Anthony Knockaert facts for kids
Knockaert playing for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018
|
|||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 20 November 1991 | ||
| Place of birth | Roubaix, France | ||
| Height | 1.72 m | ||
| Playing position | Winger | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1997–1999 | Wasquehal | ||
| 1999–2001 | Leers | ||
| 2001–2004 | Lens | ||
| 2004–2007 | Mouscron | ||
| 2007–2009 | Lesquin | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2009–2012 | Guingamp | 59 | (13) |
| 2012–2015 | Leicester City | 93 | (13) |
| 2015–2016 | Standard Liège | 20 | (5) |
| 2016–2020 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 127 | (25) |
| 2019–2020 | → Fulham (loan) | 38 | (3) |
| 2020–2023 | Fulham | 8 | (0) |
| 2020–2021 | → Nottingham Forest (loan) | 34 | (2) |
| 2022–2023 | → Volos (loan) | 9 | (1) |
| 2023 | → Huddersfield Town (loan) | 5 | (0) |
| 2023–2024 | Valenciennes | 21 | (1) |
| Total | 414 | (63) | |
| National team | |||
| 2011–2012 | France U20 | 10 | (4) |
| 2012 | France U21 | 3 | (1) |
|
|||
Anthony Patrick Knockaert (born 20 November 1991) is a French former professional footballer. He played as a right winger, known for his skill and exciting style of play.
Club Career Highlights
Anthony Knockaert was born in Roubaix, France. He started his football journey in youth teams like Wasquehal and Lens. At one point, he even thought about quitting football because he was told he was too small. But he didn't give up!
Starting at Guingamp
Knockaert signed his first professional contract with Guingamp in 2009. He made his debut on 30 July 2010, scoring a goal in a cup match. He quickly became an important player for the team.
In the 2010–11 season, he helped Guingamp get promoted to Ligue 2, which is the second-highest football league in France. He played 27 games and scored 4 goals that season.
The next season, 2011–12, was even better for him. He scored 13 goals in 38 games across all competitions. His great performances caught the eye of many clubs in Europe.
Time at Leicester City
On 1 August 2012, Anthony Knockaert moved to Leicester City in England. He signed a three-year contract. He made his debut for Leicester on 18 August 2012.
He scored his first goal for Leicester with a free-kick in a League Cup game on 28 August 2012. His first league goals came on 2 October 2012, when he scored twice against Huddersfield Town. One of his goals was a fantastic shot from 35 yards out!
In May 2013, he scored a winning goal against Nottingham Forest. This win helped Leicester City reach the play-offs for promotion. In the play-off semi-final, he took a penalty kick that was saved by the Watford goalkeeper. Despite this, he was named Leicester's Young Player of the Year and won Goal of the Season for his amazing shot against Huddersfield. He played 47 games and scored 9 goals in his first season.
In the 2013–14 season, Knockaert continued to play well. He scored important goals and helped Leicester City win the Football League Championship. This meant they were promoted to the Premier League, the top football league in England! He played 50 games and scored 7 goals that season.
During the 2014–15 season, he made his first Premier League appearance. However, he found it harder to get a regular spot in the team. At the end of the season, he decided to leave Leicester City. He shared a farewell message with the fans, saying he would never forget his time at the club.
Moving to Standard Liège
On 4 June 2015, Knockaert joined Standard Liège in Belgium. He started strongly, scoring in his first game for the club. He also scored in the UEFA Europa League matches. By the end of 2015, he had scored 5 goals in 20 appearances.
Success at Brighton & Hove Albion
First Season (2015–16)
On 7 January 2016, Anthony Knockaert returned to England, signing with Brighton & Hove Albion. He said he was excited about the club's goals.
He made his Brighton debut on 12 January 2016. He quickly started making an impact, providing two assists in a win against Huddersfield Town. He scored his first goal for Brighton on 5 February 2016.
Knockaert was a key player for Brighton in April 2016, scoring several important goals. His great performances earned him the Player of the Month award. Even though Brighton didn't get promoted that season, he played very well, scoring 5 goals in 16 games.
Promotion to the Premier League (2016–17)
The 2016–17 season was fantastic for Knockaert and Brighton. He started the season by scoring three goals in the first five matches. He also played in a more advanced role, helping the team's attack.
On 3 March 2017, he signed a new contract with Brighton. On 9 April 2017, he was named the EFL Championship Player of the Year! This was a huge award, recognizing him as the best player in the league. He finished the season with 15 goals in 45 games. Most importantly, Brighton were promoted to the Premier League!
Playing in the Premier League (2017–18 & 2018–19)
Knockaert played in Brighton's first Premier League match in 34 years. He scored his first Premier League goal on 15 October 2017 against Everton. He helped Brighton secure their Premier League status by playing in a crucial 1–0 win over Manchester United in May 2018.
In the 2018–19 season, he scored his first ever FA Cup goal. On 9 March, he scored an amazing goal against rivals Crystal Palace, which turned out to be the winning goal. This goal also won the Premier League Goal of the Month award for March.
Loan and Transfer to Fulham
On 21 July 2019, Knockaert joined Fulham on a season-long loan. He scored his first goal for Fulham on 21 August.
On 8 July 2020, Fulham made his move permanent. Knockaert played a big part in Fulham's success, helping them win the play-offs and get promoted to the Premier League. This was his third promotion to the top flight with an English club!
Loan Spells
After joining Fulham permanently, Knockaert went on loan to other clubs.
- From October 2020 to May 2021, he played for Nottingham Forest in the Championship. He scored 3 goals for them.
- In September 2022, he went on loan to Volos in Greece.
- In January 2023, he joined Huddersfield Town on loan.
Valenciennes and Retirement
In September 2023, Knockaert joined Valenciennes in France.
On 11 July 2024, at the age of 32, Anthony Knockaert announced his retirement from professional football. He shared a special message thanking Brighton for their support during difficult personal times, including the loss of his father.
International Career
Anthony Knockaert played for the France under-20 team. He then moved up to the France under-21 team, making his debut and scoring a goal on 10 September 2012.
Personal Life
Anthony Knockaert holds dual French and Belgian citizenship. Throughout his career, he faced personal challenges, including the loss of his elder brother in 2011 and his father in 2016. He has two children, a son named Ilyan and a daughter named Arla. He has also spoken about dealing with personal difficulties.
Honours
Guingamp
- Promotion to Ligue 2: 2010–11
Leicester City
- Football League Championship: 2013–14
Brighton & Hove Albion
- EFL Championship runner-up: 2016–17
Fulham
- EFL Championship play-offs: 2020
Individual Awards
- PFA Championship Team of the Year: 2016–17
- EFL Championship Player of the Year: 2016–17
- Football League Championship Player of the Month: April 2016
- Premier League Goal of the Month: March 2019
Images for kids
-
Knockaert playing for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018
-
Knockaert warming up for Leicester City in 2013
See also
In Spanish: Anthony Knockaert para niños
