Julien Alex Thomas Faubert (born 1 August 1983) is a former professional footballer who played as a right back. Born in France, he played in one match for the France national team, in which he scored, before switching allegiance to the Martinique national team in 2014.

Julien Faubert
Faubert warming up for West Ham United in 2010
Personal information
Full name Julien Alex Thomas Faubert[1]
Date of birth (1983-08-01) 1 August 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth Le Havre, France
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[2]
Position(s) Right-back
Youth career
1998–2002 Cannes
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2004 Cannes 45 (4)
2004–2007 Bordeaux 96 (10)
2007–2012 West Ham United 103 (2)
2009Real Madrid (loan) 2 (0)
2012 Elazığspor 16 (1)
2013–2015 Bordeaux 48 (3)
2013–2015 Bordeaux II 3 (0)
2016 Kilmarnock 9 (0)
2017 Inter Turku 26 (1)
2018 Borneo 15 (3)
2019–2020 Fréjus Saint-Raphaël 2 (0)
Total 365 (24)
International career
2002–2004 France U21 17 (2)
2006 France 1 (1)
2014–2017 Martinique 10 (5)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Faubert started his footballing career in France with Cannes before moving to Bordeaux. In 2007, he moved to England to play for West Ham. In 2009, he spent a short period on loan with Real Madrid before returning to West Ham for the beginning of the 2009–10 season. He has also played football in Turkey (for Elazığspor), Scotland (for Kilmarnock F.C.), Finland (for FC Inter Turku) and Indonesia (for Borneo F.C.)

He is nicknamed "Le TGV" or "The Express Train" in France.[3]

Club career

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Cannes and Bordeaux

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Born in Le Havre, Faubert enrolled in the Cannes academy in 1998 and began his career as a right back or left back, but with his crossing ability quickly became a right winger as well as playing in a midfield role. He made his Cannes first team debut in the 2002–03 season. He steadily earned notoriety as an important member of the squad and eventually caught the eye of several Ligue 1 sides. Bordeaux signed him in 2004, with whom he played in 96 league matches,[4] as well as in the UEFA Champions League.[5]

West Ham United

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Faubert playing for West Ham United in 2008

On 23 June 2007, it was reported in French sports newspaper L'Équipe that Faubert was on the verge of a €6.5 million (£4.3 million) transfer to Rangers.[6][7] On 1 July, however, he was signed by West Ham United for £6.1 million on a five-year contract.[8] He suffered a ruptured achilles tendon during a pre-season friendly on 17 July against Czech side Sigma Olomouc, which was expected to take six months to heal.[9] As part of his comeback, Faubert turned out for the reserves against Aston Villa's reserve team in January 2008.[10] He finally made his first team debut for the Hammers as a late substitute against Fulham at Boleyn Ground on 12 January 2008.[11] His first season in English football was marked by continuing injury and he made only eight appearances in the league and FA Cup.[11]

On loan to Real Madrid

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Faubert was given permission to speak to Real Madrid on 30 January 2009,[12] with the move being completed on 31 January when he signed on loan until the end of the 2008–09 season for a reported fee of £1.5 million with an option for Real to purchase him on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[13] Faubert made his Real Madrid debut on 7 February 2009 in a 1–0 win against Racing de Santander.[14] During his loan with Real Madrid, he missed training when he mistakenly thought he had the day off.[15] His loan spell finished with only two appearances.[14]

Return to West Ham

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Faubert warming up for West Ham United in 2009

Faubert enjoyed a fine start to the 2009–10 season, helping the Hammers to victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Millwall and an impressive goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers.[16] The 2009–10 season saw a change in fortunes for the Frenchman. He turned in several impressive performances, particularly in the second half of the season.[17] He set up Carlton Cole with a measured cross for the second goal in a 2–0 win against Birmingham City.[18] Faubert scored his first goal for the club on his 50th league game for the claret and blue against Hull City on 20 February 2010.[19] He also added an assist in that game, producing a through ball, which Carlton Cole latched on to and dispatched accordingly. His sublime cross set up Ilan for an equalising goal against Everton on 4 April 2010. The Hammers were experiencing a poor run of form at the time.[17] Faubert capped an accomplished season by winning the best 'Performance Of The Season' for his match-winning display against Hull.[20] He was also awarded the SBOBET Player of the Month for August.[21]

