Georges LAMIA

Georges Lamia was born in Algeria, but of French nationality. He was an international goalkeeper, who was awarded 7 caps for France during his career, and he began his career in the top flight with OGC Nice in 1957, and he would establish himself in his second season as a first-choice selection, and became an emblematic player for the South Coast side, making over 240 appearances for Nice. He won the French League Title in 1959 with the club, and also played in the European Cup the following season, including a 3-2 win over the legendary Real Madrid side in the first leg, albeit Nice were eliminated after losing the return match 0-4. His excellent performances with Nice opened the door for him to play for the French National Team, and he would play in the 1960s European Championships with them. He would go on to reach the semi-finals with France, only to lose to Yugoslavia 4-5 (despite leading 4-2 at one stage.) Alas Lamia would be singled out as the villain of the piece, as he was held responsible for letting in three avoidable goals in the space of just four minutes. After six seasons at Nice, he left the club in 1963 to move up to the North Coast, and joined Le Havre, where he would spend one season. He then signed for Stade Rennais in 1964, brought in to replace D'Arménia. He soon became a firm favourite in the Rennes goal, and he spent two seasons there, winning the French Cup in 1965 with them. In 1966, he retired from football to return to Nice, where he would settle down, but - alas - he passed away, aged 80, on 10th March 2014.