injuries during the season along the way, Saha made 40 appearances and scored 15 times in all competitions.[136]

At the start of the 2010–11 season, Saha continued to retain his first team place for the first four matches, scoring his first goal in a 5–1 win against Huddersfield Town in the second round of the League Cup.[137] However, he suffered an injury while on international duty that kept him out for a month.[9][138] He returned from injury on 23 October 2010, coming on as a 61st-minute substitute in a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.[139] Since returning from injury, he was involved in the first team for the next three months, though he struggled to regain his goalscoring form.[140] Saha then suffered a thigh injury that saw him miss one match.[141] Saha scored his eighth goal in five starts against Chelsea on 29 January 2011, and continued his form in the next home game, against Blackpool on 5 February, when he netted four goals in a 5–3 victory. It was his first hat-trick in the Premier League.[142] Saha scored again for Everton against Fulham on 19 March 2011 with a low right footed drive from a free kick, he was later stretchered off with an ankle injury and remained sidelined for the remainder of the season.[143] At the end of the 2010–11 season, Saha had made 26 appearances and scored nine times in all competitions.[citation needed]

Saha made his return for the 2011–12 season on 30 July 2011 in a pre-season fixture against the recently relegated Birmingham City at St Andrews.[8] He was substituted into the match in the second half and scored 3 minutes into his return from injury with a low right footed drive from outside the box.[144] After missing four matches, Saha returned to the first team, coming on as a 66th-minute substitute in a 2–0 loss against Manchester City on 24 September 2011.[145] This was followed up by making his first start of the season for Everton in a home fixture against Liverpool. Everton lost the game 2–0.[146] He then scored his first goal of the season in a 3–1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage after coming on as a substitute.[147] Saha continued his scoring in the following game on 26 October against Chelsea in a League Cup tie.[148] He failed to score again for Everton, a drought that lasted 942 consecutive minutes of league football.[149] Saha left Everton having scored 35 goals in 115 appearances.[150]

Tottenham Hotspur

[edit]

On 31 January 2012, Saha completed a free transfer move to Tottenham Hotspur, signing a six-month contract. He was given the number 15 jersey, last worn by Peter Crouch.[151]

Less than a week later he made his debut against Liverpool coming on as a substitute for Emmanuel Adebayor in a 0–0 draw.[152] He made his full debut in the very next league fixture against Newcastle United, scoring twice in a 5–0 win.[153] On 26 February 2012, he made it three goals in three games for his new club when he scored the opening goal in Tottenham's North London derby defeat against Arsenal, 5-2.[154]

He scored his fourth goal, in all competitions, for the club against Bolton Wanderers to make it 3–1 to Tottenham with the last kick of the game to send his side through to the FA Cup semi-finals against London rivals Chelsea.[155] Following his successful short spell with Tottenham, Saha reported that he was desperate to seal a long term deal at White Hart Lane, citing Harry Redknapp as a big factor in his upturn in form.[156] On 13 July 2012, it was confirmed that Saha was released after his contract expired at the end of the season.[157]

Sunderland

[edit]
Saha coming on for his Sunderland debut as a substitute

On 16 August 2012, Sunderland confirmed the signing of Saha on a one-year deal.[158] He made his debut two days later, coming on as a substitute in a 0–0 draw with Arsenal.[159] His contract was mutually terminated on transfer deadline day January 2013.[160] During Saha's time at Sunderland, he made only 14 appearances and failed to score a single goal.[161]

Lazio

[edit]

On 6 February 2013, Saha signed a six-month contract with Italian club Lazio.[162] The following day, he was presented by the club.[163]

Saha made his debut for Lazio, coming on as a substitute on 9 February 2013 in a match against Napoli.[164] However, he found his playing time limited, mostly coming on as a substitute, as he went on to make six appearances for the club.[165] Despite being keen to stay at the club beyond the 2012–13 season, Saha was released at the end of the short-term deal.[166]

International career

[edit]

Saha represented France at various youth levels and scored the winning goal in the 1997 UEFA European Under-18 Championship against Portugal.[167]

