Yohan Cabaye

At 38 years old, Yohan Cabaye has this physical status:

Yohan Cabaye (French pronunciation: ​[jɔ.an ka.baj]; born 14 January 1986) is a French former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Cabaye began his football career playing for hometown club US Tourcoing at the age of six. After seven years developing in the club's youth academy, he joined professional club Lille. Cabaye spent six years in the club's youth academy before making his professional debut in the 2004–05 season helping Lille win the 2004 UEFA Intertoto Cup. He became a regular starter in the following season and participated in the UEFA Champions League for the first time under Claude Puel. Under manager Rudi Garcia, Cabaye developed into a playmaker and had his best season to date in the 2009–10 season scoring over 15 goals from the midfield position. In the 2010–11 season, he was a part of the Lille team that won the league and cup double.

In June 2011 following the end of the season, Cabaye joined English club Newcastle United on a five-year deal. On 29 January 2014, Newcastle accepted a £19 million offer for Cabaye from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. Cabaye joined, signing a three-year contract with the club. On 10 July 2015, he joined Crystal Palace. After signing for Dubai club Al-Nasr and later returning to France to play for Saint-Étienne, Cabaye announced his retirement in February 2021.

Cabaye was a former French youth international, having represented his nation at under-16, under-18, under-19, under-20, and under-21 level. At under-19 level, he played on the team that won the 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. With the under-20 team, Cabaye played at the 2006 edition of the Toulon Tournament. At under-21 level, he served as captain of the team for a portion of his stint. In August 2010, Cabaye was called up to the senior team for the first time under new manager Laurent Blanc, and made his international debut on 11 August in a 2–1 friendly defeat against Norway. He went on to earn 48 caps and represented France at two UEFA European Championships (2012, 2016) and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

Cabaye was born in the northern commune of Tourcoing in the department of Nord. His father, Didier, is a former football player who now works in the health care field in the city of Roubaix. At the age of 16, Cabaye's father played for professional club Lens and spent a year there training before a double leg fracture abruptly ended his career at the club. After healing, he spent time playing for amateur clubs Stade Jean-Macé and US Tourcoing. The two clubs later merged to form Tourcoing FC.

Cabaye has a younger brother Geoffrey, who also plays football; he has played in the lower divisions of French and Belgian leagues, most notably with Tournai and Wasquehal. He is of Vietnamese descent through his paternal grandmother, and has stated he would like to visit the country, possibly to contribute to the development of football there. He later attended one of Vietnam's matches during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Cabaye is a Roman Catholic.

Personal life

From 2010 to 2016, Cabaye was married to Fiona; they had been in a relationship since 2008. They have three daughters together: Myla (born 2009), Charlize (born 2013) and Romy (born 2015). With his current partner Laëtitia Bernardini, he has a daughter, Linoï (born 2016), and a son, Maïan (born 2017).

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Club career

Cabaye began playing for his hometown club Tourcoing FC in 1998. At the age of six, he first started playing football. Cabaye did not meet the age requirement to enroll in the club's youth academy at the time, but the club's academy was allowed to enroll. Cabaye spent many years at the club, and after success in youth games, the club attracted the attention of professional club Lille. He signed youth papers with Lille in July 1998 and was accepted into the club's academy. Cabaye's academy grew quickly and by the 2003–04 season, the club's reserve team in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth level of French football, was playing. In his first season with the team, Cabaye appeared in ten games and scored one goal. Cabaye's rotations in the upcoming season were between the reserve team and the first team. He appeared in 15 games and scored two goals for the reserve team, which earned the team's second place in the league playoffs, which resulted in qualifying.

Cabaye's first professional contract with Lille agreed to a three-year contract ahead of the 2004–05 season. He trained with the team in the pre-season and appeared in four games at the 2004 UEFA Intertoto Cup, which Lille won. Cabaye was called up to the senior team for the first time under new head coach Claude Puel in November 2004. In a league match against Istres on November 7, he made his league debut on November 7, 2004. Cabaye opened the game and led by 75 minutes in a 2–0 win. He was with the team for the remainder of the season but played infrequently. Cabaye lost by 4–2 penalty shootout to Strasbourg in the Coupe de la Ligue on December 21. Cabaye was one of two players for Lille who converted their penalty shots. In a 1–1 draw with Metz on February 20, 2005, he earned his first red card. Cabaye had 12 total appearances without scoring in the campaign.

