Hugo Lloris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hugo Lloris

Lloris with France 2018
Personal information
Date of birth	(1986-12-26) 26 December 1986 (age 38)
Place of birth	Nice, France
Height	1.88 m
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Club information
Current club	Los Angeles FC
Number	1
Youth career
1993–1997	Cedac Cimiez
1997–2005	Nice
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2005–2006	Nice II	20	(0)
2005–2008	Nice	72	(0)
2008–2012	Lyon	146	(0)
2012–2024	Tottenham Hotspur	361	(0)
2024–	Los Angeles FC	33	(0)
National team
2004	France U18	3	(0)
2004–2005	France U19	14	(0)
2006	France U20	4	(0)
2006–2008	France U21	5	(0)
2008–2022	France	145	(0)
Honours Men's football Representing  France FIFA World Cup Winner 2018 Russia Runner-up 2022 Qatar UEFA Nations League Winner 2021 Italy UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2016 France UEFA European Under-19 Championship Winner 2005 Northern Ireland {{{3}}}
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 03:41, 20 October 2024 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals).

Hugo Lloris (born 26 December 1986) is a French professional footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. He is known for being France's most-capped player. He also captained the national team to win the 2018 World Cup.

Lloris started his career with his hometown club Nice. He made his first team debut as a teenager in October 2005. He was the starting goalkeeper when the team reached the 2006 Coupe de la Ligue final. After playing well for three seasons at Nice, he moved to Lyon. At Lyon, he won several awards and helped the team reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time. He was named the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1 three times.

In 2012, Lloris joined Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur. He played over 400 games for them across eleven seasons. He became the team's captain in 2015. He helped Tottenham reach the Champions League final in 2019. In 2024, he moved to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.

Lloris played for France at different youth levels. He was part of the team that won the 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He made his debut for the senior national team in November 2008. He helped France qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He became the first-choice captain for France in 2012. He led France to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup. He was also captain when France finished second at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. His biggest achievement was leading France to win the 2018 World Cup. With 145 appearances, he is France's most-capped player.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Hugo Lloris was born on 26 December 1986 in Nice, a city in southern France. He grew up in an upper-class family. His mother was a lawyer, and his father is a banker. He has a younger brother, Gautier Lloris, who also played football.

When he was young, Hugo was very good at tennis. He was one of the top players in his age group in France. However, at age 13, he decided to focus on football instead.

Lloris started playing football at age six at a local cultural center in Nice. He tried different positions, even playing as a forward. But coaches soon noticed his amazing skills as a goalkeeper. They saw how well he could handle and catch the ball.

A former Nice goalkeeper, Dominique Baratelli, saw Hugo play. He suggested that Hugo join Nice's youth academy. At age ten, Lloris joined the club he would later play for professionally. He became the starting goalkeeper for the under-17 team. They won a national league competition for players under 18 in 2003–04.

Club Career Highlights

Rising Through the Ranks at Nice

Lloris with Nice in 2005

After his success with the under-18 team, Lloris moved up to Nice's reserve team. This was in the fourth level of French football. He played 12 matches in the 2004–05 season.

For the 2005–06 season, Lloris joined the first team. He was given the number 1 shirt. The manager chose him as the starting goalkeeper for the Coupe de la Ligue cup competition.

Lloris made his professional debut on 25 October 2005, at just 18 years old. He kept a clean sheet (meaning he didn't let in any goals) in Nice's 2–0 win. He helped Nice reach their first-ever Coupe de la Ligue final. In the final, Nice lost 2–1 to Nancy.

The next season, Lloris became the permanent starting goalkeeper. He played in almost every league match. He kept 13 clean sheets. Nice finished 16th, but they had the fifth-best defense in the league. Lloris only let in 36 goals.

In the 2007–08 season, Lloris had a knee injury. He missed several weeks of play. When he returned, he helped Nice finish eighth, their best league finish in many years. He conceded only 24 goals in 30 games. His great performances attracted attention from big European clubs.

Success at Lyon

Lloris joined Lyon in 2008. He made his debut on 10 August 2008, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 win. He continued to perform well, keeping many clean sheets.

