Henri Sabon

Henri Sabon

Sabon with Saint Sébastien in 2018
Personal information
Full name	Henri Miguel Sabon
Date of birth	(1983-02-11) February 11, 1983
Place of birth	Saint Sébastien, Midrasia
Height	1.80m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Club information
Current team	Saint Sébastien
Number	8
Youth career
1990–1997	AS Capenia
1997–2000	Saint Sébastien
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2000–2007	Saint Sébastien	213	(29)
2001–2002	Laterna Cardinaux (loan)	27	(3)
2007–2017	Olympique de Lotrique	356	(61)
2017–	Saint Sébastien	29	(4)
International career
1999–2000	Midrasia U17	7	(1)
2000–2002	Midrasia U19	22	(4)
2002–2017	Midrasia	121	(23)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Henri Miguel Sabon (born February 11, 1983) is a Midrasian professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Liga Premiére side Saint Sébastien. Sabon had spent most of his professional career captaining Midrasian giants Olympique de Lotrique along with the Midrasia national football team where he guided the side to two Copa d'Aeia titles in 2009 and 2014 respectively. Throughout his playing career Sabon was renowned for his tenacity and workrate as a midfielder, with an ability to single-handedly turn around matches through his leadership.

Born in Saint Sébastien, Midrasia though from a family originating from Lotric, Sabon was quickly drafted into the AS Capenia academy at aged 7. Sabon spent 7 years at Capenia before he was snapped up by his boyhood side Saint Sébastien FC to play for the youth team. After impressing throughout the academy, Sabon signed his first professional contract with the team in the year 2000 and made his first appearance for the side the same year. Sabon then went out on loan to Liga 3 side Laterna Cardinaux where he impressed with his ability on the ball and passing range earning him 27 league appearances. The following season Sabon made a number of league starts from the bench, before being slowly eased into the side as a regular starter the following season. Sabon remained at Saint Sébastien until 2007 playing in both Liga 2 and Liga 1 in the process. His standout performances for the side were enough to earn him a big-money move to Olympique de Lotrique for a fee of Đ5.8 million.

After making a good first impression with the squad through his performances, chemistry with the team, and presence within the dressing room, Sabon was appointed to the captaincy in 2010 where he remained for the rest of his tenure at the club. His talismanic performances and leadership qualities on the pitch quickly affirmed his status as team leader and fan favourite. Sabon won multiple titles with the team as well as key personal honours, such as Aeian Player of the Year in 2014. Sabon remained at Olympique for ten years winning 5 league titles, 1 Copa de Mydra, 4 Supercopas, 1 Asuran League and 1 Champions Cup in the process. On the international scene, Sabon was a regular starter for the Midrasian national team, earning the captaincy in 2011. Sabon won 2 Copa d'Aeia titles with the national side before announcing his retirement from international football in late 2017.

In July 2017 Sabon announced that he would be joining his boyhood club Saint Sébastien following the conclusion of his contract at Olympique de Lotrique. Sabon was immediately appointed as vice-captain for the team and has made several appearances off-the-bench for the Florentine side. During the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, Sabon helped Saint Sébastien avoid relegation, though his time at the club was hampered by a number of injuries. In 2018 Sabon announced he was undertaking coaching courses with the intention of landing a permanent role with the club, and ultimately becoming a full-time manager at some point in the future.

Early life

Henri Miguel Sabon was born on February 11th 1983 to Miguel and Maria Sabon in the city of Saint Sébastien in southern Midrasia. Henri's parents Miguel and Maria were originally from the capital of Lotric, however had moved to Saint Sébastien to be with the rest of their family. Henri's father Miguel worked as a taxi driver, whilst Maria spent time as a gardener before Henri's birth. Henri was the first of three children, along with Thierry (born 1985), and Olivia (born 1988, died 1989). Henri was raised as an Orthodox Alydian and regularly attended church during his childhood.

The death of Henri's sister Olivia greatly affected his family, with Sabon later stating that he feared his parents divorcing. Within his autobiography, Sabon stated that he used football as a method of escaping the family situation at home. Henri's father Miguel was a supporter of Olympique de Lotrique owing to the time he spent in the capital, and whilst Henri stated that he greatly admired the Olympiens, he saw himself as a supporter of his local team Saint Sébastien and would regularly attend games with his father.

