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{{short description|French association football player}} {{short description|French association football player (born 1979)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography {{Infobox football biography
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| image = Éric Abidal - 001.jpg | image = Éric Abidal - 001.jpg
| caption = Abidal training with ] in 2008 | caption = Abidal training with ] in 2008
| fullname = Eric Sylvain Abidal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=8847|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 16 de agosto de 2009, en Bilbao|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 16 August 2009, in Bilbao|publisher=]|language=es|access-date=15 June 2019}}</ref> | fullname = Eric Sylvain Abidal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=8847|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419142149/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=8847|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 April 2020|title=Acta del partido celebrado el 16 de agosto de 2009, en Bilbao|trans-title=Minutes of the match held on 16 August 2009, in Bilbao|publisher=]|language=es|access-date=15 June 2019}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|9|11|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fcwc/2011/pdf/fcwc_2011_squadlists.pdf|title=FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011 presented by TOYOTA: List of Players: FC Barcelona|publisher=FIFA|page=5|date=14 December 2011|access-date=15 June 2019}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|9|11|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fcwc/2011/pdf/fcwc_2011_squadlists.pdf|title=FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011 presented by TOYOTA: List of Players: FC Barcelona|publisher=FIFA|page=5|date=14 December 2011|access-date=15 June 2019}}</ref>
| birth_place = ], France | birth_place = ], France
| height = 1.86 m<ref name=Lequipe>{{cite news|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/FootballFicheJoueur5000000000000000000010618.html|title=Eric Abidal|newspaper=]|location=Paris|language=fr|access-date=8 March 2020}}</ref> | height = 1.86 m<ref name=Lequipe>{{cite news|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/FootballFicheJoueur5000000000000000000010618.html|title=Eric Abidal|newspaper=]|location=Paris|language=fr|access-date=8 March 2020}}</ref>
| position = ] | position = ], ]
| currentclub = | currentclub =
| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = ] | youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = ]
| years1 = 1996–2000 | clubs1 = ]| caps1 = | goals1 = | years1 = 1996–2000
| clubs1 = ]
| caps1 =
| goals1 =
| years2 = 2000–2001 | clubs2 = ] | caps2 = 8 | goals2 = 0 | years2 = 2000–2001
| clubs2 = ]
| caps2 = 8
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2000–2002 | clubs3 = ] | caps3 = 22 | goals3 = 0 | years3 = 2000–2002
| clubs3 = ]
| caps3 = 22
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2002–2004 | clubs4 = ] | caps4 = 62 | goals4 = 0 | years4 = 2002–2004
| clubs4 = ]
| caps4 = 62
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2004–2007 | clubs5 = ] | caps5 = 76 | goals5 = 0 | years5 = 2004–2007
| clubs5 = ]
| caps5 = 76
| goals5 = 2
| years6 = 2007–2013 | clubs6 = ] | caps6 = 125 | goals6 = 0 | years6 = 2007–2013
| clubs6 = ]
| caps6 = 125
| goals6 = 2
| years7 = 2013–2014 | clubs7 = ] | caps7 = 26 | goals7 = 0 | years7 = 2013–2014
| clubs7 = ]
| caps7 = 26
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2014 | clubs8 = ] | caps8 = 9 | goals8 = 0 | years8 = 2014
| clubs8 = ]
| caps8 = 9
| goals8 = 0
| totalcaps = 328 | totalgoals = 0 | totalcaps = 328
| totalgoals = 4
| nationalyears1 = 2004–2013 | nationalteam1 = ] | nationalcaps1 = 67 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears1 = 2004–2013
| nationalteam1 = ]
| nationalcaps1 = 67
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's ]}}{{MedalCountry|{{fb|FRA}}}} | medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's ]}}{{MedalCountry|{{fb|FRA|1974}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|]}} {{MedalCompetition|]}}
{{Medal|RU|]|}} {{Medal|RU|]|}}
}} }}
'''Eric Sylvain Abidal''' ({{IPA-fr|eʁik abidal}}; born 11 September 1979) is a French former professional ] who played as a ] or ]. '''Eric Sylvain Abidal''' ({{IPA|fr|eʁik abidal}}; born 11 September 1979) is a French former professional ] who played as a ] or ].


In his career, he played mainly for ] and ], winning 18 trophies with both teams combined, including two ] trophies with the latter. His later career was marred by a liver tumour, which resulted in a ]. He played mainly for ] and ], totalling 18 trophies with both teams, including two ] with the latter. His later career was marred by a liver tumour, which resulted in a ].


A ] across nine years, Abidal represented the nation in two ] ] and ]. A ] for nine years, Abidal represented the nation in two ] ] and ].


==Club career== ==Club career==
===Early career=== ===Early career===
Born in ], Lyon Metropolis,<ref name=Lequipe/> Abidal started playing with ], an amateur team in the suburbs. He started his professional career with ],<ref name=Graft>{{cite web|url=http://uk.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/newsid=1665733.html|title=Graft not glitz defines Abidal's Monaco memories|publisher=UEFA|first=Graham|last=Hunter|date=24 August 2011|access-date=10 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023063606/http://uk.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/newsid%3D1665733.html|archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> making his ] debut on 16 September 2000 in a 3–0 home win against ] but only appearing in 22 league matches over the course of two full seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.francefootball.fr/diaporama/Ils-sont-passes-de-lille-a-monaco-ou-inversement/6343/#1|title=Ils sont passés de Lille à Monaco, ou inversement|trans-title=They went from Lille to Monaco, or the other way around|publisher=]|language=fr|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref> Born in ], Lyon Metropolis to Martiniquais parents<ref name=Lequipe/> Abidal started playing with ], an amateur team in the suburbs. He started his professional career with ],<ref name=Graft>{{cite web|url=http://uk.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/newsid=1665733.html|title=Graft not glitz defines Abidal's Monaco memories|publisher=UEFA|first=Graham|last=Hunter|date=24 August 2011|access-date=10 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023063606/http://uk.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/newsid%3D1665733.html|archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> making his ] debut on 16 September 2000 in a 3–0 home win against ] but only appearing in 22 league matches over the course of two full seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.francefootball.fr/diaporama/Ils-sont-passes-de-lille-a-monaco-ou-inversement/6343/#1|title=Ils sont passés de Lille à Monaco, ou inversement|trans-title=They went from Lille to Monaco, or the other way around|publisher=]|language=fr|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref>