In his first season, Lyon did not win the league title for the first time in seven years. However, Lloris only let in 27 goals and kept 16 clean sheets. He was named the league's top goalkeeper. He was also chosen for the Team of the Year.

Lloris signing autographs in 2010

During the 2009–10 season, Lloris continued to be Lyon's main goalkeeper. He was even named the UNFP Player of the Month in September 2009. He received praise for his performances in the UEFA Champions League against Liverpool. He made many important saves, helping Lyon win one match and draw another.

In February 2010, Lloris kept a clean sheet against Real Madrid in the Champions League. He made amazing saves to help Lyon win 1–0. Lyon later reached the quarter-finals. In May, he was named the UNFP Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year for the second year in a row.

In the 2011–12 season, Lyon reached the Champions League round of 16. They were knocked out on penalties. However, Lyon won the Coupe de France (French Cup) that season. Lloris was voted the best goalkeeper in the league for the third time in his career.

Tottenham Hotspur Years

Lloris (left) making a save for Tottenham Hotspur in 2014

Lloris joined Tottenham Hotspur on 31 August 2012. He made his debut in a UEFA Europa League match. His first Premier League game was on 7 October 2012, where he kept a clean sheet. This appearance ended fellow goalkeeper Brad Friedel's long run of consecutive Premier League games.

In July 2014, Lloris signed a new five-year contract. He said the new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, convinced him to stay. In October 2014, Lloris was sent off in a Europa League match. Since Tottenham had no more substitutes, forward Harry Kane had to play as goalkeeper.

In August 2015, manager Mauricio Pochettino named Lloris the permanent captain of Tottenham. He replaced Younès Kaboul.

Lloris with Tottenham Hotspur in 2020

In December 2016, Lloris signed another contract extension until 2022. In the 2016–17 season, Lloris helped Tottenham achieve their best defensive record ever. They conceded only 26 goals in the Premier League. He kept 15 clean sheets that season.

On 17 April 2018, Lloris played his 250th game for Tottenham. He became only the sixth goalkeeper to reach this milestone for the club.

In the Champions League group stage, Lloris was sent off against PSV. On 5 March 2019, he made crucial saves against Borussia Dortmund. This helped Tottenham win 4–0 on aggregate and reach the quarter-finals. This was his 100th clean sheet for the club. He also saved a penalty in the quarter-final against Manchester City.

In the 2019–20 season, Lloris played his 300th game for Tottenham. In October, he suffered a dislocated elbow injury. He had surgery and returned to play in January 2020.

On 29 November 2020, he played his 100th European match. He became the first French goalkeeper to do so. On 28 February 2021, he achieved his 100th Premier League clean sheet.

On 22 August 2021, he played his 300th Premier League match. In January 2022, he extended his contract until 2024. On 19 February 2022, he made his 400th appearance for Tottenham in all competitions. He ended the 2021–22 season with a personal best of 16 clean sheets.

On 23 April 2023, Lloris played his last game for Tottenham. In July 2023, Tottenham announced he was left out of the pre-season tour. This was so he could look for a new team. On 12 August, Son Heung-min replaced Lloris as club captain.

Moving to Los Angeles FC

On 30 December 2023, it was announced that Lloris signed with Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. He joined them for the 2024 season.

International Career for France

Youth Team Success

Lloris played for various French youth national teams. He debuted for the under-18 team in March 2004. He then played for the under-19 team. He was part of the team that won the 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Lloris played in all five matches of that tournament.

He made only five appearances for the under-21 team. This was mainly because he was already playing for the senior team.

Senior National Team Debut

Lloris received his first call-up to the senior national team in February 2008. He made his first appearance on 19 November 2008 in a 0–0 draw against Uruguay.

2010 FIFA World Cup

Lloris received praise for his performances against the Republic of Ireland. These games helped France qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Media called him "Saint Lloris" because of his amazing saves.

On 11 May 2010, Lloris was chosen for France's World Cup squad. He became the first-choice goalkeeper. On 11 June 2010, Lloris made his World Cup debut. He kept a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw against Uruguay. He played in all of France's group stage matches. France was eliminated from the competition after losing to South Africa.