Club career

Saint Sébastien

Sabon in training with Saint Sébastien in 2005

Sabon was signed by Saint Sébastien for their youth setup from lower league side AS Capenia in 1997. He quickly worked his way up the ladder of the youth team to land a place with Saint Sébastien's first team in the year 2000. Despite this, within his first season with the team Sabon had limited opportunities only being deployed in two friendlies and 6 professional league games, 4 of which he started on the bench. Being viewed as too physically underdeveloped to play the '6 role' by manager Zanobi Fellin, much of Sabon's early game time came as part of a midfield double pivot in a 4-5-1 formation. Following his first season in the first team, Sabon was sent out on loan to Liga 3 side Laterna Cardinaux.

Laterna Cadinaux loan (2001-2002)

Whilst on loan with the Liga 3 side Sabon made what would be his breakout season in professional football. With improvements to his physicality and endurance in pre-season Sabon was the standout player for a Laterna Cardinaux side which had just been relegated. Though he was not picked for the first few games of the season, making only 2 appearences off the bench in the whole first half of the season; his first full game against FC Bastile where he scored once and assisted twice was enough to land him a permanent position within the starting XI. Sabon would go on to score 6 times all season playing in 27 professional games, including 2 cup games which saw Cardinaux lose out to FC Chamhelot in the Copa de Mydra. Though Cardinaux manager Léon Bonnet pleaded with Saint Sébastien to sign Sabon permanently, it was alleged Fellin refused stating: "That lad is far too good for you lot. He'll play Liga 1 some day."

Breakout and promotion (2002-2004)

With Sabon's return to Saint Sébastien the following season he was immediately drafted into the first team. Manager Zanobi Fellin had caught a glipse at Sabon's potential whilst on loan at Cadinaux and thus sought to mould much of the midfield play around the so-called 'wonderkid'. However, only two games into the 2002-2003 season Sabon suffered a horrific ancle injury whilst playing against FC Belvedere which looked set to sideline him for the rest of the season and put his future career in doubt. Nevertheless, Sabon was able return for the final 12 games of the season after 6 and a half months on the sidelines. Sabon would two goals in Liga 2 where Saint Sébastien finished 7th, just outside of the promotion play-off places.

Return to Saint Sébastien

Sabon announces he will be re-joining Saint Sébastien in 2017

On 1 July 2017 it was announced that Sabon had rejoined his boyhood club Saint Sébastien on a free transfer following the conclusion of his contract with Olympique de Lotrique. Within the announcement press-conference, Sabon stated that he had always envisioned returning to the club in some capacity and that it was his desire to "ensure Saint Sébastien remain a top-flight club". Sabon also stated that the club would be funding his coaching badges, allowing for his transition into management. It was stated Sabon would be closely shadowing current manager Sergio Noboa with a view to coaching the under-23 team following his eventual retirement. With the onset of the 2017-18 season, Sabon was appointed as vice-captain though he spent much of his time on the bench, making only 9 league appearances and scoring only one goal in pre-season. Sabon stated that it was his desire to "make amends" for his lack of playing time and fitness the following season, though he was only able to make 4 appearances before being sidelined with an ankle injury for much of the season. Sabon returned for the final game of the season against Union de Mydroll which the team won ensuring survival.

Sabon made a considerably better start to the 2019-20 season and even featured within the starting XI a number of times owing to an injury to midfielder Sergi Pedragosa. Sabon scored his first professional goal following his return to Saint Sébastien during a 1-1 draw against Draquenbourg. Sabon came off the bench to score a 20-yard volley which levelled the game. Sabon also went onto score in his side's 3-2 win over Hellingbourg.

Style of play

Sabon playing for Olympique de Lotrique in 2014

Throughout his playing career Sabon was renowned as a tenacious, battling midfielder capable both offensively and defensively. Though usually utilised in a box-to-box role, Sabon was primarily deployed as an attacking-midfielder during his final years with Saint Sébastien and in a much deeper role during the final stages of his career. Sabon was known for his workrate and bravery, never shirking a challenge and always giving 100% for the team. Within his autobiography Sabon wrote that he "always demanded everything from myself and my team, whether it was training, a friendly, or la classique". It was this that made Sabon a quality leader and a role-model for the rest of the team both on and off the pitch. In addition to his workrate and leadership, Sabon was well known for his ability to tactically read the game and the opposition's playstyle. It was well known that in half-time team talks Sabon would regularly interject about tactics and methods of breaking down the opposition just as much as his manager. In an interview in 2017 then-Midrasia manager Klaes Van Emerik remarked: "He is the heartbeat of the team, the engine and he reads the game like a hawk. Every team needs a Henri Sabon in it. I think he is still the best in the world at that."