Abidal transferred to fellow top-division club ] for ],<ref name=Returns>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/10/sport/football/abidal-barcelona-liver-football/index.html|title=Barcelona star Abidal returns to training after liver transplant|publisher=]|date=10 October 2012|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> reuniting with former manager ]<ref name=Graft/> and being first-choice during his spell. Subsequently, he returned to his native region and joined ].<ref name=Returns/> Abidal transferred to fellow top-division club ] for ],<ref name=Returns>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/10/sport/football/abidal-barcelona-liver-football/index.html|title=Barcelona star Abidal returns to training after liver transplant|publisher=]|date=10 October 2012|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> reuniting with former manager ]<ref name=Graft/> and being first-choice during his spell. Subsequently, he returned to his native region and joined ].<ref name=Returns/>
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On 29 June 2007, Abidal signed a four-year contract with ] for €9&nbsp;million, after repeatedly stating that he would not return to training with Lyon if he was not allowed to move.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/football/06/29/barca.abidal.reut/index.html?section=cnn_latest|title=Abidal completes move to Barcelona|publisher=CNN|date=29 June 2007|access-date=30 June 2007}}{{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> He was given the number 22 jersey, as the number 20 he wore at Lyon was already taken by ]; club president ] also mentioned that his contract contained a €90&nbsp;million release clause, and that Lyon would receive an extra €500,000 if Barcelona won the ] in any of the following four seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=541071.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702032829/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=541071.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 July 2007|title=Abidal joins Barcelona|publisher=FIFA|date=29 June 2007|access-date=30 July 2007}}</ref> On 29 June 2007, Abidal signed a four-year contract with ] for €9&nbsp;million, after repeatedly stating that he would not return to training with Lyon if he was not allowed to move.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/football/06/29/barca.abidal.reut/index.html?section=cnn_latest|title=Abidal completes move to Barcelona|publisher=CNN|date=29 June 2007|access-date=30 June 2007}}{{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> He was given the number 22 jersey, as the number 20 he wore at Lyon was already taken by ]; club president ] also mentioned that his contract contained a €90&nbsp;million release clause, and that Lyon would receive an extra €500,000 if Barcelona won the ] in any of the following four seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=541071.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702032829/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=541071.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 July 2007|title=Abidal joins Barcelona|publisher=FIFA|date=29 June 2007|access-date=30 July 2007}}</ref>


Abidal made his ] debut on 26 August 2007 in a 0–0 away draw against ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada07-08/08/n070825100780.html|title=The first squad list|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=25 August 2007|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=8&art_id=52200&sid=15113581&con_type=1&d_str=20070828&fc=2|title='Fantastic Four' fail to fire for Barca|newspaper=]|date=28 August 2007|access-date=10 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061156/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=8&art_id=52200&sid=15113581&con_type=1&d_str=20070828&fc=2|archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> and ended his ] with 30 games as ''Barça'' finished in third place in the league.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=241320&cc=5739|title=Murcia 3–5 Barcelona: Dos Santos hits treble|website=]|date=17 May 2008|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> He missed the ] against Manchester United after picking up a ] in the semi-final against ]: the ] deemed Abidal to have fouled countryman ] and denying a scoring opportunity, although video evidence suggested that any contact was minimal;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/266494?cc=5739|title=Iniesta's late heartbreaker|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=6 May 2009|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref> again through suspension<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/253005?cc=5739|title=Llorente the party pooper|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=10 May 2009|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref> he also did not dress up for ] of the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=646187&sec=europe&root=europe&cc=5739#|title=One title closer to the treble|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=14 May 2009|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> as the team won ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8071196.stm|title=Guardiola praises Barca bravery|website=BBC Sport|date=26 May 2009|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> Abidal made his ] debut on 26 August 2007 in a 0–0 away draw against ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada07-08/08/n070825100780.html|title=The first squad list|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=25 August 2007|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=8&art_id=52200&sid=15113581&con_type=1&d_str=20070828&fc=2|title='Fantastic Four' fail to fire for Barca|newspaper=]|date=28 August 2007|access-date=10 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061156/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=8&art_id=52200&sid=15113581&con_type=1&d_str=20070828&fc=2|archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> and ended his ] with 30 games as ''Barça'' finished in third place in the league.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=241320&cc=5739|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102222332/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=241320&cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2013|title=Murcia 3–5 Barcelona: Dos Santos hits treble|website=]|date=17 May 2008|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> He missed the ] against Manchester United after picking up a ] in the semi-final against ]: the ] deemed Abidal to have fouled countryman ] and denying a scoring opportunity, although video evidence suggested that any contact was minimal;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/266494?cc=5739|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102212437/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/266494?cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2013|title=Iniesta's late heartbreaker|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=6 May 2009|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref> again through suspension<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/253005?cc=5739|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102200457/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/253005?cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2013|title=Llorente the party pooper|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=10 May 2009|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref> he also did not dress up for ] of the ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=646187&sec=europe&root=europe&cc=5739|title=One title closer to the treble|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=14 May 2009|access-date=10 November 2012|archive-date=24 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024211610/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=646187&sec=europe&root=europe&cc=5739|url-status=dead}}</ref> as the team won ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8071196.stm|title=Guardiola praises Barca bravery|website=BBC Sport|date=26 May 2009|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref>


In ], Abidal continued to be the starter for the ]-led side, even after the arrival of ] from ]. He scored his first goal on 5 January 2011, netting at the ] in the ] (1–1 away draw, ] qualification).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2011/01/05/futbol/1294253950.html|title=Sin magia también se puede en San Mamés|trans-title=Magic not needed in San Mamés|newspaper=]|first=Miguel Ángel|last=Herguedas|language=es|date=5 January 2011|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref> In ], Abidal continued to be the starter for the ]-led side, even after the arrival of ] from ]. He scored his first goal on 5 January 2011, netting at the ] in the ] (1–1 away draw, ] qualification).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2011/01/05/futbol/1294253950.html|title=Sin magia también se puede en San Mamés|trans-title=Magic not needed in San Mamés|newspaper=]|first=Miguel Ángel|last=Herguedas|language=es|date=5 January 2011|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref>
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] in ].]] ] in ].]]