Cabaye's playing time increased in the following season, with 20 starts in 27 league games. Cabaye also appeared in the 2003–04 seasons of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup, winning in five total appearances in both competitions. In a Champions League group stage match against Portuguese club Benfica on September 14, he made his European debut on September 14, 2005. He appeared as a replacement in the team's 1–0 triumph over English club Manchester United on November 2nd. In a 3–2 loss to Auxerre on November 19, Cabaye scored his first professional goal in the league. Cabaye's good individual season was dominated by the team's success as Lille finished in the top of the table, which resulted in the team qualifying for the third season in a row. Lille and Cabaye reached an agreement on a two-year contract extension, which had come to an end in June 2010.

In the 2006–07 season, Cabaye suffered with ankle pains after playing in just five league games in the first three months of the season. In a 3–0 win over Bordeaux on August 26, he scored his first goal of the year. In another 3–0 victory over Valenciennes on Friday, he scored his second goal of the season, this time against Valenciennes. Cabaye continued to play for the team in the league and Champions League before suffering a relapse of his previous ankle injury in a league match against Le Mans in March 2007. He was forced to leave the game early and was then on the sideline for the remainder of the season. Lille finished the season in 10th place, with the club losing to qualify for European competition for the first time in three seasons.

Cabaye returned to action in the 2007-08 season, playing in 39 games, 37 of which were started. He had a career-high seven goals in the league and was instrumental on several others. Lille went undefeated in all six matches Cabaye scored in, including Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne Metz, Le Mans, Caen, and Derby du Nord rivals Lens. In a 5–0 thrashing, Cabaye scored a double against Caen. He signed another contract extension for a three-year contract before 2013. A release clause of €75 million was included in the deal.

Puel left Lyon for Lyon ahead of the 2009–09 season, and Rudi Garcia was supposed to replace him. Cabaye was brought into the midfield by Garcia's appointment, alongside new signing Florent Balmont, who served as a guard of Cabaye and a ball distributor, as well as defensive midfielder Rio Mavuba. Cabaye was allowed to play as a playmaker for Eden Hazard, Gervinho, and Pierre-Alain Frau, despite the constant pressure of returning to defend. As Lille finished in fifth place and returned to European competition next season, he appeared in 32 league matches, including his first match. Cabaye scored five goals in the league and one in the Coupe de France, defeating amateur club Dunkerque 3–0 in the Round of 32.

In the 2009-2010 season, Cabaye had one of his career's finest seasons. He appeared in 46 total games, seven of which were penalty conversions, and ten, as well as assisting on ten. In a 2–0 victory over Grenoble on October 31, Cabaye scored his first goal of the season. He scored five goals in the next five league matches, four penalty conversions against Valenciennes, Lyon, Monaco, Monaco, and Saint-Étienne, as well as one from open play against Bordeaux. In a 3–1 victory over Boulogne on February 13, 2010, Cabaye scored two goals on two goals. He scored a penalty in open play on 18 April, his second goal in open play, and he was assisting on one in a 4–0 victory over Monaco. His success in open play against Monaco was nominated for the Goal of the Season. Cabaye scored goals against Serbian club Sevojno in the qualifying rounds and Czech club Slavia Prague in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League as Lille progressed to the knockout stage of the tournament. In the Round of 16, the club was knocked out by English club Liverpool. Lille finished the season in fourth place after losing out on qualification to the UEFA Champions League on the last match day of the season.

Cabaye remained a fixture in the starting eleven under Garcia but, unlike last season, the midfielder did not play as the primary playmaker as these duties were assigned to wing forwards Hazard and Gervinho. Cabaye's first goal of the season was scored in a 3–1 loss to Marseille on October 24, 2010. In a 4–1 victory over Caen in the Coupe de la Ligue three days later, he scored two goals, one from open play and another from the penalty spot. Cabaye scored or assisted on a goal in almost two months in a 6–3 hammering of Lorient in December 2010. In three league matches against Caen, Bordeaux, and Arles-Avignon, Cabaye gave three assists in April 2011. In the match against the second team, Cabaye scored a goal. Lille went unbeaten in three games, giving the club a four-point advantage in the table going into the season's final month.

Cabaye was also instrumental in the team's 2011 Coupe de France Final, appearing in all five matches, four of whom were contested, four of whom were as a starter. Cabaye played the entire match in the final as Lille defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1–0 at the Stade de France. Lille defeated Paris Saint-Germain 2–2 on Saturday, winning the club's first league title since the 1953–54 season and the club's first double since the 1945–46 season. The domestic cup and league championship were the first two domestic awards of Cabaye's career.

Following Lille's 3–2 victory over Rennes, Lille's manager Rudi Garcia announced that Cabaye would be heading to Newcastle United in England, first me and then the entire team before the game." It's a decision that I admire, but I wish he'd continued the journey with us." The transfer was announced on 10 June 2011, with Cabaye committing to a five-year contract with Newcastle. The transfer fee was undisclosed. Cabaye described the move to Newcastle as "fantastic," while still saying, "I have had enjoyable times with Lille, but the time is perfect now to put myself against the best, and playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League does just that."