Captaincy and Major Tournaments

Lloris with France at UEFA Euro 2012

On 17 November 2010, Lloris captained France for the first time. They won 2–1 against England. On 28 February 2012, he was officially named the first-choice captain by manager Laurent Blanc. He led France in UEFA Euro 2012, where they reached the quarter-finals.

Lloris was also the starting goalkeeper for France at the 2014 World Cup. France reached the quarter-finals but lost to eventual champions Germany.

UEFA Euro 2016

Lloris was the starting goalkeeper for France at UEFA Euro 2016. France hosted the tournament and reached the final. However, they lost 1–0 to Portugal in extra time.

2018 FIFA World Cup Victory

On 2 June 2017, Lloris played his 88th game for France. He became his nation's most-capped goalkeeper, passing Fabien Barthez. France qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup later that year.

On 21 June 2018, Lloris earned his 100th cap for France. This was in a 1–0 win against Peru at the World Cup. In the quarter-finals against Uruguay, Lloris kept a clean sheet. He made a key save as France won 2–0.

On 15 July, he lifted the World Cup trophy as captain. France defeated Croatia with a 4–2 victory in the final.

Later International Career and Retirement

On 10 October 2021, Lloris played in the 2021 UEFA Nations League Final. France won 2–1 against Spain, with Lloris making two late saves to secure the win.

In November 2022, he was part of the French squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. On 4 December, he tied Lilian Thuram's record for most capped player for France. Six days later, he broke the record with his 143rd cap in a 2–1 win against England. He also played his 18th World Cup match, becoming the most capped French player in the competition. On 18 December, he played his 20th World Cup match in the final. Argentina won the final 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a 3–3 draw.

On 9 January 2023, Lloris announced his retirement from international football. He retired at age 36, as the most capped player in France's history.

Playing Style

Hugo Lloris is known for his quick reflexes and good decision-making as a goalkeeper. He is very strong in one-on-one situations against attackers. He also controls his penalty area well. His speed in coming off his line to stop opponents makes him a "sweeper-keeper".

Lloris is described as an "acrobatic shot-stopper" because of his athletic saves. Many consider him one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His former Tottenham manager, José Mourinho, called him "the best in the Premier League" in 2020.

While he is generally good with the ball at his feet, he has sometimes made errors. These errors have occasionally led to goals, often due to poor passing or decision-making when trying to play the ball out from the back. He has also faced injuries throughout his career. However, despite some errors, he is seen as an "elite shot-stopper" who consistently makes many saves each season.

Personal Life

Hugo Lloris met his wife, Marine, in 2002. They were studying at the Lycée Thierry Maulnier. On 23 September 2010, they welcomed their first daughter, Anna-Rose. They got married in Nice in 2012. Their second daughter, Giuliana, was born in 2014. Their son, Léandro, was born on 20 September 2019.

In 2008, while Lloris was playing for Nice, his mother passed away. Just two days after her death, he chose to play in a league match for Nice. He refused a leave of absence from his manager, showing great dedication.

On 10 August 2010, Lloris was featured on the cover of the French version of the video game FIFA 11. He appeared alongside his international teammate Karim Benzema.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honours and Awards

Lyon

• Coupe de France: 2011–12
• Trophée des Champions: 2012

Tottenham Hotspur

• Football League Cup/EFL Cup runner-up: 2014–15, 2020–21
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2018–19

Los Angeles FC

• U.S. Open Cup: 2024
• Leagues Cup runner-up: 2024

France U19

• UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2005

France

• FIFA World Cup: 2018; runner-up: 2022
• UEFA Nations League: 2020–21
• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2016

Individual

• Toulon Tournament Best Goalkeeper: 2006
• Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12
• Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12
• UNFP Player of the Month: September 2009
• MLS All-Star: 2024

Orders

• Knight of the Legion of Honour: 2018

See also

In Spanish: Hugo Lloris para niños

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of Premier League goalkeepers with 100 or more clean sheets