French · Tulle, France · Born 10 September 1985Intelligent and quick French centre-back who became Arsenal captain and one of the Premier League's best defenders during his time at the club.
Laurent Koscielny was born in Tulle, France on 10 September 1985. He joined Arsenal from Lorient in 2010 for just £8.5 million and developed into one of the finest centre-backs in the Premier League. Quick, intelligent and excellent in one-on-one situations, he made 353 appearances for Arsenal, winning three FA Cups (2014, 2015, 2017) and serving as club captain. He earned 51 caps for France and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2016 final on home soil. His departure from Arsenal in 2019 was controversial, as he refused to travel on the pre-season tour to force a move back to Bordeaux.
Being Arsenal's defensive stalwart and captain for nearly a decade
He arrived at Arsenal as a relative unknown from Lorient for £8.5 million and left nine years later as club captain and a three-time FA Cup winner.
Did You Know?How They Played
Composed centre-back with excellent reading of the game and aerial ability
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of Arsenal's most reliable defenders in the modern era
Career Honours
- FA Cup 3x
- FA Cup 2014
- FA Cup 2015
- FA Cup 2017
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 2010–2019 | 466 | 32 | #15 |
| Bordeaux | 2019–2021 | 95 | 4 | #15 |
| En Avant Guingamp | 2007–2009 | 47 | 17 | #16 |
| Tours FC | 2009–2010 | 34 | 2 | — |
| FC Lorient | 2009–2010 | 37 | 1 | — |
 France | — | 51 | 2 | — |
French Athletes