Cabaye made his Newcastle debut in a pre-season friendly victory over Darlington's Conference National team on Saturday, after being introduced as a replacement in the 12th minute. Cabaye was given the number 4 shirt days before the season began, but it had been sold following ex-captain Kevin Nolan's resignation early in the transfer process. He made his league debut against Arsenal on August 13 in a 0–0 draw. Cabaye scored his first goal for Newcastle against Wigan Athletic on October 22nd. In a 4–3 loss to Blackburn Rovers in the Football League Cup, four days later, he scored his second goal for the club. Cabaye's 0–0 draw with Swansea City on December 17th was the longest distance in the team's history, having traveled over 11.6 kilometres (7.2 mi). Cabaye scored the team's second goal in a 3–0 victory over Manchester United with a 30-yard free kick a fortnight later. In Newcastle's 2–0 win over Swansea City on 6 April 2012, Cabaye helped with both team goals, scored by Papiss Cissé, on both team goals. Cabaye scored two goals and two others in a 3–0 home win over Stoke City on Monday, lifting Newcastle into the top four in the league table on April 21.

Cabaye scored his first goal of the 2012-13 season on Saturday in a 1-1 draw in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland. He scored the first goal against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw on November 4th. It was the first goal scored at Anfield by a Newcastle player since 2004. Cabaye's required groin surgery and would not be out until February 2013. He returned to scoring his first goal in a 2–1 home loss to Reading on January 19, 2013, from another trademark free kick. Cabaye scored a half-volley outside the penalty box against Aston Villa on his second start after his return to action. He converted a penalty and scored a free kick goal in two home games against Southampton and Stoke City, respectively. Cabaye made his first appearance as captain against Swansea City on March 2nd, bringing back injured regular captain Fabricio Coloccini to the helm.

Arsenal made a bid for Cabaye on the 19th of Newcastle's Premier League season opener against Manchester City, which was turned down. Cabaye had been omitted from the team that evening after Newcastle lost 4–0 because his head had been turned by the sale, which he condemned as disrespectful in both value and timing. In the team's following game against West Ham United on August 24, the midfielder also refused to play for the club. Cabaye scored his second goal of the season on October 19th with a 30-yarder against Liverpool at St James' Park in a 2–2 draw. Cabaye wrote his name into Newcastle folklore by scoring the winner in the 1–0 victory over Manchester United, the club's first victory at Old Trafford for 41 years. He scored the first goal in a 3–0 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday, before scoring twice in the 5–1 victory over Stoke City on Boxing Day. Cabaye won 3-1 over West Ham United in their last game of the season, defeating his 2012-13 goal tally in only half a season. After good technique and his last kick for Newcastle, Cabaye scored a free-kick from the edge of the box, his first goal was a shot from just inside the box.

Cabaye had joined the Ligue 1 club for an undisclosed fee, with an estimated £19 million plus add-ons. Cabaye has since signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the club and has been given the number 4 shirt. Cabaye scored his first PSG goal in a 4–0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League round-of-16, on February 18th. Cabaye claimed his first trophy with PSG on April 19th, defeating Lyon 2–1 in the 2014 Coupe de la Ligue Final.

Cabaye was suspended for two bookings in a goalless draw away from Evian on August 22, 2014. Cabaye scored his first league goal since returning to France in PSG's 3–1 away victory over Lens on October 17.

Cabaye joined Crystal Palace in Premier League on a three-year deal, but the fee was not disclosed. On August 8, he made his Norwich City debut on August 8th, scoring the final goal of a 3–1 victory.

Cabaye was soon to be the club's first choice penalty taker, winning three goals in three straight games against Watford, West Bromwich Albion, and West Ham United. He scored his second goal from open play against Southampton on December 12th and his fifth of the season. During Palace's FA Cup run, where the team will finish runners-up, he opened the scoring against Reading on March 11, 2016. In an eventual 1–0 loss, he had his penalty saved by Karl Darlow on his return to St James' Park on April 30th.

Artur Boruc saved Cabaye's penalty on August 27th in a 1–1 draw with AFC Bournemouth. He scored his first goal of the season against Leicester City in a 3–1 loss; the consolation goal was his consolation goal. Cabaye opened the scoring in a 1–1 draw with Watford on December 26, the first match under new Palace boss Sam Allardyce. Cabaye ended a string of forty-seven Premier League matches without doing so after consistently against Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion for the first time since April 2012. Cabaye was released by Crystal Palace after the end of his deal on July 1st.

Cabaye joined Dubai-based Al-Nasr on a free transfer, completing a two-year contract on July 3rd. He wore the number 7 shirt at his new club, his first jersey number at Palace.