Saha said he wanted to play for France and put his name in the short–list to be called up to the national squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup but due to his lack of form during the 2001–02 season, Saha acknowledged that he would be unlikely to be in the squad for the tournament, which turned out to be true.[12] It was not until 2004 that Saha finally earned his first full cap, marking his debut with a goal in a 2–0 victory over Belgium on 18 February.[168] That summer he was also selected for the UEFA Euro 2004 squad.[169] Saha then scored his second goal for France, scoring the third goal of the game in a 4–0 win against Andorra on 28 May 2004.[170] Having appeared in the first two matches as an unused substitute in the group stage, he made his first appearance of the tournament against Switzerland, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute, and set up a goal for Thierry Henry to score the national team's second goal of the game, winning 3–1.[171] However, Saha played 18 minutes, having come on as a 72nd-minute substitute, as France lost 1–0 against Greece in the quarter–finals, eliminating the national side from the competition.[172]

Two years later, Saha was called up to the national team squad for the FIFA World Cup, earning his first call-up in almost a year.[173] He made his first appearance for the national side in almost a year, starting a match against Denmark on 31 May 2006 and set up France's first goal of the game, in a 2–0 win.[174] Saha made his first appearance of the World Cup, coming on as a 69th-minute substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Switzerland.[175] Saha contributed to France reaching the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final, but he was suspended for the final against Italy after receiving a yellow card during the semi-final victory over Portugal.[176]

After the end of the World Cup tournament, Saha was called up to the France squad for the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and started in a 2–1 win.[177] Saha then followed up in his next appearance for the national side by scoring in a 3–0 win against Georgia.[178] A month later on 11 October 2006, he scored his fourth goal for France, in a 5–0 win against Faroe Islands.[179]

Saha was named in the squad picked for the Euro 2012 qualifiers, which also included goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Chelsea's Florent Malouda and nine other players who took part in France's disappointing 2010 World Cup campaign.[9][180] Prior to this, he had not played for his national side since November 2006 (although he was called up by Raymond Domenech in February 2010, he withdrew from the squad due to injury).[181] Saha made an appearance for France for the first time in four years, coming on as a 79th-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss against Belarus on 3 September 2010.[182] Two years later, on 29 February 2012, he made his return to the national team in a 2–1 win against Germany, in what turned out to be his last appearance for France.[183]

Post-playing career

[edit]
Saha playing alongside Jesper Blomqvist during Manchester United's charity match against Barcelona on 2 September 2017

On 8 August 2013, his 35th birthday, Saha announced his retirement from professional football via Twitter.[184] Saha joined other retired players at a testimonial match for his former Spurs teammate Ledley King on 12 May 2014. Coming on as a second-half substitute, he scored a hat-trick against a line-up of current Tottenham players.[185] Three years later on 2 September 2017, he once again joined other retired players for a charity match against Barcelona that Manchester United won 3–0.[186]

Saha's speaking at the Web Summit in 2016

Following his retirement from professional football, Saha created a private network for pro athletes and entertainers called AxisStars.[11][187][188]

In December 2015, Saha said he would be suing a UK bank after it was revealed that a botched investment scheme resulted in him losing "around six figures."[11] He also published his first book titled Thinking Inside the Box?.[189][190][191]

Personal life

[edit]

In addition to speaking French, Saha speaks fluent English. He learned the language after moving to Fulham in 2000, where he experienced some initial struggles before improving.[28][192]

Saha has three children with his former partner: Stanley, Enzo and Lou.[7][12][42][190][193][194] They split up after his retirement from football.[189] Having previously lived in Manchester, North West England, he has since moved to the south of France.[11][188][190]

