Virgile Gaillard
René Paul Virgile Gaillard (28 July 1877 – 7 March 1943) was a French footballer who played as a midfielder. He was born in Paris and spent most of his club career with Club Français from 1897 to 1901. He helped the team win the Coupe Manier in 1897 and played in early Paris football moments, including the first Parc des Princes match in 1897. He also competed in major USFSA finals, suffering an injury in the 1898 final and playing again in the 1900 final, which Club Français lost.
Gaillard was part of France’s squad at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris. The Olympic team was organized by the USFSA and mainly included Club Français players. He played as a midfielder in both games: a 0–4 loss to Upton Park and a 6–2 win against a Belgian team, earning France a silver medal.
In 1907, former Club Français players gathered for a Vieilles Gloires match; Gaillard, then about 30, came to train but did not play due to injury. He passed away in Paris on 7 March 1943 at the age of 65.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 09:00 (CET).