:Guillaume Hoarau

Hoarau started his football career at JS Saint-Pierroise in his native Réunion. In 1995, Le Havre AC scouts considered him too "thin" and signed his then-teammate Florent Sinama Pongolle. After gaining the attention of then-Le Havre manager Jean-François Domergue, Hoarau signed his first professional contract at the age of 20 for Le Havre in January 2004.{{cite web |url=http://www.20minutes.fr/article/267034/Sport-Guillaume-Hoarau-itineraire-d-un-grand-garcon-pas-forcement-gate.php |title=Guillaume Hoarau: Itinéraire d'un grand garçon pas forcément gâ sur 20Minutes.fr |website=www.20minutes.fr |access-date=14 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028143437/http://www.20minutes.fr/article/267034/Sport-Guillaume-Hoarau-itineraire-d-un-grand-garcon-pas-forcement-gate.php |archive-date=28 October 2008 |url-status=dead}} He made his league debut on 12 May 2004 against Châteauroux in a 2–1 loss, coming on as a substitute.[https://archive.today/20120803150456/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue2/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2003/2004&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J36&num_ordre=3 Châteauroux v. Le Havre Match Report]

Despite being signed, Hoarau spent the majority of his career under Domergue playing in the reserves, often earning brief call-ups to the senior squad, then quickly being sent down.{{Cite web|url=http://www.maxifoot.fr/articles/4608/index.htm|title=Haro sur Hoarau le phénomène|website=www.maxifoot.fr|access-date=14 May 2018}} He registered his first career goal in just the second match of the 2004–05 season in a 2–1 victory over Amiens.[https://archive.today/20120911232413/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue2/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2004/2005&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J02&num_ordre=1 Amiens v. Le Havre Match Report] Despite this, his play was heavily limited following the firing of Domergue and the appointment of temporary manager Philippe Hinschberger. During the following season under new manager Thierry Uvenard, his playing time increased—he appeared in 28 matches, scoring five goals. The next season, he only made five appearances for Le Havre before being sent on loan to Gueugnon, where he made 21 appearances and scored eight goals.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Under new manager Jean-Marc Nobilo, his fourth manager in four years, Hoarau was installed as the lead striker and flourished. Playing in all 38 league matches, he was top scorer with 28 goals and, at one point during the season, scored at least one goal in 12-straight matches.[http://www.lfp.fr/joueur/detail_but.asp?no_joueur=107765&saison=2007/2008&code_evt=D2 Les buts de GUILLAUME HOARAU] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321193226/http://www.lfp.fr/joueur/detail_but.asp?no_joueur=107765&saison=2007%2F2008&code_evt=D2 |date=21 March 2009 }} His performances led to the French media naming him the "Karim Benzema of Ligue 2", as Benzema was having a similar season in Ligue 1. His performances caught the eye of several Ligue 1 clubs, such as Auxerre, Marseille, and Paris Saint-Germain to name a few, as well as English clubs Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea,{{Cite web|url=http://www.topmercato.com/487,1/hoarau-a-signe-au-psg.html|title=Hoarau a signé au PSG|website=www.topmercato.com|access-date=14 May 2018}} who likened the player to Peter Crouch. Eventually, it was announced in January 2008 that Hoarau had signed with Parisian club Paris Saint-Germain on a four-year deal after reportedly snubbing the club's primary rival, Marseille.[http://www.morefoot.com/actualite-9730.html Guillaume Hoarau snobe Marseille et signe au PSG] PSG paid Le Havre fee of €500,000 and also allowed the player to finish the Ligue 2 season with his former club, whom he helped achieve promotion to Ligue 1.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

File:Guillaume Hoarau 20110724.jpg in 2011]]

Hoarau arrived in Paris following the Ligue 2 season with high expectations, as he was expected to replace club legend Pauleta and live up to comments made by former president Alain Cayzac, who referred to Hoarau as being the "signing of the century" for PSG.[http://foot.fluctuat.net/blog/28210-mercato-hoarau-prend-le-paris.html Hoarau prend le Paris] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907104327/http://foot.fluctuat.net/blog/28210-mercato-hoarau-prend-le-paris.html |date=7 September 2008 }}