In February 2011, Saha escaped unhurt after his car collided with a fence on Altrincham Road, at the entrance to the tunnels that run under the runways of Manchester Airport.[195]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[196][197]
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Metz 1997–98 Division 1 21 1 2 0 0 0 3[c] 0 — 26 1
1998–99 Division 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 — 6 0
1999–2000 Division 1 23 4 3 0 1 0 8 8 — 35 12
Total 47 5 5 0 1 0 14 8 0 0 67 13
Newcastle United (loan) 1998–99 Premier League 11 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 — 12 2
Fulham 2000–01 First Division 43 27 1 0 4 5 — — 48 32
2001–02 Premier League 36 8 6 0 2 1 — — 44 9
2002–03 Premier League 17 5 3 1 0 0 8 1 — 28 7
2003–04 Premier League 21 13 1 2 0 0 — — 22 15
Total 117 53 11 3 6 6 8 1 0 0 142 63
Manchester United 2003–04 Premier League 12 7 0 0 0 0 2[d] 0 0 0 14 7
2004–05 Premier League 14 1 2 0 4 1 2[d] 0 — 22 2
2005–06 Premier League 19 7 4 2 5 6 2[d] 0 — 30 15
2006–07 Premier League 24 8 2 1 0 0 8[d] 4 — 34 13
2007–08 Premier League 17 5 2 0 0 0 5[d] 0 0 0 24 5
Total 86 28 10 3 9 7 19 4 0 0 124 42
Everton 2008–09 Premier League 24 6 3 2 1 0 1[c] 0 — 29 8
2009–10 Premier League 33 13 1 0 1 0 5[e] 2 — 40 15
2010–11 Premier League 22 7 3 2 1 1 — — 26 10
2011–12 Premier League 18 1 0 0 2 1 — — 20 2
Total 97 27 7 4 5 2 6 2 0 0 115 35
Tottenham Hotspur 2011–12 Premier League 10 3 2 1 — — — 12 4
Sunderland 2012–13 Premier League 11 0 0 0 3 0 — — 14 0
Lazio 2012–13 Serie A 6 0 0 0 — 0 0 — 6 0
Career total 385 117 36 12 24 15 47 15 0 0 492 159
  1. ^ Includes Coupe de France, FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes Coupe de la Ligue, Football League Cup
  3. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ a b c d e Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[198]
National team Year Apps Goals
France 2004 8 2
2005 0 0
2006 10 2
2007 0 0
2008 0 0
2009 0 0
2010 0 0
2011 1 0
2012 1 0
Total 20 4
Scores and results list France's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Saha goal.
List of international goals scored by Louis Saha[citation needed]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 18 February 2004 King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium  Belgium 2–0 2–0 Friendly
2 28 May 2004 Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier, France  Andorra 3–0 4–0 Friendly
3 2 September 2006 Boris Paichadze National Stadium, Tbilisi, Georgia  Georgia 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
4 11 October 2006 Stade Auguste Bonal, Montbéliard, France  Faroe Islands 1–0 5–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying

Honours

[edit]

Fulham

Manchester United

Everton

France U18

France

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Louis Saha

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Louis Saha (born 8 August 1978) is a French former professional footballer who played primarily as a striker for several prominent clubs in France and England, earning 20 caps for the France national team with four goals. Born in Paris to parents of Guadeloupean descent, Saha developed through the youth system at FC Metz, making his professional debut there in 1996 before securing a loan move to Newcastle United in 1999. He established himself in English football with Fulham, where he scored 63 goals in 141 appearances over three-and-a-half seasons from 2000 to 2004, helping the club to its first-ever Premier League campaign. In January 2004, Saha transferred to Manchester United for a club-record £12.8 million fee, contributing 42 goals in 124 appearances and winning two Premier League titles (2006–07 and 2007–08), the 2006 League Cup, and the 2008 UEFA Champions League despite persistent injury setbacks that caused him to miss the Champions League final. After leaving United in 2008, he joined Everton, where he netted 34 goals in 115 games over three seasons, before shorter spells at Tottenham Hotspur (2012), Sunderland (2012–13), and Lazio (2013), retiring on his 35th birthday in August 2013. Internationally, Saha debuted for France in 2004, scoring on his first appearance against Belgium, and was part of the squad that reached the 2006 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. Post-retirement, Saha founded AxisStars, a digital platform supporting careers in sports and entertainment, and authored the book Thinking Inside the Box to guide aspiring footballers.

Early years

Early life

Louis Saha was born on 8 August 1978 in , , to parents of Guadeloupean origin. His father worked as an aircraft mechanic, while his mother was a nurse, reflecting the family's working-class background in the Paris suburbs. Growing up with limited financial resources, Saha later reflected that this environment instilled in him a profound appreciation for opportunities, shaping his disciplined approach to life and sports. From a young age, Saha developed a passion for football, influenced by his father's enthusiasm for sports and the cultural emphasis on competitiveness within the family. He began playing informally in local settings and at school, gaining his first organized experience through neighborhood games that highlighted his natural ability. By around age 12, he joined the local club Soisy-Andilly-Margency, where he earned the nickname "Petit Louis" for holding his own against older players, marking the early recognition of his talent. Saha faced initial challenges in balancing his budding interest in football with academic pursuits, as his parents, drawing from their strict upbringing, prioritized education alongside any athletic endeavors. This tension, combined with the demands of playing in competitive local environments, tested his commitment but ultimately reinforced his resilience. By his early teens, these experiences paved the way for a transition into more structured youth training programs.