On 18 January 2012, Abidal scored his second goal for Barcelona, also in the ], helping the visitors come from behind to win it 2–1 at ] (eventually 4–3 on aggregate).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/335877?cc=5739|title=Barca fight back at the Bernabeu|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=18 January 2012|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref> He renewed his contract early into the following month, keeping him at the ] until 30 June 2013,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/abidal-2013-quiero-seguir-haciendo/20120203dasdasftb_19/Tes|title=Abidal, hasta 2013: "Quiero seguir haciendo historia"|trans-title=Abidal, until 2013: "I want to continue making history"|newspaper=]|language=es|date=3 February 2012|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref> but on 30 May of that year it was announced that the club would not further extend it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/abidal-im-going-and-ill-definitely-be-back|title=Abidal: "I'm going and I'll definitely be back"|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=29 May 2013|access-date=30 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/may/30/barcelona-release-eric-abidal|title=Barcelona release Eric Abidal after his return from liver transplant|newspaper=The Guardian|date=30 May 2013|access-date=30 May 2013}}</ref> On 18 January 2012, Abidal scored his second goal for Barcelona, also in the ], helping the visitors come from behind to win it 2–1 at ] (eventually 4–3 on aggregate).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/335877?cc=5739|title=Barca fight back at the Bernabeu|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=18 January 2012|access-date=10 June 2012|archive-date=22 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122051038/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/335877?cc=5739|url-status=dead}}</ref> He renewed his contract early into the following month, keeping him at the ] until 30 June 2013,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/abidal-2013-quiero-seguir-haciendo/20120203dasdasftb_19/Tes|title=Abidal, hasta 2013: "Quiero seguir haciendo historia"|trans-title=Abidal, until 2013: "I want to continue making history"|newspaper=]|language=es|date=3 February 2012|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref> but on 30 May of that year it was announced that the club would not further extend it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/abidal-im-going-and-ill-definitely-be-back|title=Abidal: "I'm going and I'll definitely be back"|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=29 May 2013|access-date=30 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/may/30/barcelona-release-eric-abidal|title=Barcelona release Eric Abidal after his return from liver transplant|newspaper=The Guardian|date=30 May 2013|access-date=30 May 2013}}</ref>


====Health issues==== ====Health issues====
On 15 March 2011, Barcelona announced that Abidal had been diagnosed with a ] in his ], and the player underwent surgery two days later.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/mar/15/barcelona-eric-abidal-tumour|title=Barcelona's Eric Abidal faces surgery for liver tumour|newspaper=The Guardian|date=15 March 2011|access-date=21 July 2020}}</ref> Citing privacy concerns as wished by the player, the club did not release additional information in regards to his condition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/03/15/n110315116321.html|title=Abidal diagnosed with tumour on liver|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=15 March 2011|access-date=16 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802094710/http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/03/15/n110315116321.html|archive-date=2 August 2012}}</ref> In response to the announcement, players and fans around the world dedicated well wishes to him on various ] and sports websites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/894640/barcelona-defender-eric-abidal-to-undergo-surgery-on-liver-tumour?cc=5901|title=Barca's Abidal set for surgery on tumour|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=15 March 2011|access-date=16 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gen/20110315/54128249124/noticia/el-mundo-del-deporte-se-vuelca-con-abidal.html|title=El mundo del deporte se vuelca con Abidal|trans-title=Sports world supports Abidal|newspaper=]|language=es|date=18 March 2011|access-date=18 March 2011}}</ref> On 15 March 2011, Barcelona announced that Abidal had been diagnosed with a ] in his ], and the player underwent surgery two days later.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/mar/15/barcelona-eric-abidal-tumour|title=Barcelona's Eric Abidal faces surgery for liver tumour|newspaper=The Guardian|date=15 March 2011|access-date=21 July 2020}}</ref> Citing privacy concerns as wished by the player, the club did not release additional information in regards to his condition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/03/15/n110315116321.html|title=Abidal diagnosed with tumour on liver|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=15 March 2011|access-date=16 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802094710/http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/03/15/n110315116321.html|archive-date=2 August 2012}}</ref> In response to the announcement, players and fans around the world dedicated well wishes to him on various ] and sports websites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/894640/barcelona-defender-eric-abidal-to-undergo-surgery-on-liver-tumour?cc=5901|title=Barca's Abidal set for surgery on tumour|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=15 March 2011|access-date=16 March 2011|archive-date=19 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319095136/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/894640/barcelona-defender-eric-abidal-to-undergo-surgery-on-liver-tumour?cc=5901|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gen/20110315/54128249124/noticia/el-mundo-del-deporte-se-vuelca-con-abidal.html|title=El mundo del deporte se vuelca con Abidal|trans-title=Sports world supports Abidal|newspaper=]|language=es|date=18 March 2011|access-date=18 March 2011}}</ref>


Before their ], both Real Madrid and Lyon players took the pitch wearing ''Ánimo Abidal'' (Get Well Abidal) T-shirts, with the same message being displayed on the ]'s scoreboards, in a show of support and solidarity.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2011/03/16/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1300304703.html|title='Ánimo Abidal', mensaje de ánimo en el Bernabéu|trans-title='Get well Abidal', message of support at the Bernabéu|newspaper=]|language=es|date=16 March 2011|access-date=16 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/abidal-still-climbing-mountains-france-face-spain-111601395.html|title=Abidal still climbing mountains as France face Spain|website=]|date=16 October 2012|access-date=10 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019074539/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/abidal-still-climbing-mountains-france-face-spain-111601395.html|archive-date=19 October 2012}}</ref> During Barcelona's match with ] on 19 March 2011, the fans at the stadium clapped for the entire 22nd minute (Abidal's kit number).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/04/03/eric-abidal-looks-for-a-repeat-of-heart-warming-recovery-as-football-family-comes-together-again/|title=Eric Abidal looks for a repeat of heart-warming recovery as football family comes together again|newspaper=]|first=Nicholas|last=Rigg|date=3 April 2012|access-date=10 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012071829/http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/04/03/eric-abidal-looks-for-a-repeat-of-heart-warming-recovery-as-football-family-comes-together-again/|archive-date=12 October 2012}}</ref> On 28 May 2011, in the ] against Manchester United, he played the full 90 minutes of Barcelona's 3–1 triumph and, in a gesture to mark his recovery, ] handed him his ]'s armband and allowed him to be the first to lift the trophy in front of 85,000 people at ] in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/abidal-lifts-the-4th-trophy|title=Abidal lifts the 4th trophy|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=26 May 2011|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref> Before their ], both Real Madrid and Lyon players took the pitch wearing ''Ánimo Abidal'' (Get Well Abidal) T-shirts, with the same message being displayed on the ]'s scoreboards, in a show of support and solidarity.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2011/03/16/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1300304703.html|title='Ánimo Abidal', mensaje de ánimo en el Bernabéu|trans-title='Get well Abidal', message of support at the Bernabéu|newspaper=]|language=es|date=16 March 2011|access-date=16 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/abidal-still-climbing-mountains-france-face-spain-111601395.html|title=Abidal still climbing mountains as France face Spain|website=]|date=16 October 2012|access-date=10 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019074539/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/abidal-still-climbing-mountains-france-face-spain-111601395.html|archive-date=19 October 2012}}</ref> During Barcelona's match with ] on 19 March 2011, the fans at the stadium clapped for the entire 22nd minute (Abidal's kit number).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/04/03/eric-abidal-looks-for-a-repeat-of-heart-warming-recovery-as-football-family-comes-together-again/|title=Eric Abidal looks for a repeat of heart-warming recovery as football family comes together again|newspaper=]|first=Nicholas|last=Rigg|date=3 April 2012|access-date=10 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012071829/http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/04/03/eric-abidal-looks-for-a-repeat-of-heart-warming-recovery-as-football-family-comes-together-again/|archive-date=12 October 2012}}</ref> On 28 May 2011, in the ] against Manchester United, he played the full 90 minutes of Barcelona's 3–1 triumph and, in a gesture to mark his recovery, ] handed him his ]'s armband and allowed him to be the first to lift the trophy in front of 85,000 people at ] in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/abidal-lifts-the-4th-trophy|title=Abidal lifts the 4th trophy|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=26 May 2011|access-date=10 June 2012}}</ref>


