Éric Sikora

1985/2004 RC Lens (FRA) 590 matches, 23 goals

(French Championship: 434 matches, 18 goals)

(D2 Play-offs: 4 matches)

(D2 French Championship: 64 matches, 1 goal)

(Coupe de France: 48 matches, 2 goals)

(Coupe de la ligue: 12 matches, 1 goal)

(Trophée des champions: 1 match)

(Champions League: 4 matches)

(UEFA Cup: 21 matches)

(Intertoto Cup: 2 matches, 1 goal)

With the National Team :

U23: 4 caps

Éric Sikora

Born February 4, 1968 in Courrières (FRA)

French, right-back, 1m82

Nickname: Cap'Tain Siko

Eric Sikora was born on February 4, 1968 in Courrières in the north of France. Born in the Lens region, it was quite logical that he joined the RC Lens training center in 1980 when he was only 12 years old. And it was in 1985 during a Ligue 1 match against FC Sochaux on October 4 that he made his debut with the professional team.

Sikora played as a right-back throughout his career, alternating between matches with the reserve team and the first team. In the summer of 1986, he signed a 7-year contract with RC Lens, a club that he would ultimately never leave... ever.

During the 1986/87 season he became an important member of the Lens squad and played in the Europa League, he disputed the two matches of the 32nd final played against Dundee United but could not prevent the elimination of his team.

Individually very strong, he became an undisputed starter and began a long career in his position. In a team that encountered financial difficulties, he was finally relegated like his club to the French second division during the 1988/89 season.

Sikora scored his first goal on November 5, 1988 in the championship during Lens' victory at the Stade Bollaert against SM Caen 5-0. In the same period he began to be called up to the national youth selection on several occasions.

When RC Lens returned to the first division, RC Lens finished in 8th position and Sikora played 32 Ligue 1 matches. During this season, his talents with the ball were shown to the whole of France, technically gifted, he was an excellent taker of set pieces, free kicks, corners or penalties.

During this second part of the 90s, Sikora was the emblem of the club which was reborn and which chained together European competitions and exploits. He was notably part of this team which won the 1997/98 French championship, the first championship title for RC Lens. The following year, he won the League Cup and established himself as the greatest legend in the history of the club.

A very good defender, he was an irremovable player in the Lens squad. At the end of his career he became the team captain and finally retired at the age of 36. He was one of the best French right-backs in history, blocked in the national team by players like Angloma and Thuram. He was also a prominent figure in the French championship, where he was one of the best players, as he was a complete and consistent player.

- Ligue 1 All-Star Team in 1998

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