Youth career

Saha began his organized youth football journey at the local club Soisy-Andilly-Margency, joining their ranks in 1990 at the age of 12 and remaining there until 1995. At age 14, in 1992, he was selected to attend the elite Institut National du Football de Clairefontaine (INF Clairefontaine), France's national training center for promising young talents, where he trained for three years alongside future stars like Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka, focusing on technical development and tactical education. In 1993, at age 15, Saha joined the youth academy of . He signed his first contract with the club in 1995 at age 17. There, he progressed through the junior and reserve teams, earning promotion to the senior squad by 1997.

Club career

Saha made his debut for in the 1997–98 season at the age of 19, entering as a substitute against on 8 August 1997 and scoring 's fourth in a 4–1 victory shortly after coming on. This marked his first , achieved just one minute into his senior appearance. Over the following seasons, he gradually established himself in the first team, appearing in 21 matches during 1997–98, scoring his only league on debut. In January 1999, Saha joined Newcastle United on until the end of the 1998–99 season, with an option for a permanent transfer; he made 12 appearances and scored twice for the club. Returning to , his development accelerated in the 1999–2000 campaign, which served as his breakthrough season; he featured in 35 matches across all competitions, scoring 12 goals, including eight in the as won the tournament. His contributions that year highlighted his potential as a versatile forward capable of impacting both domestic and European fixtures. Across his three seasons with from 1997 to 2000, Saha accumulated 66 appearances and 13 goals in all competitions. With his set to expire in summer 2000, Saha refused to sign a new deal, leading to a permanent transfer to for £2.1 million in June 2000 amid tensions with the club.

Fulham

Saha joined on a permanent transfer from in the summer of 2000 for a of £2.1 million. As one of manager Jean Tigana's first signings, the 21-year-old Frenchman made his debut in the First Division shortly after arriving, facing the challenge of adapting to the physicality and pace of English football away from his native environment. Despite these hurdles, Saha quickly settled, forming an effective striking partnership with and contributing to 's dominant campaign. In the 2000–01 season, Saha exploded onto the scene, scoring 27 goals in 43 league appearances to help Fulham secure promotion to the as First Division champions. His clinical finishing and movement terrorized defenses, with standout performances including a in a 6–0 win over Tranmere Rovers, earning him a place in the for the second tier. Overall, he netted 32 goals across all competitions that debut year, establishing himself as a key figure in Fulham's ascent. Upon promotion, Saha continued his form in the during the 2001–02 season, where he linked up prominently with new signing , the pair combining for dynamic attacking play that helped Fulham finish a respectable ninth. Malbranque's creativity from midfield complemented Saha's goal-scoring instincts, as seen in their joint contributions during a run of five consecutive wins early in the campaign. This partnership proved instrumental in securing European qualification, with Fulham earning a spot in the Cup for the 2002–03 season—the club's first major European adventure in over a decade. Saha played a pivotal role in Fulham's 2002–03 UEFA Cup run, scoring crucial goals in the early rounds, including against DHK Hajduk Split, before an curtailed his involvement as the team advanced to the third round against . Despite missing time, his five league goals that season underscored his importance to the squad's mid-table stability. Over his three seasons with , Saha made 74 appearances and scored 26 goals, showcasing his reliability as a top-flight forward. By late 2003, with just six months left on his contract, Saha grew frustrated amid stalled extension talks and expressed a desire to join a bigger club, leading to a public standoff with Fulham management. He handed in a transfer request and was briefly disciplined for refusing to play, but Fulham eventually relented, selling him to Manchester United in January 2004 for £12.8 million—a club-record fee at the time.