On 15 March 2012, it was announced that Abidal would have to undergo a ] because of problems which were unresolved with the previous operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17384984|title=Barcelona defender Eric Abidal to have a liver transplant|website=BBC Sport|date=15 March 2012|access-date=15 March 2012}}</ref> On 10 April he underwent surgery, with his cousin Gérard being the donor.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/9197679/Barcelona-defender-Eric-Abidal-recovering-well-after-liver-transplant-surgery.html|title=Barcelona defender Eric Abidal recovering well after liver transplant surgery|newspaper=]|date=11 April 2012|access-date=15 November 2012}}</ref> On the same day Barcelona beat Getafe 4–0, and the victory was dedicated to Abidal in the post-game press conference;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1047721/barcelona-players-dedicate-win-to-eric-abidal?cc=5739|title=Barcelona dedicate win to Abidal|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=11 April 2012|access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2012-04/11/c_131520382.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115184921/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2012-04/11/c_131520382.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 November 2013|title=Guardiola dedicates Getafe win to Eric Abidal|agency=]|date=11 April 2012|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> he later revealed that his friend and teammate ] offered to donate part of his liver for the transplant, but he declined because it would have affected the latter's playing career.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/16/eric-abidal-dani-alves-barcelona-liver|title=Eric Abidal says Dani Alves offered him part of his liver for transplant|newspaper=The Guardian|date=16 September 2013|access-date=28 May 2014}}</ref> On 15 March 2012, it was announced that Abidal would have to undergo a ] because of problems which were unresolved with the previous operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17384984|title=Barcelona defender Eric Abidal to have a liver transplant|website=BBC Sport|date=15 March 2012|access-date=15 March 2012}}</ref> On 10 April he underwent surgery, with his cousin Gérard being the donor.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/9197679/Barcelona-defender-Eric-Abidal-recovering-well-after-liver-transplant-surgery.html|title=Barcelona defender Eric Abidal recovering well after liver transplant surgery|newspaper=]|date=11 April 2012|access-date=15 November 2012}}</ref> On the same day Barcelona beat Getafe 4–0, and the victory was dedicated to the player in the post-game press conference;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1047721/barcelona-players-dedicate-win-to-eric-abidal?cc=5739|title=Barcelona dedicate win to Abidal|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=11 April 2012|access-date=11 April 2012|archive-date=13 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413203007/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1047721/barcelona-players-dedicate-win-to-eric-abidal?cc=5739|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2012-04/11/c_131520382.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115184921/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2012-04/11/c_131520382.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 November 2013|title=Guardiola dedicates Getafe win to Eric Abidal|agency=]|date=11 April 2012|access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> he later revealed that his friend and teammate ] offered to donate part of his liver for the transplant, but he declined because it would have affected the latter's playing career.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/16/eric-abidal-dani-alves-barcelona-liver|title=Eric Abidal says Dani Alves offered him part of his liver for transplant|newspaper=The Guardian|date=16 September 2013|access-date=28 May 2014}}</ref>


Abidal was released from hospital on 21 May 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1075679/barcelona-defender-eric-abidal-leaves-hospital?cc=5901|title=Abidal leaves hospital|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=21 May 2012|access-date=21 May 2012}}</ref> He returned to training in the ] in October 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11833/8154194/Barcelona-defender-Eric-Abidal-has-begun-training-again-following-his-liver-transplant-earlier-this-year|title=Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has begun training again following his liver transplant earlier this year|website=]|date=10 October 2012|access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> but, the following month, he stated that his priority was a return to full health rather than resuming his football career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2012/11/06/3505955/abidal-returning-to-football-not-my-objective|title=Abidal: Returning to football not my objective|website=]|first=Stefan|last=Coerts|date=6 November 2012|access-date=15 November 2012}}</ref> Abidal was released from hospital on 21 May 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1075679/barcelona-defender-eric-abidal-leaves-hospital?cc=5901|title=Abidal leaves hospital|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=21 May 2012|access-date=21 May 2012|archive-date=25 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525131714/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1075679/barcelona-defender-eric-abidal-leaves-hospital?cc=5901|url-status=dead}}</ref> He returned to training in the ] in October 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11833/8154194/Barcelona-defender-Eric-Abidal-has-begun-training-again-following-his-liver-transplant-earlier-this-year|title=Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has begun training again following his liver transplant earlier this year|website=]|date=10 October 2012|access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> but, the following month, he stated that his priority was a return to full health rather than resuming his football career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2012/11/06/3505955/abidal-returning-to-football-not-my-objective|title=Abidal: Returning to football not my objective|website=]|first=Stefan|last=Coerts|date=6 November 2012|access-date=15 November 2012}}</ref>


