View source for Louis Saha

{{short description|French association football player (born 1978)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Louis Saha
| image = Louis Saha (cropped).jpg
| caption = Saha in 2015
| fullname = Louis Laurent Saha<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/news/publications/squad-lists/squad-lists-september-2012.pdf |title=Premier League clubs submit squad lists |publisher=Premier League |date=4 September 2012 |page=33 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311055847/http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/news/publications/squad-lists/squad-lists-september-2012.pdf |archive-date=11 March 2016}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|8|8|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe12759/louis-saha/ |title=Louis Saha: Profile |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Paris]], France
| height = 1.85 m<ref name="PremProfile">{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/1598/Louis-Saha/overview |title=Louis Saha: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref>
| position = [[Striker (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub = 
| youthyears1 = 1990–1995
| youthclubs1 = Soisy-Andilly-Margency
| youthyears2 = 1992–1995
| youthclubs2 = [[INF Clairefontaine|Clairefontaine]]<ref name="Saha Clairefontaine">{{cite news|title=INF, formateur de talents |url=http://www.fff.fr/presentationfff/actualite/418646.shtml |language=fr |publisher=French Football Federation |access-date=21 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114014916/http://www.fff.fr/presentationfff/actualite/418646.shtml |archive-date=14 November 2012 }}</ref>
| youthyears3 = 1995–1997
| youthclubs3 = [[FC Metz|Metz]]
| years1 = 1997–2000
| clubs1 = [[FC Metz|Metz]]
| caps1 = 47
| goals1 = 5
| years2 = 1999
| clubs2 = → [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] (loan)
| caps2 = 11
| goals2 = 1
| years3 = 2000–2004
| clubs3 = [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]
| caps3 = 117
| goals3 = 53
| years4 = 2004–2008
| clubs4 = [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
| caps4 = 86
| goals4 = 28
| years5 = 2008–2012
| clubs5 = [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
| caps5 = 97
| goals5 = 27
| clubs6 = [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C |Tottenham Hotspur]]
| years6 = 2012
| caps6 = 10
| goals6 = 3 
| years7 = 2012–2013
| clubs7 = [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]]
| caps7 = 11
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2013
| clubs8 = [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]]
| caps8 = 6
| goals8 = 0
| totalcaps = 385
| totalgoals = 117
| nationalyears1 = 1998–1999
| nationalteam1 = [[France national under-21 football team|France U21]]
| nationalcaps1 = 12
| nationalgoals1 = 3
| nationalyears2 = 2004–2012
| nationalteam2 = [[France national football team|France]]
| nationalcaps2 = 20
| nationalgoals2 = 4
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{fb|FRA}}}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[association football|football]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIFA World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Under-19 Championship]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[1997 UEFA European Under-18 Championship|1997]]|}}
}}
'''Louis Laurent Saha''' (born 8 August 1978) is a French former professional [[association football|footballer]] who played as a [[Striker (association football)|striker]]. Saha was capped 20 times for the [[France national football team|France national team]] and scored four goals. Louis Saha was a former scholar at the [[INF Clairefontaine|Clairefontaine]] football academy, he began his career at [[FC Metz|Metz]] before playing on loan at [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]]. Before the start of the 2000–01 season, Saha moved to [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] where he established himself as first-choice striker, helping them to gain promotion to the [[Premier League]] in his first season with them.

His performances gained attraction from [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], who eventually secured his signing for around £12.4&nbsp;million midway through the [[2003–04 FA Premier League|2003–04 season]]. Injuries plagued his [[Old Trafford]] career, however he enjoyed major success including winning the Premier League title twice, the [[UEFA Champions League]] in 2008, and the [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] in 2006 where he was the top scorer in the competition and netted in the [[2006 Football League Cup Final|final]]. Despite Saha's injury woes, United star [[Wayne Rooney]] stated on Sky Sports that Saha was one of his favourite strike partners.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzz.ie/football/wayne-rooneys-favourite-striking-partner-will-surprise-fans-271766|title=Wayne Rooney's favourite striking partner will surprise fans|first=James|last=Cox|website=Buzz.ie|access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref>

After four and a half years at United, [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] took him to [[Goodison Park]], where he opened the scoring in the [[2009 FA Cup Final]] after 25 seconds, setting the record for the fastest goal scored in [[FA Cup Final]] history.

Saha made his France debut in 2004, in a 2–0 victory over [[Belgium national football team|Belgium]]. He represented France at [[UEFA Euro 2004]] and the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]].

==Early life==
Saha was born in [[Paris]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/FootballFicheJoueur2922.html |title=Louis Saha |newspaper=L'Équipe |location=Paris |access-date=24 September 2021 |language=fr}}</ref> His parents were born on the island of [[Guadeloupe]] (a department of France), where his grandparents remain to this day.<ref name="Saha The Guardian 2"/><ref name="Saha Cheshire Live">{{cite news|title=From leeches to oxygen tanks. Everton FC's Louis Saha on pre-season|url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leeches-oxygen-tanks-everton-fcs-5192470|work=Cheshire Live|date=25 June 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Saha Liverpool Echo">{{cite news|title=Everton FC striker Louis Saha uses leeches to help knee injury rehabilitation|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-striker-louis-saha-3395137|work=Liverpool Echo|date=2 September 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He has a younger sister and younger brother.<ref name="Saha The Guardian 2">{{cite news|title=Louis Saha: My family values|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/may/26/louis-saha-tottenham-family-values|work=The Guardian|date=26 May 2012|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha also revealed he and his siblings were brought up from a strict Caribbean culture.<ref name="Saha The Guardian 2"/>