Manchester United

Louis Saha joined Manchester United from in January 2004 for a transfer fee of £12.8 million, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract. He made an immediate impact, scoring his debut goal just 18 minutes into a match against Tottenham Hotspur on 31 January 2004. In the remainder of the 2003–04 season, Saha contributed seven goals across 14 appearances in all competitions, helping United secure second place in the . During the 2004–05 and 2005–06 seasons, Saha established himself as a key attacker, scoring a total of 8 goals in the across those two seasons while also netting important strikes in the , including goals against and . His form peaked in 2005–06, where he tallied 7 league goals and led United to victory in the Football League Cup, scoring six goals in the competition, including one in the final against Athletic. Saha formed effective attacking partnerships with emerging talents and ; he later described Rooney as his most intuitive strike partner due to their shared understanding of movement and positioning, while Ronaldo's pace complemented Saha's finishing in transitional play. Saha played a supporting role in Manchester United's 2006–07 Premier League title win, starting alongside Rooney in the early matches and scoring eight league goals, including in the 3–1 victory over Manchester City. He contributed to the 2007–08 triumph with appearances in the group stage, though he did not feature in the final. However, persistent injuries began to hinder his progress from 2006 onward, including strains, cartilage damage, and ankle issues that sidelined him for extended periods, such as missing the and much of the 2007–08 season. Over his United tenure, Saha made 86 appearances and scored 28 goals in the , totaling 104 appearances and 42 goals across all competitions, before departing on a free transfer to Everton in summer 2008.

Everton

Saha joined Everton from Manchester United in August 2008 for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year pay-as-you-play amid ongoing recovery from knee surgery. Not fully match-fit upon arrival, he made his debut as a substitute against Hull City in September and quickly established himself as a key attacking option under manager . In the 2008–09 season, Saha enjoyed a revival, scoring 8 goals across all competitions in 29 appearances despite limited starts, which contributed significantly to Everton's fifth-place finish in the and subsequent qualification for the . His goals included a brace in a 3–1 win over West Ham United and strikes in the , notably the fastest goal in the final after 25 seconds against Chelsea, though Everton lost 2–1. Saha's clinical finishing and hold-up play added depth to Everton's forward line, complementing Yakubu and helping secure European football for the first time since 2005. The 2009–10 season brought injury setbacks for Saha, including hamstring and knee issues that sidelined him for several weeks, limiting his consistency despite a new contract extension until 2012. He still managed 15 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, including notable efforts in the Europa League group stage. Over his Everton tenure, Saha made 107 appearances and scored 36 goals before a dip in form during the 2011–12 season prompted a loan move to Tottenham Hotspur in January 2012, after which he was released upon the expiration of his contract that summer.

Tottenham Hotspur

In January 2012, Saha joined Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer from Everton, signing a short-term contract until the end of the 2011–12 season with an option for extension. The move provided depth to Tottenham's forward line amid injuries and provided Saha an opportunity to revive his career at a club pushing for a top-four finish. Saha made an immediate impact, scoring four goals in his first three starts, including a brace on his home debut in a 5–0 victory over Newcastle United on 11 February 2012 and the opener in a 2–1 loss to Arsenal in the North London derby on 26 February. Overall, he recorded four goals and one assist in 12 appearances across all competitions during his half-season stint, though subsequent injuries limited his involvement after March. Tottenham opted not to extend his contract, releasing him at the end of the season in May 2012.

Sunderland

In August 2012, Louis Saha joined on a one-year free transfer after his contract with Hotspur expired. The move was intended to revive his career in the , but Saha struggled to secure a starting role, making only substitute appearances. Over the next five months, Saha featured in 11 matches as a substitute and three games, totaling 14 appearances without scoring a goal. His limited involvement was hampered by ongoing fitness concerns, including lingering effects from and issues that had plagued his time at . mutually terminated his contract on 31 January 2013, allowing him to leave as a due to his lack of impact on the squad. Reflecting on the stint in a 2023 interview, Saha described it as a low point in his career, admitting, "I didn’t really enjoy my time as much as I did at other clubs. It was a I didn’t have the impact I wanted at ." This brief and unproductive period preceded his final professional move abroad and eventual retirement later that year.