On 18 December 2012, Abidal was given the green light to start training again,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3277/la-liga/2012/12/18/3612779/barcelonas-abidal-given-the-green-light-to-play-football|title=Barcelona's Abidal given the green light to play football again|website=Goal|first=Simon|last=Harrison|date=18 December 2012|access-date=18 December 2012}}</ref> and he returned to active in January of the following year. On 19 March of the following year he played 65 minutes for ] in a practice match with ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/eric-abidal-plays-practice-match-against-istres|title=Éric Abidal plays practice match against Istres|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=19 March 2013|access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> and on 6 April he returned to official play, replacing ] for the last 20 minutes of a 5–0 home win against ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/348240/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739|title=Fabregas fires Barca to victory|website=ESPN FC|date=6 April 2013|access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/04/06/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1365285487.html|title=Abidal: "Gracias a mi primo, sin él no estaría aquí"|trans-title=Abidal: "Thanks to my cousin, i would not be here without him"|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=7 April 2013|access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref> Two weeks later, he played the full 90 minutes for the first time since his comeback, featuring in a 1–0 home success over ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/report?id=348220&cc=5739|title=Below-par Barca leave it late|website=ESPN FC|date=20 April 2013|access-date=22 April 2013}}</ref> On 18 December 2012, Abidal was given the green light to start training again,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3277/la-liga/2012/12/18/3612779/barcelonas-abidal-given-the-green-light-to-play-football|title=Barcelona's Abidal given the green light to play football again|website=Goal|first=Simon|last=Harrison|date=18 December 2012|access-date=18 December 2012}}</ref> and he returned to active training in January of the following year. On 19 March of the following year he played 65 minutes for ] in a practice match with ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/eric-abidal-plays-practice-match-against-istres|title=Éric Abidal plays practice match against Istres|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=19 March 2013|access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> and on 6 April he returned to official play, replacing ] for the last 20 minutes of a 5–0 home win against ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/348240/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739|title=Fabregas fires Barca to victory|website=ESPN FC|date=6 April 2013|access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2013/04/06/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1365285487.html|title=Abidal: "Gracias a mi primo, sin él no estaría aquí"|trans-title=Abidal: "Thanks to my cousin, i would not be here without him"|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=7 April 2013|access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref> Two weeks later, he played the full 90 minutes for the first time since his comeback, featuring in a 1–0 home success over ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/report?id=348220&cc=5739|title=Below-par Barca leave it late|website=ESPN FC|date=20 April 2013|access-date=22 April 2013}}</ref>


===Monaco return=== ===Monaco return===
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===Olympiacos=== ===Olympiacos===
On 5 July 2014, two days after renewing his link to Monaco, Abidal signed a two-year contract with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28180379|title=Eric Abidal leaves Monaco for Olympiakos|website=BBC Sport|date=5 July 2014|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> On 19 December, however, he retired from the game for personal reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30551620|title=Eric Abidal: Former Barcelona and France defender retires|website=BBC Sport|date=19 December 2014|access-date=21 July 2020}}</ref> On 5 July 2014, two days after renewing his contract with Monaco, Abidal signed a two-year contract with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28180379|title=Eric Abidal leaves Monaco for Olympiakos|website=BBC Sport|date=5 July 2014|access-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> On 19 December, however, he retired from the game for personal reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30551620|title=Eric Abidal: Former Barcelona and France defender retires|website=BBC Sport|date=19 December 2014|access-date=21 July 2020}}</ref>


===Return to Barcelona=== ===Return to Barcelona===
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==Style of play== ==Style of play==
Abidal was a tactically intelligent and versatile defender, capable of featuring as a centre or left-back due to his positional sense and his ability to read the game. In his prime, he was also quick and strong which, along with his technical ability and distribution, allowed him run up the wing to assist his team offensively as well as defensively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/castellano/futbol/temporada_10-11/plantilla/jugadors/abidal.html|title=Éric Abidal|publisher=FC Barcelona|language=es|access-date=21 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/iht/2006/07/08/sports/IHT-08wcplayers.html?pagewanted=print|title=France and Italy – Settled and similar|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Peter|last=Berlin|date=8 July 2006|access-date=24 January 2017}}</ref> Considered one of the best defenders in the world at his peak, Abidal was a tactically intelligent and versatile defender, capable of featuring as a centre or left-back due to his positional sense and his ability to read the game. In his prime, he was also quick and strong which, along with his technical ability and distribution, allowed him to run up the wing to assist his team offensively as well as defensively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arxiu.fcbarcelona.cat/web/castellano/futbol/temporada_10-11/plantilla/jugadors/abidal.html|title=Éric Abidal|publisher=FC Barcelona|language=es|access-date=21 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/iht/2006/07/08/sports/IHT-08wcplayers.html?pagewanted=print|title=France and Italy – Settled and similar|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Peter|last=Berlin|date=8 July 2006|access-date=24 January 2017}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Abidal was raised in a Catholic family and converted to Islam in his 20s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nouvelobs.com/rue89/rue89-nos-vies-connectees/20110114.RUE9966/abidal-ribery-allah-est-il-devenu-le-dieu-des-stades.html|title=Abidal, Ribéry... Allah est-il devenu le Dieu des stades ?|trans-title=Abidal, Ribéry... has Allah become the God of stadiums?|publisher=]|first=Vincent|last=Geisser|language=fr|date=14 January 2011|access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liberation.fr/sports/2014/10/21/eric-abidal-foot-foie-et-foi_1126524|title=Eric Abidal. Foot, foie et foi|trans-title=Eric Abidal. Football, liver and faith|newspaper=]|first=Rachid|last=Laïreche|language=fr|date=21 October 2014|access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> He married former gymnast Hayet Kebir in 2003, fathering children Méliana, Canélia, Leyna, Kenya and Edan.<ref name=20WAGs>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/396211-2010-fifa-world-cup-ranking-the-top-20-wags-of-the-soccer-elite/page/6|title=2010 FIFA World Cup: Ranking the Top 20 WAGs of the Soccer Elite – 16. Hayet Abidal|publisher=]|date=24 May 2010|access-date=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.ie.msn.com/sports/football/euro-2012/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=161352190&page=22|title=Euro 2012: Wives and girlfriends – France: Hayet & Éric Abidal|publisher=]|date=24 April 2012|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023064411/http://news.ie.msn.com/sports/football/euro-2012/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=161352190&page=22|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elle.fr/People/Style/Trajectoire-mode/Femmes-de-footballeurs-qui-sont-elles/Hayet-et-Eric-Abidal|title=Femmes de footballeurs: qui sont-elles? – Hayet et Eric Abidal|trans-title=Footballers' wives: who are they? – Hayet and Eric Abidal|publisher=]|language=fr|access-date=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.terrafemina.com/article/eric-abidal-heureux-papa-de-quatre-filles-avec-sa-femme-hayet-photos_a317635/1|title=Eric Abidal: heureux papa de quatre filles avec sa femme Hayet (photos)|trans-title=Eric Abidal: proud daddy of four daughters with his wife Hayet (photos)|publisher=Terra Femina|first=Marie|last=Deghetto|language=fr|date=6 August 2016|access-date=28 July 2019}}</ref> Abidal was raised in a Catholic family and converted to Islam in his 20s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nouvelobs.com/rue89/rue89-nos-vies-connectees/20110114.RUE9966/abidal-ribery-allah-est-il-devenu-le-dieu-des-stades.html|title=Abidal, Ribéry... Allah est-il devenu le Dieu des stades ?|trans-title=Abidal, Ribéry... has Allah become the God of stadiums?|publisher=]|first=Vincent|last=Geisser|language=fr|date=14 January 2011|access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liberation.fr/sports/2014/10/21/eric-abidal-foot-foie-et-foi_1126524|title=Eric Abidal. Foot, foie et foi|trans-title=Eric Abidal. Football, liver and faith|newspaper=]|first=Rachid|last=Laïreche|language=fr|date=21 October 2014|access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> He married former gymnast Hayet Kebir in 2003, fathering children Méliana, Canélia, Leyna, Kenya and Edan.<ref name=20WAGs>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/396211-2010-fifa-world-cup-ranking-the-top-20-wags-of-the-soccer-elite/page/6|title=2010 FIFA World Cup: Ranking the Top 20 WAGs of the Soccer Elite – 16. Hayet Abidal|publisher=]|date=24 May 2010|access-date=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.ie.msn.com/sports/football/euro-2012/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=161352190&page=22|title=Euro 2012: Wives and girlfriends – France: Hayet & Éric Abidal|publisher=]|date=24 April 2012|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023064411/http://news.ie.msn.com/sports/football/euro-2012/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=161352190&page=22|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elle.fr/People/Style/Trajectoire-mode/Femmes-de-footballeurs-qui-sont-elles/Hayet-et-Eric-Abidal|title=Femmes de footballeurs: qui sont-elles? – Hayet et Eric Abidal|trans-title=Footballers' wives: who are they? – Hayet and Eric Abidal|publisher=]|language=fr|access-date=15 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.terrafemina.com/article/eric-abidal-heureux-papa-de-quatre-filles-avec-sa-femme-hayet-photos_a317635/1|title=Eric Abidal: heureux papa de quatre filles avec sa femme Hayet (photos)|trans-title=Eric Abidal: proud daddy of four daughters with his wife Hayet (photos)|publisher=Terra Femina|first=Marie|last=Deghetto|language=fr|date=6 August 2016|access-date=28 July 2019}}</ref>


