François "Bitzi" Konter (20 February 1934 – 29 August 2018[1]) was a Luxembourgian professional footballer.

François Konter
François Konter (back row, second from left) lining up for Luxembourg before a game against the Netherlands on 30 October 1963
Personal information
Full name François Konter
Date of birth (1935-02-20)20 February 1935
Place of birth Lasauvage, Luxembourg
Date of death 29 August 2018(2018-08-29) (aged 83)
Position(s) Centre-back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1950–1961 Chiers Rodange
1961–1966 Anderlecht 20 (0)
1966–1967 Crossing Molenbeek
1967–1971 AA Gent
International career
1955–1969 Luxembourg 77 (4)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 3 March 2009
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 3 March 2009

Club career

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Konter started his career at local team Chiers Rodange but played much of his club football in Belgium, for RSC Anderlecht and AA Gent.

International career

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He played for Luxembourg's national team at the height of the country's footballing strength, making his debut in October 1955 against Switzerland, and was an integral part of the team that almost reached the semi-finals of the 1964 European Championship.

During his international career, Konter played 77 games and scored four goals.[2] He played in 16 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.[3]

He was the country's all-time record cap holder from November 1966 until November 1995 when Carlo Weis overtook his tally. He played his final international game in April 1969, in a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

International goals

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Scores and results list Luxembourg's goal tally first.
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 11 November 1956 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg    Switzerland 4–1 Exhibition game
2 26 April 1959 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg    Switzerland 2–0 Exhibition game
3 28 February 1960 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg   Belgium 2–5 Exhibition game
4 10 April 1960 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg   France 5–3 Olympic qualification

Honours

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Personal life

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Konter married Ginette Faber in 1981. They have one daughter, Nadine. His grandson Yannick Bianchini played for Jeunesse Esch and UN Käerjeng 97.

References

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  1. ^ "François Konter gestorben". 29 August 2018.
  2. ^ Appearances for Luxembourg National Team Archived 29 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine - RSSSF
  3. ^ Record at FIFA Tournaments – FIFA
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