Lazio

In February 2013, Louis Saha joined club on a free transfer from , signing a contract until the end of the 2012–13 season to provide attacking depth amid injuries to key forwards like . This move marked his debut in Italian football, following a career primarily spent in the English and French leagues. Saha's time at Lazio was severely restricted by persistent injuries, a pattern that had hampered his availability during previous spells at English clubs such as Everton and . He made just six substitute appearances in , totaling 127 minutes without scoring a , and did not feature in any matches. Despite the limited role, Lazio won the that season, adding to Saha's collection of major trophies. Saha's contract with expired at the conclusion of the 2012–13 campaign, after which he became a . On 8 August 2013—his 35th birthday—he announced his retirement from professional football via , reflecting on a career impacted by injuries but highlighted by successes including two titles with Manchester United. This decision brought an end to a playing career that featured over 450 club appearances and more than 150 goals across multiple top-tier leagues.

International career

Youth international career

Louis Saha began his representative career with the French under-18 national team in 1997, earning his debut call-up based on strong showings in the youth ranks of following his time at the Clairefontaine academy. Saha featured prominently in the 1997 European Under-18 Championship held in , where successfully defended their title. In the final against on 31 July 1997, he scored the in extra time, securing a 1-0 win and making the first nation to claim three consecutive U18 European championships. Following his U18 success, Saha advanced to the under-21 team in , participating in matches during the 1998–1999 season, including qualifiers for the , which doubled as part of the pathway toward Olympic consideration. His youth international journey paralleled his club progression, as he made his senior debut for just eight days after the U18 final. In total, Saha earned 13 caps at youth international level across the U18 and U21 teams, scoring 6 goals.

Senior international career

Saha made his senior debut for the national team on 18 February 2004, coming on as a substitute and scoring the second goal in a 2–0 friendly victory over . Over the course of his international career, Saha earned 20 caps and scored 4 goals, with several appearances in qualifiers leading up to the 2006 tournament. His goals came in friendlies against and in 2004, as well as in Euro 2008 qualifiers against Georgia and the in 2006. Saha was included in France's squad for , where he made two substitute appearances: in the 3–1 group stage win over on 21 June and the 1–0 quarter-final loss to on 25 June, without scoring. For the , he was selected in the 23-man squad and featured as a substitute in three matches: the 0–0 group stage draw against on 13 June, the 1–0 quarter-final victory over on 1 July, and the 1–0 semi-final defeat to on 5 July, again without finding the net. Following the 2006 World Cup, Saha's international opportunities diminished due to persistent injuries and inconsistent club form, leading to his exclusion from subsequent major tournament squads. He made sporadic appearances in qualifiers, including his final on 29 February 2012 in a 1–2 friendly victory over , after which he effectively retired from international duty without a formal announcement.

Post-playing career

Business ventures

Following his retirement from professional football in 2013, Louis Saha transitioned into by co-founding AxisStars in 2015, a digital platform designed to empower professional athletes and entertainers with tools for managing their careers, finances, and professional networks in a secure environment. The app connects users to vetted advisors, opportunities, and resources to help them navigate industry challenges, such as financial planning and post-career transitions, drawing from Saha's own experiences as a former player. AxisStars has grown steadily since its launch, fostering a community focused on mutual support and accountability through expert committees and trusted partner listings. Key milestones include strategic partnerships, such as a 2020 collaboration with the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) to promote integrity in sports, and a 2021 alliance with OpenSponsorship to facilitate brand deals directly for users. Saha serves as CEO, emphasizing the platform's role in providing free access to 24/7 resources for career longevity. Beyond AxisStars, Saha has engaged in sports technology consulting through his firm, Louis Saha 9 Consulting, which advises on brand collaborations and industry innovation, leveraging his football background. He also holds a board role on the SIGA Advisory Board, contributing to initiatives on governance and ethical practices since at least 2020. These ventures reflect Saha's focus on applying his athletic expertise to support the broader ecosystem.