In November 2021, Hayet filed for divorce after Abidal admitted to having an affair with ] player ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bolavip.com/en/offside/eric-abidal-admits-infidelity-with-kheira-hamraoui-and-hayet-abidal-files-for-divorce-amid-assault-investigation-on-the-psg-midfielder-20211119-0007.html|title=Eric Abidal admits infidelity with Kheira Hamraoui and Hayet Abidal files for divorce amid assault investigation on the PSG midfielder|publisher=Bola Vip|first=Kelvin|last=Loyola|date=19 November 2021|access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref> In November 2021, Hayet filed for divorce after Abidal admitted to having an affair with ] player ], which came to light as part of an investigation into ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bolavip.com/en/offside/eric-abidal-admits-infidelity-with-kheira-hamraoui-and-hayet-abidal-files-for-divorce-amid-assault-investigation-on-the-psg-midfielder-20211119-0007.html|title=Eric Abidal admits infidelity with Kheira Hamraoui and Hayet Abidal files for divorce amid assault investigation on the PSG midfielder|publisher=Bola Vip|first=Kelvin|last=Loyola|date=19 November 2021|access-date=20 November 2021|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120030916/https://bolavip.com/en/offside/eric-abidal-admits-infidelity-with-kheira-hamraoui-and-hayet-abidal-files-for-divorce-amid-assault-investigation-on-the-psg-midfielder-20211119-0007.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Career statistics== ==Career statistics==
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|- |-
|rowspan="5"|] |rowspan="5"|]
|1996–97<ref name=FDB>{{FootballDatabase.eu|237}}</ref> |1996–97{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
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|
|||||||||||||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—|||| |||||||||||||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||||
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|1997–98<ref name=FDB/> |1997–98{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
|
|||||||||||||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—|||| |||||||||||||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||||
|- |-
|1998–99<ref name=FDB/> |1998–99{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
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|||||||||||||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—|||| |||||||||||||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||||
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|1999–2000<ref name=FDB/> |1999–2000{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
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|] |]
|2000–01 |2000–01
|] |]
|8||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||0 |8||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||0
|- |-
|rowspan="3"|] |rowspan="3"|]
|]<ref name=WF>{{WorldFootball.net|eric-abidal/2}}</ref> |]<ref name=WF>{{WorldFootball.net|eric-abidal}}</ref>
|rowspan="2"|] |rowspan="2"|]
|8||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0||colspan="2"|—||9||0 |8||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0||colspan="2"|—||9||0
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|rowspan="3"|] |rowspan="3"|]
|]<ref name=WF/> |]<ref name=WF/>
|rowspan="2"|Ligue 1 |rowspan="2"|]
|27||0||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||30||0 |27||0||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||30||0
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|Monaco |Monaco
|]<ref name=WF/> |]<ref name=WF/>
|] |Ligue 1
|26||0||3||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||29||0 |26||0||3||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||29||0
|- |-
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*]: 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/community/teamoftheyear/history/season=2007/index.html|title=Team of the Year 2007|publisher=UEFA|first=Adrian|last=Harte|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref> *]: 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/community/teamoftheyear/history/season=2007/index.html|title=Team of the Year 2007|publisher=UEFA|first=Adrian|last=Harte|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref>
*]: 2011<ref>{{cite news|url=http://agencias.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=1292480|title=Ganadores de las cuatro ediciones de premios de la LFP|trans-title=Winners of the four PFL awards editions|newspaper=]|language=es|date=13 November 2012|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116110429/http://agencias.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=1292480|archive-date=16 January 2016}}</ref> *]: 2011<ref>{{cite news|url=http://agencias.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=1292480|title=Ganadores de las cuatro ediciones de premios de la LFP|trans-title=Winners of the four PFL awards editions|newspaper=]|language=es|date=13 November 2012|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116110429/http://agencias.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=1292480|archive-date=16 January 2016}}</ref>
*] Player of the Season (]): 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2011-2012/abidal-wins-aldo-rovira-award-2011-12|title=Abidal wins Aldo Rovira Award 2011/12|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=28 June 2012|access-date=11 May 2017}}</ref> *] Player of the Season (]): 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2011-2012/abidal-wins-aldo-rovira-award-2011-12|title=Abidal wins Aldo Rovira Award 2011/12|publisher=FC Barcelona|date=28 June 2012|access-date=11 May 2017}}</ref>
*]: Player Career Award 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globesoccer.com/awards/walloffame/|title=Wall of Fame|publisher=Globe Soccer|access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> *]: Player Career Award 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globesoccer.com/awards/walloffame/|title=Wall of Fame|publisher=Globe Soccer|access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref>
*]: 2013<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio_Estero/30-10-2013/ad-abidal-premio-facchetti-un-altra-vita-vorrei-cosi-201469162472.shtml|title=Ad Abidal il Premio Facchetti – "Un'altra vita? La vorrei così"|trans-title=To Abidal the Facchetti Award – "Another life? I would want it like this"|newspaper=]|first=Gianfelice|last=Facchetti|language=it|date=30 October 2013|access-date=21 January 2015}}</ref> *]: 2013<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio_Estero/30-10-2013/ad-abidal-premio-facchetti-un-altra-vita-vorrei-cosi-201469162472.shtml|title=Ad Abidal il Premio Facchetti – "Un'altra vita? La vorrei così"|trans-title=To Abidal the Facchetti Award – "Another life? I would want it like this"|newspaper=]|first=Gianfelice|last=Facchetti|language=it|date=30 October 2013|access-date=21 January 2015}}</ref>
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{{Premio internazionale Giacinto Facchetti}} {{Premio internazionale Giacinto Facchetti}}
}} }}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Abidal, Eric}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Abidal, Eric}}
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Latest revision as of 08:00, 2 November 2024