Cabaye had left the club on January 13, 2019.

Cabaye returned to France on August 27th and penned a one-year deal with AS Saint-Étienne.

Cabaye officially announced his retirement from professional football on February 1921.

International career

Cabaye is a former French youth international who has represented his country internationally under the age of 16, under-18, under-20, and under the age of 21. In August 2001, Pierre Mankowski's first call-up at a training camp led by him. Cabaye's first pick was made on September 26, 2001, beating Iceland 4–0. He was later selected to compete in the Tournoi du Val-de-Marne. France triumphed in the competition. On March 5, 2004, Cabaye was called up to the under-18 squad by coach Jean Gallice as a replacement for the injured Yoann Gourcuff for German matches. In a 1–1 draw with Germany at the Hardtwaldstadion in Sandhausen on March 9, he was chosen for the team. Cabaye played in the upcoming five matches with the team, which included victories over Scotland, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic in the Slovakia Cup. In the Slovakia Cup, a youth international tournament was limited to under-18 participants.

Cabaye was the first call-up to the team when the team was under 19 years old. He was selected for the team's first match of the season against Turkey, which France defeated 21-01. Cabaye appeared in two group stage matches in first round qualification for the 2005 European Under-19 Championship. In a 3–0 victory over Azerbaijan on September 30, he scored his first youth international goal. France and Cabaye later qualified for the tournament, and Cabaye also competed in the annual tournament, which was held in Northern Ireland. Cabaye competed in four of France's five matches, earning the country's sixth UEFA U-19 Championship title and its 6th UEFA U-19 Championship title. In a 3–2 win over Germany, he scored the game-winning goal. France defeated England 3–1 in the final. Cabaye appeared in the entire match and ended his under-19 career with 15 appearances and two goals. Cabaye was called up to the Under-20 team for the 2006 Toulon Tournament in the following seasons. In a 2–0 semi-final victory over China, he appeared in four of France's five games, scoring a free-kick goal. France won the final after beating the Netherlands 5–3 on penalties.

Cabaye earned his first call up to the under-21 team under new head coach René Girard in the team's first match after winning the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship against Belgium, where he was named as a half-time substitute for Ronald Zubar. Cabaye was also involved in qualifiers for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. For the first time in a 4–0 qualification victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on October 12, he captained the team. In a summer tournament held in Sweden, Cabaye captained the team in victories over the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. In the victory over the Dutch, he scored his first under-21 goal. Cabaye scored his second under-21 goal in a 2–2 draw with Slovakia on August 20, 2008, and converted his final under-21 goal against Luxembourg 15 days later. Cabaye's under-21 career came to an end after the team's loss to Germany in a two-legged playoff that determined who would qualify for a spot in the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Cabaye was called by senior manager Laurent Blanc for the team's friendly match against Norway on August 11, 2010, despite struggling to appear on international stage for nearly two years. Cabaye made his international debut in the match as a substitute for Yann M'Vila. In September, he was called back to the team for UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier matches against Belarus, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, but he was forced to cancel due to injury.

Cabaye's second stint in the team's 1–0 victory over Brazil on February 9, 2011. Cabaye was named in the squad to play in the competition after being regular in qualifying for UEFA Euro 2012 on May 29th. In the team's opening match against England, he made his international debut on June 11th. Cabaye began the match, which ended in a 1–1 draw, but Hatem Ben Arfa was brought to the rescue in the 84th minute. In France's ensuing group game against Ukraine, he scored his first senior international goal, scoring for France's second goal in a 2–0 victory. Cabaye was part of the France team that made a spectacular comeback against Ukraine in the second leg of the World Cup play-off on November 19th. France defeated France 3–0 in the first leg to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, despite being trailing 2–0.

Cabaye started in four of France's five matches at the 2014 World Cup after being barred from their third group match against Ecuador after receiving warnings against Honduras and Switzerland. Cabaye played alongside then-PSG teammates Blaise Matuidi and either Paul Pogba or Moussoko, scoring as the worst lying of France's midfield three. France impressed early in the tournament but lost 1–0 to eventual winners Germany in the quarterfinals.

At UEFA Euro 2016, Cabaye found it difficult to ignore Matuidi and N'Golo Kanté's stellar cooperation. He only appeared twice in the tournament, playing the full match against Switzerland and as a injury substitute against Germany. Although he was recalled to the World Cup qualification matches against Bulgaria and the Netherlands in the fall, he was still an unutilizable substitute, as he was an unused substitute in the final against France.

Post-playing career

Cabaye, a former footballer, joined the youth academy of Paris Saint-Germain, his former club, ahead of the 2021-2122 season as a sports coordinator.

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