Media and philanthropy

Following his retirement from professional football in 2013, Louis Saha has appeared as a for , providing analysis on Manchester United matches and broader coverage, including in 2017. He has also contributed to programs through interviews and commentary on national team games and club football, drawing on his experiences as a former international striker. In 2025, Saha appeared on podcasts such as FC to discuss player adaptation and team dynamics at Manchester United, and participated in a bonus episode on AxisStars. Saha launched AxisStars in 2015, an exclusive support network for professional athletes addressing off-field challenges such as , career transitions, and , inspired by his own struggles with depression during his playing days. The platform provides vetted resources and a community for sharing experiences, with Saha emphasizing support to prevent issues like those he faced at clubs including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Saha has engaged in numerous speaking engagements on player welfare, including at the World Football Summit and , where he advocates for better resources in sports. His 2012 book, Thinking Inside the Box: Reflections on Life as a Premier League Footballer, explores the psychological pressures of elite football and calls for improved support systems, based on his career insights. He participated in events like the Generation Amazing in 2021, focusing on maintaining mental resilience in competitive environments. In February 2025, he was featured in The Athletic's "Cult Heroes" series discussing his Manchester United career. Saha has been actively involved in campaigns within football, participating in panels such as the 2021 Anti-Racism Live Global Digital Experience alongside figures like Fern Whelan to promote inclusivity. He has called for severe penalties, including multi-million-pound fines for clubs whose fans engage in racial abuse, as stated in 2014 interviews. Additionally, Saha has supported youth coaching clinics, notably launching the fourth edition of the United We Play program in 2023 with , which provides football training and life skills to underprivileged children across .

Personal life

Family and relationships

Louis Saha had a long-term relationship with Aurélie Gillet, with whom he had three children: sons Stanley and Enzo, and daughter Lou, born between 2005 and 2012. During his playing career, Saha's family provided essential support amid frequent moves across Europe, including stints in England and Italy, though they often remained based in Manchester while he commuted for club commitments like his time at Tottenham Hotspur. Saha has publicly emphasized maintaining his family's privacy, rarely sharing details about their lives in interviews, and following his , he relocated to the south of with his children, prioritizing a low-profile environment away from media scrutiny.

Health challenges

Throughout his professional career, Louis Saha was plagued by recurrent and injuries beginning in 2006, which significantly disrupted his playing time and required multiple . In June 2007, he underwent in the to address damage, sidelining him until November of that year. These issues compounded earlier problems, including a tear in the summer of 2005 that caused him to miss the opening months of the 2005-06 season, and further ligament damage sustained during international duty in 2006. By 2008, Saha had endured a series of , , and ailments that limited his consistency, with medical experts noting that prior operations had altered his running mechanics, exacerbating vulnerabilities in his lower body. Overall, these injuries led to prolonged absences and forced him to consider as early as 2011, when he described the physical toll as an "injury hell" that nearly ended his career prematurely. A notable example occurred during the 2008-09 season at Everton, where Saha battled persistent knee problems that kept him out for over two months, followed by a hamstring strain in January 2009 that added another five weeks of recovery. To aid his rehabilitation from chronic knee issues, he underwent an unconventional treatment in 2010 involving leeches to reduce and promote , which allowed him to return to training. Despite these efforts, the cumulative impact of surgeries and setbacks accelerated his in August 2013 at age 35, as ongoing physical limitations made sustained top-level play untenable. Post-, Saha has managed chronic effects from these injuries, including joint complications stemming from his surgical history, though he has not publicly detailed a formal new diagnosis beyond the lasting repercussions of his playing days. Following his retirement, Saha channeled his experiences into advocacy for improved player welfare through AxisStars, the support network he founded in to provide athletes with resources in healthcare, financial planning, and career transitions. This initiative addresses gaps in medical and holistic support that he felt acutely during his injury-riddled career, aiming to prevent similar physical and emotional strains for others. In a 2021 interview, he highlighted how abrupt retirements often lead to challenges, drawing from his own post-career separation and the broader vulnerabilities faced by former players.

Career statistics and achievements

Club statistics

Louis Saha's club career, which began in 1996 and concluded with his retirement on 8 August 2013, saw him accumulate 492 appearances and 158 goals across nine senior clubs in , , and . These figures encompass all domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions but exclude youth and international matches.

Club Breakdown

The following table details Saha's appearances, goals, and assists by club, including periods on loan.
ClubYearsAppearancesGoalsAssists
1996–199967130
Newcastle United (loan)1998–19991221
2000–2004141639
Manchester United2004–20081244217
Everton2008–2012115343
Tottenham Hotspur2011–20121241
(loan)2012–2013600
(loan)2012–20131400
Total49115831
Note: Minor discrepancy in total appearances (491 vs. 492) may arise from a single reserve match; core senior totals align with primary sources. All loans were temporary moves during parent club contracts.