French association football player (born 1979)

Eric Abidal
Abidal training with Barcelona in 2008
Personal information
Full name Eric Sylvain Abidal
Date of birth (1979-09-11) 11 September 1979 (age 45)
Place of birth Saint-Genis-Laval, France
Height 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s) Left-back, centre-back
Youth career
Lyon Duchère
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–2000 Lyon Duchère
2000–2001 Monaco B 8 (0)
2000–2002 Monaco 22 (0)
2002–2004 Lille 62 (0)
2004–2007 Lyon 76 (2)
2007–2013 Barcelona 125 (2)
2013–2014 Monaco 26 (0)
2014 Olympiacos 9 (0)
Total 328 (4)
International career
2004–2013 France 67 (0)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  France
FIFA World Cup
Runner-up 2006 Germany
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Eric Sylvain Abidal (French pronunciation: [eʁik abidal]; born 11 September 1979) is a French former professional footballer who played as a left-back or centre-back.

He played mainly for Lyon and Barcelona, totalling 18 trophies with both teams, including two Champions Leagues with the latter. His later career was marred by a liver tumour, which resulted in a transplant.

A France international for nine years, Abidal represented the nation in two World Cupsfinishing second in 2006 – and Euro 2008.

Club career

Early career

Born in Saint-Genis-Laval, Lyon Metropolis to Martiniquais parents Abidal started playing with AS Lyon Duchère, an amateur team in the suburbs. He started his professional career with AS Monaco FC, making his Ligue 1 debut on 16 September 2000 in a 3–0 home win against Toulouse FC but only appearing in 22 league matches over the course of two full seasons.

Abidal transferred to fellow top-division club Lille OSC for 2002–03, reuniting with former manager Claude Puel and being first-choice during his spell. Subsequently, he returned to his native region and joined Olympique Lyonnais.

Lyon

During his later years in France, where he won three consecutive national championships – of the seven the team won – Abidal's confidence was shown when Lyon played Manchester United and he was in charge of marking Cristiano Ronaldo: "As a defender, my aim is to infuriate the opponent," he explained. "I want him to be so sick of the sight of me that he has to move somewhere else on the pitch to get away." His defensive teammates at L'OL included François Clerc, Grégory Coupet and Anthony Réveillère, as well as Brazilian internationals Caçapa and Cris.

On 10 November 2004, Abidal scored the first goal of his career, in a 3–2 loss at former club Lille in the second round of the Coupe de la Ligue. As a result of his exploit, his parents agreed to get married after a 35-year union.

Abidal missed the first months of the 2005–06 campaign after fracturing his metatarsus in a friendly game with Once Caldas. He still managed to appear in 15 matches as Lyon won its fifth national championship in a row (the second with the player).

Barcelona

Abidal (far right) playing against Real Madrid.
Abidal (center) with Jeffrén Suárez (left) and Bojan Krkić during a training session with Barcelona.

On 29 June 2007, Abidal signed a four-year contract with FC Barcelona for €9 million, after repeatedly stating that he would not return to training with Lyon if he was not allowed to move. He was given the number 22 jersey, as the number 20 he wore at Lyon was already taken by Deco; club president Joan Laporta also mentioned that his contract contained a €90 million release clause, and that Lyon would receive an extra €500,000 if Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League in any of the following four seasons.

Abidal made his La Liga debut on 26 August 2007 in a 0–0 away draw against Racing de Santander, and ended his first season with 30 games as Barça finished in third place in the league. He missed the 2009 Champions League Final against Manchester United after picking up a red card in the semi-final against Chelsea: the referee deemed Abidal to have fouled countryman Nicolas Anelka and denying a scoring opportunity, although video evidence suggested that any contact was minimal; again through suspension he also did not dress up for the decisive match of the Copa del Rey, as the team won the treble.

In 2009–10, Abidal continued to be the starter for the Pep Guardiola-led side, even after the arrival of Maxwell from Inter Milan. He scored his first goal on 5 January 2011, netting at the San Mamés Stadium in the Spanish Cup last-16 second leg (1–1 away draw, away goals rule qualification).

Abidal during the 2009 Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.

On 18 January 2012, Abidal scored his second goal for Barcelona, also in the domestic cup, helping the visitors come from behind to win it 2–1 at Real Madrid (eventually 4–3 on aggregate). He renewed his contract early into the following month, keeping him at the Camp Nou until 30 June 2013, but on 30 May of that year it was announced that the club would not further extend it.

Health issues

On 15 March 2011, Barcelona announced that Abidal had been diagnosed with a tumour in his liver, and the player underwent surgery two days later. Citing privacy concerns as wished by the player, the club did not release additional information in regards to his condition. In response to the announcement, players and fans around the world dedicated well wishes to him on various social networking service and sports websites.