The 2010–11 season proved less successful for Faubert. He started the season playing on the right wing, reverting to right-back. On the last day of the summer 2011 transfer window, the Hammers recruited Blackburn Rovers full-back Lars Jacobsen who was preferred throughout the majority of the season. After the turn of the year, Faubert was in and out of the side. He did not help his chances of being selected when he left the stadium after learning he was not in the squad to face Birmingham City.[22]

At the start of the 2011–12 season, Faubert was expected to leave the club after their relegation to the Championship.[22] A tight hamstring ruled him out of the opening two games of the season but he made his first appearance on 16 August in an away match against Watford.[23] Faubert came on as a 72-minute substitute, providing the assist for Scott Parker's goal to make it 4–0.[24] During the rest of the season, he was West Ham's first choice right back and played a full part in West Ham's subsequent promotion.[23] In May 2012, Faubert was released by West Ham due to the expiry of his contract.[25] He played 121 games in all competitions for West Ham, scoring twice.[26]

Elazığspor

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On 27 June 2012, Faubert was officially signed by Elazığspor of the Turkish Süper Lig on a three-year contract.[27]

Return to Bordeaux

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After being released by Elazığspor, Faubert signed for his old club Bordeaux as a free agent on the transfer deadline day in January 2013, signing a contract that would keep him there until the end of the 2012–13 season. He was given squad number 22 due to his old number 18 was occupied by Jaroslav Plašil.[28] Prior the move, Faubert asked his old club to train to maintain his fitness.[29] Faubert made his first appearance at Bordeaux, coming on as a late substitute, as Bordeaux won 2–0 against Valenciennes.[14] On 4 December 2013, Faubert scored in a 1–0 win over Guingamp.[14]

Kilmarnock

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After a trial period with St Johnstone during February 2016,[30] Faubert signed for Kilmarnock until the end of the 2015–16 season.[31] On 23 May 2016, he was one of six players released at the end of their contract.[32]

Inter Turku

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Faubert signed for Finnish Veikkausliiga side FC Inter Turku on a one-year contract on 17 January 2017.[33]

Borneo

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In January 2018, Faubert signed for Indonesian club Borneo in time for the 2018 Liga 1 season.[34] In July 2018, Faubert was released by Borneo.[35]

Étoile Fréjus Saint-Raphaël

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In June 2019, Faubert accepted the role of player-assistant manager of Championnat National 2 club Étoile Fréjus Saint-Raphaël.[36][37] He departed the role in January 2020.[37]

International career

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Faubert made his debut for France on 16 August 2006 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.[38] He wore the number 10 shirt, the first player to do so for France since the retirement of Zinedine Zidane.[39] He marked his first match by scoring in the final minute of the game to ensure France won 2–1.[38] Despite never receiving another call-up since then, Faubert has frequently stated his desire to return to the international scene with France.[40]

In an interview with L'Équipe published on 24 December 2009, Faubert said that he was approached by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) about representing the country due to his wife being Algerian.[41] He said he would consider the option if he fails to get recalled by Les Bleus. Two days later, however, Algerian head coach Rabah Saadane denied that the FAF had made any contact with Faubert.[42]

In October 2014, Faubert made his international debut for Martinique.[38] Playing a 2014 Caribbean Cup qualification game against Curaçao, Faubert scored in a 1–1 draw,[43] netting two braces in the following matches against Guadeloupe and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.[38]

Personal life

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Faubert is of Martiniquais descent and is married to a woman of Algerian descent. He is a devout Muslim, having converted to his wife's faith. He has the word "Allah" tattooed on his forearm.[3][44]

