French football mourns Dominique Dropsy

Former Bordeaux, Strasbourg and France goalkeeper Dominique Dropsy has passed away at the age of 63.

A consistent and skilled goalkeeper, Dropsy came to prominence with Strasbourg after beginning his career at Valenciennes FC, and won his first France cap against Hungary at the FIFA World Cup in Argentina in 1978. He made 17 appearances for France between 1978 and 1981. 

Dropsy was a key player when Strasbourg won the French title in 1979 under coach Gilbert Gress, just two seasons after they were promoted.

His most successful years were in a fine Bordeaux team that won two French championships in 1985 and 1987, and the French Cup in 1986 and 1987. He was between the posts when Bordeaux reached the semi-finals of the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1985 before bowing out against Juventus. For many years, he held the record for the most appearances in the French top flight, playing 596 matches. Latterly, Dropsy was a member of the Bordeaux staff as a goalkeeper coach.

UEFA President Michel Platini, an international team-mate and member of the Juventus side in 1985, paid tribute to Dropsy. "It is with great sadness that I have learned about the passing of Dominique Dropsy," he said. "I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to his family, the French Football Federation, Racing Club Strasbourg Alsace and FC Girondins de Bordeaux, for whom he was a symbolic figure as a goalkeeper.

"Dominique was a remarkable goalkeeper. As well as playing against him on various occasions, I was also fortunate to play alongside him in the French national team. I will keep in my memory his passion for football and his love for the clubs that he played for."