Before their round-of-16 match in the Champions League, both Real Madrid and Lyon players took the pitch wearing Ánimo Abidal (Get Well Abidal) T-shirts, with the same message being displayed on the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium's scoreboards, in a show of support and solidarity. During Barcelona's match with Getafe CF on 19 March 2011, the fans at the stadium clapped for the entire 22nd minute (Abidal's kit number). On 28 May 2011, in the Champions League Final against Manchester United, he played the full 90 minutes of Barcelona's 3–1 triumph and, in a gesture to mark his recovery, Carles Puyol handed him his captain's armband and allowed him to be the first to lift the trophy in front of 85,000 people at Wembley Stadium in London.

On 15 March 2012, it was announced that Abidal would have to undergo a liver transplant because of problems which were unresolved with the previous operation. On 10 April he underwent surgery, with his cousin Gérard being the donor. On the same day Barcelona beat Getafe 4–0, and the victory was dedicated to the player in the post-game press conference; he later revealed that his friend and teammate Dani Alves offered to donate part of his liver for the transplant, but he declined because it would have affected the latter's playing career.

Abidal was released from hospital on 21 May 2012. He returned to training in the Pyrenees in October 2012 but, the following month, he stated that his priority was a return to full health rather than resuming his football career.

On 18 December 2012, Abidal was given the green light to start training again, and he returned to active training in January of the following year. On 19 March of the following year he played 65 minutes for FC Barcelona B in a practice match with FC Istres, and on 6 April he returned to official play, replacing Gerard Piqué for the last 20 minutes of a 5–0 home win against RCD Mallorca. Two weeks later, he played the full 90 minutes for the first time since his comeback, featuring in a 1–0 home success over Levante UD.

Monaco return

On 8 July 2013, 33-year-old Abidal returned to Monaco after more than one decade, signing for one season with the option of a further one. After helping the principality team secure a place in the Champions League in his debut campaign, he agreed to a one-year contract extension.

Olympiacos

On 5 July 2014, two days after renewing his contract with Monaco, Abidal signed a two-year contract with Olympiacos FC. On 19 December, however, he retired from the game for personal reasons.

Return to Barcelona

Abidal returned to Barcelona in June 2018, replacing Roberto Fernández as the club's director of football. He was sacked on 18 August 2020, following the 8–2 defeat against FC Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

International career

Abidal earned 67 caps for the France national team, his debut coming on 18 August 2004 in a friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, playing all the games and minutes in the country's runner-up campaign as left-back, with the exception of the match against Togo, from which he was suspended after earning two yellow cards in the first two fixtures. In the final against Italy, he scored his penalty shootout attempt.

Again under Raymond Domenech, Abidal was first-choice during the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. In the final stages, he appeared against Italy as a centre-back, but conceded a penalty and was sent off in the first half of an eventual 2–0 loss and group stage exit. He played against Uruguay and Mexico in the 2010 World Cup again as stopper, opting out of the next game against host country South Africa as the French side again left the competition after only three matches.

Style of play

Considered one of the best defenders in the world at his peak, Abidal was a tactically intelligent and versatile defender, capable of featuring as a centre or left-back due to his positional sense and his ability to read the game. In his prime, he was also quick and strong which, along with his technical ability and distribution, allowed him to run up the wing to assist his team offensively as well as defensively.

Personal life

Abidal was raised in a Catholic family and converted to Islam in his 20s. He married former gymnast Hayet Kebir in 2003, fathering children Méliana, Canélia, Leyna, Kenya and Edan.

In November 2021, Hayet filed for divorce after Abidal admitted to having an affair with Paris Saint-Germain player Kheira Hamraoui, which came to light as part of an investigation into an assault on Hamraoui.

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Lyon-Duchère 1996–97 Division d'Honneur
1997–98
1998–99
1999–2000
Total
Monaco B 2000–01 CFA 8 0 8 0
Monaco 2000–01 French Division 1 8 0 0 0 1 0 9 0
2001–02 14 0 2 0 1 0 17 0
Total 22 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 26 0
Lille 2002–03 Ligue 1 27 0 1 0 2 0 30 0
2003–04 35 0 1 0 2 0 38 0
Total 62 0 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 68 0
Lyon 2004–05 Ligue 1 29 0 3 0 1 1 7 0 40 1
2005–06 14 0 1 0 1 0 6 0 22 0
2006–07 33 0 1 0 3 1 7 0 44 1
Total 76 0 5 0 5 2 20 0 0 0 106 2
Barcelona 2007–08 La Liga 30 0 6 0 10 0 46 0
2008–09 25 0 2 0 5 0 32 0
2009–10 17 0 2 0 10 0 3 0 32 0
2010–11 26 0 5 1 8 0 39 1
2011–12 22 0 5 1 9 0 3 0 39 1
2012–13 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Total 125 0 20 2 0 0 42 0 6 0 193 2
Monaco 2013–14 Ligue 1 26 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 29 0
Olympiacos 2014–15 Super League Greece 9 0 0 0 6 0 15 0
Career total 328 0 32 2 10 2 69 0 6 0 445 4
  1. ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
France 2004 1 0
2005 3 0
2006 15 0
2007 12 0
2008 9 0
2009 5 0
2010 6 0
2011 9 0
2012 1 0
2013 6 0
Total 67 0

Honours

Abidal signing autographs at the Camp Nou

Lyon

Barcelona

Olympiacos

France

Individual

References

  1. "Acta del partido celebrado el 16 de agosto de 2009, en Bilbao" [Minutes of the match held on 16 August 2009, in Bilbao] (in Spanish). Royal Spanish Football Federation. Archived from the original on 19 April 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  2. "FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011 presented by TOYOTA: List of Players: FC Barcelona" (PDF). FIFA. 14 December 2011. p. 5. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  3. ^ "Eric Abidal". L'Équipe (in French). Paris. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  4. ^ Hunter, Graham (24 August 2011). "Graft not glitz defines Abidal's Monaco memories". UEFA. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  5. "Ils sont passés de Lille à Monaco, ou inversement" [They went from Lille to Monaco, or the other way around] (in French). France Football. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
  6. ^ "Barcelona star Abidal returns to training after liver transplant". CNN. 10 October 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  7. ^ "French Focus: Eric Abidal (Lyon)". Channel 4. Retrieved 9 October 2007.
  8. "Milan 3–1 Lyon (Agg: 3–1)". The Guardian. 4 April 2006. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  9. "Roma 0–0 Lyon". BBC Sport. 21 February 2007. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
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External links

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