He made his debut for the club in a 1–0 defeat at Monaco on 9 August 2008. After going scoreless the first week, Hoarau responded in the second week scoring his first goal for the club on his home debut in a 1–0 victory over Bordeaux.[http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J02&num_ordre=8 PSG v. Bordeaux Match Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425062020/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&num_ordre=8&code_jr_tr=J02 |date=25 April 2009 }} His breakthrough into the team came in the annual Classique against rivals Marseille on 26 October 2008. In a huge 4–2 victory for the club, Hoarau scored a brace.[http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J10&num_ordre=5 Marseille v. PSG Match Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430165129/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J10&num_ordre=5 |date=30 April 2009 }} He followed this up by scoring another brace, this time against his former club Le Havre in a 3–1 victory.[http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J14&num_ordre=2 Le Havre v. PSG Match Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122025945/http://lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&num_ordre=2&code_jr_tr=J14 |date=22 January 2009 }} His next set of goals were against Le Mans, earning another brace in another 3–1 victory.[http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008/2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J17&num_ordre=9 PSG v. Le Mans Match Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430165349/http://www.lfp.fr/ligue1/feuilleMatch.asp?saison=2008%2F2009&code_evt=D1&code_jr_tr=J17&num_ordre=9 |date=30 April 2009 }} Hoarau also continued his solid form on the European stage scoring a brace in the club's first leg match against VfL Wolfsburg on 18 February 2009 in the 2008–09 UEFA Cup.{{Cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15286/match=304795/report=rp.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221125007/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15286/match=304795/report=rp.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 February 2009|title=UEFA Europa League|last=UEFA.com|website=UEFA|language=en|access-date=14 May 2018}} In total for the season, Hoarau made 45 appearances, 32 in league play, and scored 20 goals, 17 in league play, contributing to the club's successful season where they reached as high as the second position in the league and made it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Due to his great performances, Hoarau was linked to several clubs, most notably Lyon, who offered €10 million for the player's services.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sports.fr/cmc/football/200925/lyon-a-fait-une-offre-pour-hoarau_232147.html|title=Lyon a fait une offre pour Hoarau|website=Sports.fr|language=fr|access-date=14 May 2018|archive-date=28 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928193920/http://www.sports.fr/cmc/football/200925/lyon-a-fait-une-offre-pour-hoarau_232147.html|url-status=dead}} Both Hoarau and PSG, however, downplayed the offer and, two days later, Hoarau signed a contract extension until 2013.{{Cite web|url=http://www.psg.fr/fr/Article/003001/Article/45474/Guillaume-Hoarau-prolonge-jusqu-en-2013|title=Site officiel du Paris Saint-Germain|website=Psg|language=FR|access-date=14 May 2018}}

Following his successful first season in Paris, Hoarau struggled to reproduce the same kind of form. The arrival of new striker Mevlüt Erdinç failed to ignite a successful partnership, with both players often injured and profligate in front of goal whenever they managed to play. Hoarau did however score the winning goal for PSG in extra time in the 2010 Coupe de France Final.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20100501-paris-saint-germain-wins-french-cup-final-eighth-monaco |title=Paris Saint-Germain beat Monaco 1-0 in French Cup final|date=May 2010|publisher=france24.com |access-date=26 February 2021 }} Since the signing of new striker Kevin Gameiro in the summer of 2011, both Hoarau and Erdinç were relegated to the substitutes' bench, and the former suffered a serious injury on the very first day of the 2011–12 season. Hoarau was linked with a loan move to Saint-Étienne.{{cite news|title=ASSE wants to get the loan Guillaume Hoarau!|trans-title=L’ASSE veut obtenir le prêt de Guillaume Hoarau !|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/transferts/l-asse-veut-obtenir-le-pret-de-guillaume-hoarau_71127|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=9 August 2011|access-date=5 January 2014}} On the last day of the 2011–12 season, with Montpellier and PSG both chasing the Ligue 1 title, Hoarau suffered an injury in a match against Lorient, with Montpeillier going on to win their first league title.{{cite news|title=PSG: terrible blow to Guillaume Hoarau!|trans-title=PSG : terrible coup dur pour Guillaume Hoarau!|url=http://www.footmercato.net/breves/psg-terrible-coup-dur-pour-guillaume-hoarau_85186|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=20 May 2012|access-date=5 January 2014}}

In the 2012–13 season, Hoarau featured less for the club and was placed on the transfer list despite being out of contract at the end of the season.{{cite news|title=PSG: it stirs around Guillaume Hoarau!|trans-title=PSG : ça s’agite autour de Guillaume Hoarau !|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/transferts/psg-ca-s-agite-autour-de-guillaume-hoarau_98101|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=1 January 2013|access-date=5 January 2014}}

Upon his departure to Dalin Aerbin, Hoarau appeared at Parc des Princes, where he made a farewell speech and was left emotional, saying, "Nothing has changed. I'm a little excited. I have a small tear in the eye."{{cite news|title=PSG: emotion Guillaume Hoarau|trans-title=PSG : l’émotion de Guillaume Hoarau|url=http://www.footmercato.net/breves/psg-l-emotion-de-guillaume-hoarau_100557|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=8 February 2013|access-date=5 January 2014}}

