Didier Agathe facts for kids

Didier Fernand Agathe, born on August 16, 1975, is a French football manager and a former professional player. He is best known for his time playing for Celtic Football Club. Agathe started his career in France before moving to Scotland. There, he played for Raith Rovers and Hibernian. His great performances led to a big move to Celtic. At Celtic, he won many championships and even played in a major European final. After his playing career, he became a manager, most recently for Chester-le-Street United.

Playing Career Highlights

Starting Out in France

Didier Agathe was discovered in his home country, Réunion, by a scout from Montpellier HSC, a top French club, in 1992. Even though other clubs were interested, he chose Montpellier because it was in the south of France. Early in his career, he faced some health issues and injuries. He was also loaned out to Olympique Alès, where he played 29 games and scored four goals.

Moving to Scotland with Raith Rovers

After his contract with Montpellier ended in 1999, Agathe went to England to find a new club. He almost joined Stockport County, but it didn't work out. Then, an agent named Willie McKay suggested he try Scotland.

Agathe went to Kirkcaldy, where Raith Rovers needed a striker. Even though he had never played as a forward in a real game, he told the manager he had. He scored two goals in a practice match and then a hat-trick in a trial game against Airdrie. He played over 30 games for Raith that season, scoring seven goals.

Shining at Hibernian

When his deal with Raith Rovers ended in 2000, Agathe signed a short-term contract with Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League. He quickly showed his talent. In his second and third matches, he scored two goals in each game against Dundee United and Dundee. One of his goals against Dundee was amazing: he ran from the halfway line, dribbled past four players, and then shot the ball past the goalkeeper.

Success at Celtic

Agathe's great form at Hibernian caught the eye of Celtic manager Martin O'Neill. When his short contract ended, Celtic signed him for a very low fee of just £27,000. Even though doctors noted a knee condition, O'Neill wasn't worried.

Agathe made his debut for Celtic on October 14, 2000, against St Mirren. He played as a right wingback and had an amazing game, using his speed and skill. O'Neill was very impressed, saying he was "absolutely brilliant." Agathe scored his first goal for Celtic in December 2000 against Dundee with a last-minute header, winning the game 2–1. That season, he helped Celtic win a "domestic treble," which means they won the League, the Scottish Cup, and the Scottish League Cup.

Agathe continued to be a regular player for Celtic. The club won three league championships and reached the 2003 UEFA Cup Final in 2003. His strong performances in European games even led to rumors that big clubs like Juventus and Valencia wanted to sign him. In 2004, the Scotland manager even thought about picking Agathe to play for Scotland.

However, Agathe didn't play much during the 2005–06 season under the new manager, Gordon Strachan. He was eventually released from his contract in February 2006.

Short Spell at Aston Villa

After leaving Celtic, Agathe had a trial with Blackburn Rovers. He then started training with Aston Villa, where his former Celtic manager, Martin O'Neill, was now in charge. He signed a short-term contract and played his first game for Villa against Tottenham Hotspur. However, his contract was not extended, and he left Aston Villa in January 2007. He played six games, all as a substitute.

Back Home with JS Saint-Pierroise

After his time in England, Agathe signed with JS Saint-Pierroise, a club in his home region of Réunion.

Didier Agathe has also started an academy for young football players in Réunion. In 2010, three players from his academy signed with Stirling Albion in Scotland. In 2013, he played in a charity match for Celtic FC.

Managerial Career

In April 2020, Didier Agathe became the manager of Durham City, an English football team. The season was stopped because of the coronavirus pandemic. Agathe left the club in October 2020.

Film Appearance

Didier Agathe, who played over 100 league games for Celtic, also appeared in a movie! He played a Rangers striker in the film A Shot at Glory, which starred Robert Duvall.

Career Statistics

Honours

Celtic

• Scottish Premier League (3): 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04
• Scottish Cup (3): 2000–01, 2003–04, 2004–05
• Scottish League Cup: 2000–01
• UEFA Cup runners-up: 2002–03