Career statistics

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Club

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
AS Cannes 2002–03[45] Championnat National 26 1 0 0 26 1
2003–04[45] 19 3 0 0 19 3
Total 45 4 0 0 45 4
Bordeaux 2004–05[4] Ligue 1 36 1 1 0 1 0 38 1
2005–06[4] 34 5 2 0 3 0 39 5
2006–07[4] 26 3 1 0 3 0 8[a] 2 38 5
Total 96 10 4 0 7 0 8 2 115 12
West Ham United 2007–08[11] Premier League 7 0 1 0 0 0 8 0
2008–09[46] 20 0 2 0 2 0 24 0
2009–10[47] 33 1 1 0 2 0 36 1
2010–11[48] 9 0 1 0 6 0 16 0
2011–12[23] Championship 34 1 0 0 1 0 2[b] 0 37 1
Total 103 2 5 0 11 0 2 0 121 2
Real Madrid (loan) 2008–09[14] La Liga 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Elazığspor 2012–13[14] Süper Lig 16 1 0 0 16 1
Bordeaux 2012–13[14] Ligue 1 13 0 0 0 0 0 3[c] 0 16 0
2013–14[14] 22 3 2 0 1 0 4[c] 0 29 3
2014–15[14] 13 0 1 0 1 0 15 0
Bordeaux total 144 13 7 0 9 0 15 2 175 15
Bordeaux II 2013–14[14] Championnat de France Amateur Group D 1 0 1 0
2014–15[14] 2 0 2 0
Total 3 0 3 0
Kilmarnock 2015–16[49] Scottish Premiership 9 0 9 0
Inter Turku 2017[14] Veikkausliiga 26 1 5 0 31 1
Borneo 2018[14] Liga 1 15 3 0 0 15 3
Fréjus Saint-Raphaël 2019–20[14] Championnat National 2 Group D 2 0 0 0 2 0
Career total 362 24 17 0 20 0 15 2 2 0 416 24
  1. ^ 6 appearances and 2 goals in Champions League, 2 appearances in UEFA Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  3. ^ a b Appearances in Europa League

International

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International goals for France

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Scores and results list France's goal tally first.
Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 16 August 2006 Asim Ferhatović Hase Stadium, Sarajevo   Bosnia and Herzegovina
2–1
2–1
Friendly

International goals for Martinique

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Scores and results list Martinique's goal tally first.
Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 8 October 2014 Stade René Serge Nabajoth, Les Abymes   Curaçao
1–0
1–1
2014 Caribbean Cup qualification
2. 10 October 2014 Stade René Serge Nabajoth, Les Abymes   Guadeloupe
1–0
2–0 2014 Caribbean Cup qualification
3.
2–0
4. 12 October 2014 Stade René Serge Nabajoth, Les Abymes   Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
3–3
4–3 2014 Caribbean Cup qualification
5.
4–3