On 9 January 2013, Hoarau signed with Chinese Super League side Dalian Aerbin.{{cite news |title=France Hoarau signs for China's Dalian Aerbin from PSG |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-france-hoarau-signs-chinas-dalian-aerbin-psg-100608095--sow.html |work=Yahoo! Sports |publisher=Yahoo! |date=9 January 2013 |access-date=10 January 2013 |archive-date=16 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216134711/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-france-hoarau-signs-chinas-dalian-aerbin-psg-100608095--sow.html |url-status=dead }} On the same day, he was presented by the club.{{cite news|title=Official: Hoarau arrived in Dalian Aerbin!|trans-title=Officiel : Hoarau débarque à Dalian Aerbin !|url=http://www.footmercato.net/breves/officiel-hoarau-debarque-a-dalian-aerbin_98575|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=9 January 2013|access-date=5 January 2014}} His move to China received objection by commentator Jean-Michel Larqué.{{cite news|title=Larqué does not want Hoarau China|trans-title=Larqué ne veut pas voir Hoarau en Chine|url=http://www.footmercato.net/breves/larque-ne-veut-pas-voir-hoarau-en-chine_98291|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=4 January 2013|access-date=5 January 2014}}

Hoarau made his debut in the opening game of the season, coming on as a substitute in the 69th minutes for Zhou Tong, in a 1–0 loss against Shandong Luneng. Hoarau scored his first goal three weeks later, on 30 March 2013, in a 3–3 draw against newly promoted Shanghai East Asia.{{cite news|title=China first goal for Guillaume Hoarau !|trans-title=Premier but en Chine pour Guillaume Hoarau !|url=http://www.footmercato.net/breves/premier-but-en-chine-pour-guillaume-hoarau_103300|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=30 March 2013|access-date=5 January 2014}} Two weeks later, on 14 April 2013, Hoarau scored again in a 2–1 loss against reigning league champion Guangzhou Evergrande. Hoarau later struggled to score despite having earned himself as first team regular. His lack of scoring lead the club recruit Nabil Baha as their new striker, with the club considering selling Hoarau during the summer transfer window.{{cite news|title=Dalian Aerbin not Hoarau wants!|trans-title=Le Dalian Aerbin ne veut plus de Hoarau !|url=http://www.footmercato.net/autre-championnat/le-dalian-aerbin-ne-veut-plus-de-hoarau_110746|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=23 July 2013|access-date=5 January 2014}} Eventually, Hoarau would stay at the club for the season and would help the club finish in fifth in the league table.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Upon the conclusion of the 2013 season, Chinese media Sina Sports reported that Hoarau was among several foreign players to leave Dalian Aerbin.{{cite news|title=Guillaume Hoarau and Seydou Keita soon as free as the air?|trans-title=Guillaume Hoarau et Seydou Keita bientôt libres comme l’air ?|url=http://www.footmercato.net/autre-championnat/guillaume-hoarau-et-seydou-keita-bientot-libres-comme-l-air_118601|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=18 November 2013|access-date=5 January 2014}}{{cite news|title=Keita and Albin are seeking rescission Super Cannavaro|trans-title=凯塔与阿尔滨解约正寻中超下家 瓦罗高薪让他失衡|url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/j/2013-11-18/11216891271.shtml|publisher=Sina Sports|language=zh|date=18 November 2012|access-date=5 January 2014}} Four days later, the club confirmed the departure of Hoarau, who would return to France.{{cite news|title=Dalian Aerbin will not make Hoarau Gift!|trans-title=Dalian Aerbin ne fera pas de cadeau à Hoarau !|url=http://www.footmercato.net/breves/dalian-aerbin-ne-fera-pas-de-cadeau-a-hoarau_118824|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=22 November 2013|access-date=5 January 2014}}

After one season in China, Hoarau returned to France by joining Ligue 1 side Bordeaux until the end of the 2013–14 season.[http://www.girondins.com/transferts-hoarau-en-renfort.html Transferts - Hoarau en renfort] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104210905/http://www.girondins.com/transferts-hoarau-en-renfort.html |date=4 January 2014 }} Prior to the move, Hoarau was also linked with Marseille.{{cite news|title=Transfer: the Guillaume Hoarau track gaining weight OM|trans-title=Transfert : la piste Guillaume Hoarau prend du poids à l'OM|url=http://mercato.eurosport.fr/football/transferts/2012-2013/transfert-la-piste-guillaume-hoarau-prend-du-poids-a-l-om_sto4019529/story.shtml|publisher=Eurosport|language=fr|date=24 November 2013|access-date=5 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040748/http://mercato.eurosport.fr/football/transferts/2012-2013/transfert-la-piste-guillaume-hoarau-prend-du-poids-a-l-om_sto4019529/story.shtml|archive-date=6 January 2014}} The move to Marseille did not transpire, as Hoarau preferred moving elsewhere.{{cite news|title=OM: Hoarau the track has cooled|trans-title=OM : la piste Hoarau s’est refroidie|url=http://www.footmercato.net/breves/om-la-piste-hoarau-s-est-refroidie_121106|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=29 December 2013|access-date=5 January 2014}}

