Ernest Libérati

Ernest Liberati (22 March 1908 – 2 June 1983) was a French footballer. He played as a forward. He was part of the France national football team at the FIFA World Cup 1930. He provided the first ever FIFA World Cup assist against Mexico.

Club career
He started his career at Amiens in 1929.

In 1932, the start of professionalism in France, he became himself a professional in SC Fives. He played one season for Olympique Lillois, in 1934-1935.

In 1935 he went to Sochaux, but only stayed one year. He ended his professional career in Valenciennes, from 1936 to 1938.

He then played for lower league club ESA Brive and was its coach at the same time. A stadium was named after him in Brive

International career
Ernest Liberati got his first cap against Portugal on 23/02/1930 and scored his first goal against Switzerland national football team for his second cap the 23/03/1930.

He was selected for 1930 FIFA World Cup. He played France’s all three matches. During the first match of the competition against Mexico on 13/07/1930, he provided the first ever assist of the history of the World Cups for his teammate Lucien Laurent, who scored the first ever goal of the World Cups.

He got 19 caps and scored 4 goals for France. His last cap and last goal was on 15/04/1934 against Luxembourg. This was France only match for the 1934 FIFA World Cup qualification. France easily won 6-1 and qualified. However Liberati wasn’t part of France’s squad for the 1934 FIFA World Cup.

Managerial career
His only coaching experience was at ESA Brive where he also played at the same time. A local stadium was named after him.