How Andy Carroll Did in French Fourth Division as Bordeaux Spell Ends

When Andy Carroll became Liverpool’s record signing under Kenny Dalglish in 2011, even he couldn’t have imagined that, 13 years later, he’d find himself in France’s fourth tier – at 36 years old, clinging to the twilight of his playing days. But football can be a strange game, and that’s exactly how the cookie crumbled for the former England international. His time there, however, has now come to an end.

After spells with West Brom and Reading, and a nostalgic return to his boyhood club Newcastle United, the towering 6ft 4in striker made an unexpected move in September 2023, joining Amiens in Ligue 2. Fast-forward a year, and Carroll took yet another step down and put pen to paper on a deal with Bordeaux in the French fourth division.

Related

An 11 of Ex-England Players you may not Know are Still Playing Football

Gareth Barry, Steven Caulker, and Andros Townsend all feature in an 11 of former England internationals who are still playing.

Certainly, while English footballers often like to try their luck outside the country in search of sun, sea, and silverware – as evidenced by the likes of Jude Bellingham and David Beckham, who are among the seven English players to try out in La Liga – Carroll has charted his own, more unconventional course. But judging by his performances during his spell in France, which has now come to a close, he had just as much fun, albeit for a fraction of the wage.

How Andy Carroll Performed At Bordeaux

The Gateshead native boasted a respectable goal tally

Even now, Carroll remains the punchline whenever a new Liverpool striker fails to live up to the hype. But despite the jokes, Carroll wasn’t all misfires and missed chances – at his potent best, he was a dependable goal threat. In fact, he still ranks among the Premier League’s top headed goalscorers in its 33-year history. And while on Bordeaux’s books, he quietly reminded everyone that he still knows where the goal is.

Les Girondins were plunged into chaos following a botched takeover in 2024 that was meant to rescue them from financial ruin. Instead, the six-time Ligue 1 champions were exiled to France’s fourth tier after bankruptcy gutted the club. But amidst the wreckage, Carroll emerged as a rare bright spot.

With 11 goals in 23 appearances, he’s been more than just a nostalgic name – he was nothing short of a beacon of hope. On one particular weekend, he bagged a brace against Saint-Pryvé-Saint-Hilaire, offering Bordeaux fans a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak chapter. Watch his equaliser below:

Carroll’s journey is one that’s hard to believe. Once a towering frontman who struggled to justify his price tag at Liverpool, he showed that it’s not always sunshine and rainbows as he earned his keep in the quieter corners of French football. Yet you don’t have to take our word for it – Carroll himself spoke openly about how much he’s embraced this new chapter. In an interview, the 36-year-old shared just how much he was enjoying life in unexpected new surroundings.

Carroll Previously Discussed Life in France

The former England international has embraced the opportunity to prolong his career

“I thought I’d like to experience something different and try a different way of life, different football, and I’ve ended up here, and I’m loving it,” Carroll told Sky Sports in March. His comments came shortly after it was revealed that the striker is earning just €1,614 gross per month (£1,380) – a wage below the French minimum, effectively making his role part-time.

It’s a world away from the glamour and wages of his Premier League past, but Carroll remains remarkably grounded. “The lifestyle is very good, it’s a beautiful place to be, the people are lovely and the football’s great. It’s just a nice way of life,” he continued.

Carroll has been having French lessons and joked that his Geordie accent hasn’t stopped him communicating with his teammates. He’s become a key figure for the club as they bid to climb back up the French football pyramid. “I think it’s something that gave me a little bit of buzz. I wanted to be a part of something that could be great.”

Related

25 Biggest Flops in Premier League History [Ranked]

We have seen many an awful player turn out for most clubs in the top flight at one point or another, but who are the biggest flops ever?

He turned 36 in January and, with three years remaining on his contract, his aim is to play into his 40s. “I’ve had a lot of injuries and I think it’s sad for me to think of all the games I’ve missed, and all the comments I’ve had about, ‘you want to be injured’, or, ‘you want to do this’.”Everyone that knows me knows that’s not the case at all. I’ve just wanted to play football, and now I can get a chance at 36 to play and enjoy it. It’s great.” He also revealed that he could take up a role in coaching or management upon his retirement, but is currently focussed on his playing days.

The Curtains are Pulled on Carroll’s Bordeaux Spell

‘Today, to be closer to his children, Andy has chosen to return home’

Although he previously insisted that he wasn’t sure when his professional career would come to an end, Carroll’s Bordeaux stint has now come to an end after just one season with the club, who confirmed that the line-leader had departed to ‘return home’ and be closer to his children and family.

“Andy brought his experience, physical impact, and professionalism to his role on a daily basis, both in the locker room and during important matches,” the club wrote before adding, “Off the pitch, he is an exceptional and generous personality that the club’s fans and employees have enjoyed working alongside.”

Formerly of Reading and Preston North End, Carroll joined the club in a time of financial uncertainty and admitted that lowering his wage was no issue. It may have been short – but you know, as they say, it was certainly sweet for a player that has experienced all there is to in the beautiful game.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore and Transfermarkt – correct as of 21/06/2025