Competition Breakdown

Saha's contributions were predominantly in the , where he established his reputation as a prolific forward, though injuries limited his consistency in later years. The table below summarizes statistics by major competition, highlighting his output in league play, domestic cups, and European fixtures.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
2888419
43274
4750
600
31122
23154
1942
/ UEFA Cup1020
1690
Other (e.g., , qualifying rounds)900
Total49215831
These aggregates reflect Saha's versatility across top-tier leagues and cups, with notable goal-scoring peaks in domestic knockout competitions despite persistent injury setbacks toward the end of his career.

International statistics

Louis Saha earned 20 caps for the senior national team, scoring 4 goals between 18 February 2004 and 29 February 2012. His debut goal came in a 2–0 friendly victory over on 18 February 2004, followed by another in a 4–0 friendly win against on 28 May 2004. The remaining two goals were scored during : one in a 3–0 away win versus Georgia on 2 September 2006 and one in a 5–0 home victory over the on 11 October 2006. Saha appeared in two matches at without scoring and featured in three games during the , also goalless. He additionally played in qualifying campaigns for the , , and .
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Friendlies82
20
20
30
42
10
Total204
At youth international level, Saha represented France's Espoirs (U21) team, accumulating 12 caps and 3 goals from 1998 to 1999 across friendlies and qualifiers.

Club Honours

Louis Saha won the with in 2002, contributing goals during the tournament run, including against Egaleo. He later secured the Football League Cup with Manchester United in the 2005–06 season. Saha was part of the Manchester United squads that claimed the title in 2006–07 and 2007–08. In 2007–08, he also won the with Manchester United. Additionally, Saha was registered with during their successful campaign, which they won in May 2013.

International Honours

Saha earned no senior international honours with the France national team during his 20 caps between 2004 and 2012. At youth level, he helped win the 1997 UEFA European Under-18 Championship, scoring the decisive goal in the final against .

Individual Awards

Saha was the top goalscorer in the during the 2000–01 season, netting 27 goals for to aid their promotion. For that performance, he was selected to the for the First Division. In August 2001, he received the Player of the Month award after scoring three goals in 's opening matches. His volley against on 20 August 2006 was voted Manchester United's Goal of the Season.

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  72. https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-saha/interview-soccer-saha-launches-social-network-to-help-young-athletes-idUKL5N0XF0DM20150422
  73. https://www.ft.com/content/6bd48618-dc7c-4219-9abb-b7341f87ee0e
  74. https://saha9consulting.com/work-with-louis/speaking-engagements/
  75. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/05/louis-saha-challenge-manchester-united-tottenham
  76. https://www.gulf-times.com/story/706573/wish-hosts-discussion-on-mental-health-at-generation-amazing-festival-2021
  77. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIcBRgOx184
  78. https://www.the-independent.com/sport/football/news/louis-saha-calls-for-fierce-punishment-with-multimillion-fines-for-club-s-if-their-fans-are-found-guilty-of-racial-abuse-9316926.html
  79. https://corporate.apollotyres.com/press-and-media/news/corporate/united-we-play-4th-edition/
  80. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/louis-saha-and-aurelie-gillet
  81. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/louis-saha-has-baby-girl-and-names-136086
  82. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1291769/2019/10/15/three-quarters-of-the-players-are-not-as-committed-to-the-club-as-gary-neville-louis-saha-on-whats-going-wrong-at-united/
  83. https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2018/louis-saha-from-what-i-have-observed-many-women-disappear-when-their-husbands-careers-are-over/
  84. https://kids.kiddle.co/Louis_Saha
  85. https://www.transfermarkt.com/louis-saha/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/4015
  86. https://www.transfermarkt.com/louis-saha/profil/spieler/4015
  87. https://www.fff.fr/equipe-nationale/joueur/8606-saha-louis/fiche.html
  88. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jul/21/newsstory.sport5
  89. https://www.fulhamfc.com/club/history/timeline/2000s/2001
  90. https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/2023-03-14-fulhams-previous-premier-league-award-winners
  91. https://www.transfermarkt.com/manchester-unitedfc-fulham/index/spielbericht/55439
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