Marcel Pinel
Marcel Pinel was a French footballer.Biography
Born in Honfleur, Pinel started at the club in his home town, CS Honfleur, and after being transferred to Paris Université Club and Stade Français, in 1925, he joined Red Star Olympique where he played centre-forward and centre-half.
At this time, he played for France 7 times and scored 4 goals. These four goals were scored against Belgium in two games.
His first cap came against Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro, which resulted in a 2–3 defeat, but this match is not recognised by the French. Therefore, his first official selection came against Czechoslovakia in Colombes.
He took part in the first World Cup, in 1930, in Uruguay, after having asked for exceptional permission to do his military service in Douanes. With his former teammate at Red Star, Augustin Chantrel, the other intellectual in the France team, he was correspondent for the sporting newspaper L'Auto to cover the tournament.
In 1932, French football became officially professional, and he played in the first national championship. Relegated to Division 2, the audoniens won their championship the following season, and returned to the top flight. Marcel Pinel played until 1935 at Red Star.
A stadium is named after him in his home town of Honfleur.Honours
