French football pays tribute to Mahut
Sunday, February 9, 2014
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French Football Federation [FFF] president Noël Le Graët paid tribute to a "great professional on and off the pitch" after former international Philippe Mahut passed away aged 57.
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French football is in mourning after former France defender Philippe Mahut passed away on Saturday at the age of 57 following a long illness.
A sweeper known for his striking blond hair, Mahut was part of the France squad which reached the semi-finals of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, ending his career with nine caps and playing his last game for Les Bleus in 1983. "[Mahut] will be remembered as a great professional on and off the pitch," said French Football Federation [FFF] president Noël Le Graët.
The elegant defender first came to prominence with FC Metz, with whom he played from 1978 to 1982, before excelling at AS Saint-Étienne, RC Paris, Stade Quimpérois and Le Havre AC. He ended his playing days in 1993, having twice won the Ligue 2 title. After retiring, Mahut served as a sports official for Fontainebleau town council as well as a member of the FFF's National Ethics Council.