Honours

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Bordeaux

West Ham United

References

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  1. ^ "Acta del Partido celebrado el 31 de mayo de 2009, en Pamplona" [Minutes of the Match held on 31 May 2009, in Pamplona] (in Spanish). Royal Spanish Football Federation. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  2. ^ "Premier League Player Profile". Premier League. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Profile Julien Faubert". www.whufc.com. 10 November 2010. Archived from the original on 14 November 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d Julien Faubert at WorldFootball.net
  5. ^ "Faubert Profile". Real Madrid C.F. 7 February 2009. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
  6. ^ "Faubert presque aux Rangers" (in French). L'Équipe. 23 June 2007. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011.
  7. ^ "Winger Faubert linked with Ibrox". BBC Sport. 25 June 2007.
  8. ^ "West Ham sign Faubert for £6.1m". BBC Sport. 1 July 2007.
  9. ^ "Winger Faubert ruled out for six months". BBC Sport. 19 July 2007.
  10. ^ "Julien Faubert bides his time over return to West Ham fold". The Times. London. 8 January 2008.[dead link]
  11. ^ a b c "Games played by Julien Faubert in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  12. ^ "Briefs 6-West Ham allow Faubert to talk to Real Madrid". Reuters. UK. 30 January 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
  13. ^ "Faubert seals loan switch to Real". BBC Sport. 31 January 2009. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Julien Faubert at Soccerway. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  15. ^ Rogers, Iain (20 April 2009). "Brief-Soccer-Confused Faubert misses Real training session". Reuters. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
  16. ^ "Faubert thanks the fans". Archived from the original on 9 February 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2009.
  17. ^ a b "Top Three: West Ham United players of the season 29 April 2010  – 17:36". Sport.co.uk. 29 April 2010. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
  18. ^ Reekie, Harry (10 February 2010). "BBC Sport – Football – West Ham 2–0 Birmingham". BBC News. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
  19. ^ "Hammers too strong for Hull". Archived from the original on 23 February 2010. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
  20. ^ "A quartet of happy Hammers, West Ham United". Whufc.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
  21. ^ "Faubert thanks the fans, West Ham United". Whufc.com. Archived from the original on 18 September 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
  22. ^ a b Thomas, Roshane. "Julien Faubert: Real Madrid phoned, I said I don't have time for this bullshit". The New York Times.
  23. ^ a b c "Games played by Julien Faubert in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  24. ^ Osbourne, Chris (16 August 2011). "Watford 0 – 4 West Ham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  25. ^ "Six players depart West Ham". Sky Sports. 23 May 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  26. ^ Julien Faubert at Soccerbase  
  27. ^ "Elazığspor complete signing of former West Ham right back Julien Faubert". www.turkishfootball.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
  28. ^ "Transfers – Faubert is back". Girondins.com. 1 February 2013. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014.
  29. ^ "Faubert sets his sights on a return to Ligue 1". Goal.com. 10 January 2013. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
  30. ^ Esplin, Ronnie (22 February 2016). "Julien Faubert ends trial with St Johnstone as former Real Madrid star weighs up options". Daily Record. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
  31. ^ "Julien Faubert agrees short-term stay at Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 26 February 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
  32. ^ "Player Contracts". Kilmarnock F.C. 23 May 2016. Archived from the original on 28 October 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  33. ^ "Julien Faubert contract with FC Inter" (in Finnish). FC Inter Turku. 17 January 2017. Archived from the original on 22 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  34. ^ "Borneo FC Resmi Merekrut Eks Pemain West Ham dan Real Madrid". bola.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  35. ^ "Borneo FC Akhiri Kerjasama Dengan Julien Faubert". Borneo F.C. (in Indonesian). Retrieved 17 October 2018.
  36. ^ Sermaise, Florian (27 June 2019). "Julien Faubert (ex-Real Madrid) rebondit en National 2". Onze Mondial (in French). France. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  37. ^ a b "Fréjus Saint-Raphaël : Morgan Amalfitano et Julien Faubert remerciés – Foot – N2 – Fréjus Saint-Raphaël". L'Équipe (in French). Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  38. ^ a b c d "Julien Faubert". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  39. ^ Rumsby, Ben (2 July 2007). "West Ham capture Bordeaux midfielder Faubert". The Independent. UK. Retrieved 15 March 2009.[dead link]
  40. ^ "Faubert's French Fancy". whufc.com. 4 August 2010. Archived from the original on 6 August 2010. Retrieved 28 August 2010.
  41. ^ "Faubert croit toujours aux Bleus – Foot – ANG – L'EQUIPE.FR". L'Équipe. France. 24 December 2009. Archived from the original on 7 May 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  42. ^ "EN : Saâdane dément pour Faubert". Dzfoot.com. 26 December 2009. Archived from the original on 3 September 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  43. ^ "WebGirondins.com — le site des supporters des Girondins de Bordeaux — Actualité : Faubert décisif avec la Martinique". 9 October 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  44. ^ "Faubert: 'The role of the chairman is to stay behind his manager'". The Independent. London. 24 April 2010.
  45. ^ a b "Foot123 : toute l'actualité du football, les matches en direct, les statistiques, le Hall of Fame". foot123.fr (in French). Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  46. ^ "Games played by Julien Faubert in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  47. ^ "Games played by Julien Faubert in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  48. ^ "Games played by Julien Faubert in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  49. ^ "Games played by Julien Faubert in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  50. ^ "Résultat et résumé Lyon – Bordeaux, Coupe de la Ligue, Finale, Samedi 31 Mars 2007". lequipe.fr. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  51. ^ "Evian vs Bordeaux". goal.com. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  52. ^ Fletcher, Paul (19 May 2012). "Blackpool 1–2 West Ham". BBC Sport.
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