In the summer of 2014, Hoarau left Bordeaux and joined Swiss side BSC Young Boys.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/young-boys/2722/blog/post/3637577/manchester-uniteds-opponents-young-boys-a-side-reborn-after-years-of-failure|title=Manchester United opponents Young Boys a side reborn after years of failure|publisher=ESPN|date=18 September 2018|access-date=12 December 2018}}

He was part of the Young Boys squad that won the 2017–18 Swiss Super League, their first league title in 32 years.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/amp/idUKKBN1HZ0YS|title=Soccer - Young Boys end 32-year wait for Swiss title and end Basel...|author=Reuters Editorial|work=U.S.|access-date=14 May 2018|language=en-US}}

In the play-off round of the Champions League campaign the following season, Hoarau scored goals in both legs against Dinamo Zagreb, which took Young Boys to the group stages for the first time ever. He scored twice more in the final group game on 12 December, a surprise 2–1 defeat of Italian giants Juventus. Despite the victory, Young Boys still finished bottom of the group on four points.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/young-boys-juventus-live-stream-13725398|title=Youngs Boys 2-1 Juventus:Paulo Dybala replies late after Guillaume Hoarau's brace|publisher=Mirror|date=12 December 2018|access-date=12 December 2018}}

On 18 September 2020, Hoarau signed with fellow Swiss side Sion.{{cite web|url=https://www.fcsion.ch/fr/news/detail/1454/guillaume-hoarau-et-matteo-tosetti-sont-valaisans--|title=Guillaume Hoarau et Matteo Tosetti sont valaisans !|publisher=FC Sion|date=18 September 2020|access-date=18 September 2020}}

In August 2022, at the age of 38, Hoarau announced his retirement from professional playing.{{cite web |title=Guillaume Hoarau annonce sa retraite pro à 38 ans, retournant à la Réunion |url=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/transferts/guillaume-hoarau-annonce-sa-retraite-pro-a-38-ans-retournant-a-la-reunion_AN-202208290383.html |website=RMC Sport |access-date=30 August 2022 |language=fr |date=29 August 2022}}

On 23 March 2009, Hoarau was called up to the France national team to replace the injured Nicolas Anelka on the squad.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

In addition to football, Hoarau has a strong passion for making music and has sung live on French TV.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/3052778/young-boys-guillaume-hoarau-i-turned-down-lyon-transfer-for-my-music|title=Young Boys' Guillaume Hoarau: I turned down Lyon move for my music|date=3 February 2017|publisher=ESPN|access-date=12 December 2018}}

{{notelist}}

Le Havre

• Ligue 2: 2007–08{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Paris Saint-Germain

• Ligue 1: 2012–13{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}
• Coupe de France: 2009–10{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Young Boys

• Swiss Super League: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}
• Swiss Cup: 2019–20{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}

Individual

• Ligue 2 Player of the Year: 2007–08{{cite web |url=http://www.sportpalmares.eu/Trophees-UNFP-Oscars-du-football,240.html |title=Palmarès Trophées UNFP - Oscars du football - Meilleur joueur de Ligue 2 |access-date=2 August 2017 |language=fr |archive-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713154316/https://www.sportpalmares.eu/Trophees-UNFP-Oscars-du-football,240.html |url-status=dead }}
• Ligue 2 top scorer: 2007–08{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}
• Ligue 2 Team of the Year: 2007–08{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}
• Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2008–09[https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2009/20090524_214422_le-palmares-2009-complet.html Le palmarès 2009 complet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828001547/http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2009/20090524_214422_le-palmares-2009-complet.html |date=28 August 2009 }} {{in lang|fr}}
• Swiss Super League Player of the Year: 2016
• Swiss Super League Team of the Year: 2016–17,{{Cite web |date=2017-01-30 |title=SAFP Golden 11 2016 |url=https://golden11.ch/awards/2016 |access-date=2022-11-30 |website=Golden11 |language=en-US}} 2018–19{{Cite web |date=2019-01-28 |title=Super League: Kevin Mbabu élu joueur de l'année |url=https://www.rts.ch/sport/football/10175275-super-league-kevin-mbabu-elu-joueur-de-lannee.html |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=RTSSport.ch |language=fr}}
• Swiss Super League top scorer: 2018–19{{cite web|title=Top Scorers|url=http://www.sfl.ch/fr/statistiques-archives/superleague/joueurs/classement-des-buteurs/|access-date=14 April 2019|archive-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422011449/http://www.sfl.ch/fr/statistiques-archives/superleague/joueurs/classement-des-buteurs/|url-status=dead}}
• Swiss Super League Goal of the Year: 2018–19

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{FFF player}}

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{{2007–08 Ligue 2 UNFP Team of the Year}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hoarau, Guillaume}}

Category:1984 births

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