Frédéric Piquionne
A powerful, journeyman striker whose aerial prowess and work ethic made him a valued asset for clubs across Europe and the Caribbean.
Born 1978 (age 48)·French footballer·Birthday: December 8·Generation X
Biography
Frédéric Piquionne’s football career was defined by resilience and a specific, physical skill set. Born in the French overseas department of Martinique, he climbed through the ranks in France, making his professional debut with Nantes. His game was not about flashy dribbling but about strength, timing, and a formidable ability in the air. This profile made him a useful target man for a series of clubs, including a notable stint in England with Portsmouth, where he helped the team win the 2008 FA Cup, and later with West Ham United. Piquionne also became a cornerstone for the Martinique national team, leading their attack with pride. His path was that of a reliable soldier rather than a global superstar, a player whose consistency and specific talents earned him a long and respected career at a high level.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Frédéric was born in 1978, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Frédéric Was Born
The biggest hits of 1978
#1 Movie
Grease
Best Picture
The Deer Hunter
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Frédéric's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1978Born
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1983Started school
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1991Became a teenager
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1994Could drive
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1996Could vote
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Turned 21
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2008Turned 30
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2018Turned 40
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 48 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- He won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008, appearing as a substitute in the final.
- Piquionne earned over 20 caps for the Martinique national team, serving as a key offensive player.
- He scored in the UEFA Cup for Saint-Étienne in a memorable victory over Greek giants Olympiacos.
- He played professionally in France, England, Greece, and the United States over a 17-year career.
Did You Know?
He is cousins with former French international and Chelsea defender William Gallas.
Piquionne began his career at the famed INF Clairefontaine academy in France.
After retiring, he returned to Martinique to work as a sporting director for Club Franciscain.
He played for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer during the 2013 season.
“My job was to be a wall in the box and put the ball in the net.”
