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Stéphane Henchoz facts for kids

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Stéphane Henchoz
1 Stéphane Henchoz 2017.jpg
Henchoz (foreground) in 2017
Personal information
Full name Stéphane Henchoz
Date of birth (1974-09-07) 7 September 1974 (age 50)
Place of birth Billens, Switzerland
Height 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Centre-back
Youth career
1989–1991 FC Bulle
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1992–1995 Servette 5 (0)
1992–1995 Neuchâtel Xamax 103 (2)
1995–1997 Hamburger SV 49 (2)
1997–1999 Blackburn Rovers 70 (0)
1999–2005 Liverpool 135 (0)
2005 Celtic 6 (0)
2005–2006 Wigan Athletic 26 (0)
2006–2008 Blackburn Rovers 12 (0)
Total 406 (4)
International career
1993–2006 Switzerland 72 (0)
Managerial career
2008–2009 Blackburn Rovers (U18)
2009–2010 FC Bulle
2015–2019 Neuchâtel Xamax (assistant)
2019 Neuchâtel Xamax
2019 Sion
2020 Neuchâtel Xamax
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Stéphane Henchoz (born 7 September 1974) is a Swiss football coach and former professional player. He was known for playing as a centre-back, especially for the English club Liverpool. He played 72 games for the Switzerland national team from 1993. He also played in two major tournaments: Euro 1996 and Euro 2004.

Playing Career

Starting Out in Football

Stéphane Henchoz was born in Billens, Switzerland. He first became known for playing in the German Bundesliga for Hamburger SV.

Time at Blackburn Rovers

In June 1997, Henchoz decided to join Blackburn Rovers. He moved there for £3 million. He had a great first season in the Premier League, helping Rovers finish sixth in 1997–98. However, the team was later moved down to a lower league in 1999. Henchoz stayed in the Premier League, though. He was bought by Liverpool for £3.5 million.

Playing for Liverpool

At Liverpool, Henchoz quickly became a key player. He stayed at the club for five and a half years. Fans really liked him. He formed a strong defensive team with Sami Hyypiä. This partnership was very important when Liverpool won three major cups in 2001.

In the League Cup final against Birmingham City, Henchoz made a challenge that led to extra time. Liverpool eventually won that match after a penalty shootout. He is also remembered for blocking a shot with his arm in the FA Cup final that same year. Liverpool went on to win that game too.

Towards the end of his time at Liverpool, injuries affected his playing time. However, he still played over 200 games for the club by 2003–04. His partnership with Hyypiä was important again in 2003–04. They helped Liverpool finish fourth in the league.

Moving to Celtic

When Rafael Benítez became Liverpool's new manager, he decided to play Jamie Carragher as a centre-back. This meant Henchoz's time at Anfield was ending. Carragher, who used to play as a full-back, was excellent in his new role. So, Henchoz joined Celtic in January 2005 on a six-month deal.

Joining Wigan Athletic

After his contract with Celtic ended, Henchoz returned to the Premier League. He signed a one-year contract with the newly promoted team, Wigan Athletic. He played 26 league games in the 2005–06 season. Wigan did very well that year, finishing in the top half of the league. Henchoz also played in the 2006 Football League Cup Final for Wigan.

Back to Blackburn Rovers

Henchoz left Wigan after just one year. He signed a contract with Blackburn Rovers until the end of the 2006–07 season. He played when other players were injured and did a good job. His second time at Blackburn ended on 19 May when he was released by manager Mark Hughes.

Stéphane Henchoz stopped playing professional football on 13 October 2008.

International Games

Henchoz played 72 games for the Switzerland national team. His first game was in 1993. He represented his country at Euro 96 and Euro 2004. He was expected to play in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. However, due to health issues, he retired from international football on 31 March 2006.

Coaching Career

Stéphane Henchoz FC Sion
Stéphane Henchoz on the touchline for FC Sion

After he stopped playing, Henchoz became a coach. He managed Blackburn Rovers's Under-18 team until June 2009. Then, he became the manager of FC Bulle for the 2009–10 season.

In December 2015, he was made assistant manager of Neuchâtel Xamax. On 6 February 2019, the club announced that Henchoz would take over as manager for the rest of the season. By the end of March 2019, the club confirmed he would leave his role.

On 27 May 2019, Henchoz was appointed manager of Sion. He resigned on 4 November 2019 after a series of losses. In July 2020, he returned to Neuchâtel Xamax.

Honours and Awards

Stéphane Henchoz won several trophies during his career:

With Liverpool

With Celtic

With Wigan Athletic

  • Football League Cup runner-up: 2005–06

Individual Awards

  • Credit Suisse Player of the Year: 2001, 2002

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Stéphane Henchoz para niños

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