Sabon was also notable for his goalscoring ability from midfield primarily through long-range efforts or free-kicks. Sabon was regularly know to score through long-driving shots, particularly in a number of key games such as the 2014 Asuran League final. However, as Sabon's physical ability declined within his thirties a far larger percentage of his overall goals came in the form of free-kicks which he regularly took for Olympique de Lotrique along with Karsten Johansen.

Personal life

Sabon married Alena Morel in April 2005. The couple currently live in Saint Sébastien and have four children: Robert, Olivia, Mica, and Thierry. Both Robert, aged 13, and Mica aged 10 are currently enrolled in the Saint Sébastien youth program.

in 2018 a documentary was released covering the Sabon and the Midrasian national team in their attempts to win the 2016-17 Copa d'Aeia. The documentary depicts the tournament as Sabon's swan song with the national team. The team ultimately finished the tournament in 3rd place, with Sabon announcing his international retirement shortly after.

Autobiography

In December 2017 Sabon released his autobiography entitled Skipper: The Story of Henri Sabon. The book was ghost-written by Midrasian author Arthur Melo. The book quickly became a best-seller in Midrasia and won first prize at the Midrasian book awards the following year.

In 2019 Sabon stated that he was considering personally writing further additions to his autobiography detailing his return to Saint Sébastien as well as his first forays into management.

Sponsorship

Sabon has had a number of key sponsorships throughout his career, including Caribou, Âge and Démarrer Magazine. In 2015 Sabon was voted as the most prolific sports brand ambassador in all of Aeia by IQ Magazine. Sabon began his footballing career by wearing Radix Prima boots during his debut. However, in 2002 he signed a deal to wear Nasby boots, which he maintained throughout his early career, wearing the RenStreik brand of boots. In 2008 Sabon switched to Caribou which he maintained for the remainder of his career. Sabon was the primary face of the Tonnerre range of boots for much of his career which he wore in a white, black, and gold colourway. Sabon continues to wear and market Caribou products, though is now much less prolific in their marketing following his departure from Olympique de Lotrique.

Career statistics

Club

Club	Season	League			Cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Saint Sébastien	2000-01	Liga 2	6	0	—		—		2	0	8	0
Laterna Cardinaux	2001-02	Liga 3	23	3	2	0	—		2	0	27	3
Saint Sébastien	2002-03	Liga 2	24	2	1	0	—		2	0	27	2
	2003-04		46	12	2	1	—		4	0	42	7
	2004-05	Liga 1	38	4	1	0	—		5	0	44	4
	2005-06		38	6	2	0	—		6	1	46	7
	2006-07		38	7	3	1	—		5	1	46	9
	Total		213	34	11	2	—		26	2	250	38
Olympique de Lotrique	2007-08	Liga 1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2008-09		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2009-10		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2010-11		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2011-12		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2012-13		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2013-14		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2014-15		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2015-16		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2016-17		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Total		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Saint Sébastien	2017-18	Liga Premiére	9	0	1	0	—		3	1	12	1
	2018-19		5	0	0	0	—		2	0	7	0
	2019-20		7	2	0	0	—		3	1	10	3
	Total		21	2	1	0	—		8	2	29	4
Career Total			0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

International

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Midrasia
	2002	1	0
	2003	2	0
	2004	3	0
	2005	1	0
	2006	5	1
	2007	9	2
	2008	9	2
	2009	14	4
	2010	12	1
	2011	8	2
	2012	7	2
	2013	9	1
	2014	13	4
	2015	9	2
	2016	12	3
	2017	7	0
Total		121	23

Honours

Olympique de Lotrique

• AFA Asuran League: 2008–09, 2013-14
• Copa de Mydra: 2008–09
• FFA Champions Cup: 2016–17
• Liga 1: 2007–08, 2010–11, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17
• Supercopa Mydraziane: 2007, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2016

Midrasian national team

• Copa d'Aeia: 2009, 2014

Individual

• Aeian Player of the Year: 2014
• Liga 1 Player of the Year: 2010-11, 2013-14
• Liga 1 Team of the Season: 2005-06, 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2015-16
• FFA World XI: 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14
• Champions Cup Team of the Tournament: 2016-17
• AFA Asuran League Team of the Tournament: 2008-09, 2011-12, 2013-14
• FFA Copa d'Aeia Team of the Tournament: 2009, 2010, 2014, 2016
• Olympique de Lotrique Player of the Season: 2010-11, 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17
• Saint Sébastien Player of the Season: 2005-06, 2006-07