Legendary former France international Bernard Lacombe has passed away at the age of 72.
The prolific striker is perhaps best remembered as one of the victorious European Champions of 1984 alongside Michel Platini, and netted 12 times for Les Bleus in his 38 international appearances.
One of those strikes remains a record-breaker today, after Lacombe scored within 30 seconds of the World Cup clash with Italy back in 1978, France’s fastest at football’s greatest competition.
Beyond success on the international scene, Lacombe was known in the seventies and eighties as one of the most lethal forwards in France.
In fact, he has the second-most goals of any player in Ligue 1 history, registering 255 strikes in 497 appearances across stints with Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux.
French giants Lyon, where he played 258 times, paid tribute to their former star and manager on social media in the wake of the tragic news.
Former France, Lyon, St Etienne and Bordeaux striker Bernard Lacombe has passed away at 72
Lacombe (right, No 17 shorts) was part of the side that won the 1984 European Championship
The prolific forward is still Ligue 1’s second-highest goal scorer despite retiring in 1987
‘It is with immense sadness that we learned on Tuesday evening of the passing of Bernard Lacombe,’ they wrote.
‘All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as with the fans of Olympique Lyonnais and football.
‘Rest in peace, Bernard.’
After hanging up his boots, Lacombe went on to manage Lyon – where he came through the ranks having been born in the city – for four years between 1996 and 2000, winning the Intertoto Cup in 1997.
He would also spend 20 years as a special advisor to owner Jean-Michel Aulas, and was reportedly crucial to the retention of a number of the club’s Brazilian players, such as Juninho.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, added an emotive response to the news, saying: ‘It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Bernard Lacombe. Bernard Lacombe left an indelible mark on French football, as a player, coach, and manager.
‘He was one of the greatest strikers in the history of French football. The second-highest scorer in Division 1, he made his mark on the glorious history of Lyon, Saint-Étienne, and Bordeaux. He also shone with the French national team. His goals helped establish Les Bleus on the international stage.
‘Bernard Lacombe was a major contributor to the 1984 European Championship title. He performed some of France’s greatest feats, including his goal in the opening seconds of the game against Italy at the 1978 World Cup. He was undoubtedly a source of inspiration for many strikers.
Lacombe netted 12 times for Les Bleus in his 38 international appearances including their fastest-ever at a World Cup back in 1978
‘After his remarkable playing career, Bernard Lacombe put his footballing knowledge to work for Olympique Lyonnais, his beloved club.
‘With Jean-Michel Aulas, whom I am thinking of very much in these difficult moments, he formed a duo that transformed OL into a successful club.
‘Deeply attached to his city, his club, and his friends, Bernard Lacombe will be deeply missed.
‘The Federation will pay tribute to him. On behalf of all French football, I extend my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.’
Bordeaux, for whom he featured 297 times and scored 137 goals, added on X: ‘With immense sadness, Bernard Lacombe has just left us at the age of 72.
‘Having played for [Bordeaux] between 1979 and 1987, this legendary striker left his mark on the club’s history with his talent and generosity.
‘The entire Marine et Blanc family mourns today a striker of rare elegance, one of the greatest players in the club’s history. Thank you, Bernard.’