His father worked as an aircraft mechanic and his mother worked as a nurse.<ref name="Saha Get French Football News">{{cite news|title=Louis Saha: "From what I have observed, many women disappear when their husbands' careers are over."|url=https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2018/louis-saha-from-what-i-have-observed-many-women-disappear-when-their-husbands-careers-are-over/|work=Get French Football News|date=2 March 2018|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Saha The Daily Telegraph 1">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/fameandfortune/12045417/Louis-Saha-A-British-bank-lost-me-a-six-figure-sum.-Im-suing.html|title=Louis Saha: 'A British bank lost me a six-figure sum. I'm suing'|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=13 December 2015|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320214324/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/fameandfortune/12045417/Louis-Saha-A-British-bank-lost-me-a-six-figure-sum.-Im-suing.html|archive-date=20 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> Growing up in Paris, Saha said his family had little money, leading him to "never take anything for granted",<ref name="Saha The Daily Telegraph 1"/> In return, he bought his parents a house in the West Indies, and covered his parents’ debt.<ref name="Saha The Daily Telegraph 1"/><ref name="Saha Get French Football News"/> Saha revealed that his father tried to make him balance his football with the rest of his education, but nevertheless, push him to make sure he "got enough education away from football" and supported him "all the way in helping him mature as a footballer and as a man".<ref name="Saha The Guardian 2"/>

==Club career==

===Metz===
Saha began his football career at Soisy-Andilly-Margency in the [[Communes of France|commune]] of [[Soisy-sous-Montmorency]] before he joined [[INF Clairefontaine|Clairefontaine]]. He later moved to [[FC Metz|Metz]] at the age of 15 and then signed his first professional contract with the club at 17.<ref name="Saha The Daily Telegraph 1"/><ref name="Saha The Guardian 3"/> Saha progressed to the senior team in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcmetz.com/2000-2001/actualites/equipe-pro/ne-pas-rentrer-bredouille|title=NE PAS RENTRER BREDOUILLE|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=16 February 2001|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719141631/https://www.fcmetz.com/2000-2001/actualites/equipe-pro/ne-pas-rentrer-bredouille|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Saha Clairefontaine"/> Saha made his Metz debut on 8 August 1997, coming on as a late substitute against [[FC Girondins de Bordeaux|Bordeaux]] and scored the club's fourth goal of the game, in a 4–1 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcmetz.com/1997-1998/ligue-1/fc-metz-vs-bordeaux|title=FC Metz 4–1 FC Girondins de Bordeaux|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=8 August 1997|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607090559/http://www.fcmetz.com/1997-1998/ligue-1/fc-metz-vs-bordeaux|archive-date=7 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> This was his only goal of the season, as Metz finished second place in [[1997–98 French Division 1|the league]] behind [[RC Lens|Lens]] by goal difference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcmetz.com/1997-1998/ligue-1/fc-metz-vs-lyon-duchere|title=FC Metz 1–0 Olympique Lyonnais|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=9 May 1998|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607201329/http://www.fcmetz.com/1997-1998/ligue-1/fc-metz-vs-lyon-duchere|archive-date=7 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Overall, he made 25 appearances in all competitions. The [[1998–99 French Division 1|1998–99 season]] saw Saha lose first team opportunities, as he only made six appearances in all competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcmetz.com/periode-ndeg13-des-lendemains-qui-dechantent|title=1998-1999 : DES LENDEMAINS QUI DÉCHANTENT|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=5 August 2015|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719153132/https://www.fcmetz.com/periode-ndeg13-des-lendemains-qui-dechantent|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Saha went on loan to [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in January 1999, scoring once against [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]]<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Donoghue|title=Shearer double strike|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-double-strike-1071632.html|work=The Independent|publisher=Independent Print|location=London|date=17 February 1999|access-date=9 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107010403/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-double-strike-1071632.html|archive-date=7 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> and playing in a total of 11 league games. He also scored in Newcastle's run to the [[1999 FA Cup Final]] with the only goal in the fifth round clash against [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]];<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha makes it simple for Ruud|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_cup/285482.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=24 February 1999|access-date=9 November 2009}}</ref> however, he was left out of the cup final squad entirely by manager [[Ruud Gullit]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/saha-ruled-out-of-fa-cup-final-1.1300660|title=Saha ruled out of FA Cup final|work=Irish Times|date=16 May 2007|access-date=23 April 2020}}</ref> He later reflected his time at Newcastle United, saying it made him acknowledge how hard he has to work as a footballer and gaining confidence.<ref>{{cite news|title=Turning back Tyne: Sunderland's Saha on his days at Newcastle and more|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/sunderland-louis-saha-on-playing-for-newcastle-1276251|work=Daily Mirror|date=23 August 2012|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Robson wants a happy return to old employers|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7092527.robson-wants-happy-return-old-employers/|work=The Northern Echo|date=18 November 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

At the conclusion of the [[1998–99 French Division 1|1998–99 season]], Saha returned to Metz, where he made an impact, scoring seven goals for the [[1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup]], against [[MŠK Žilina]], [[K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen|Lokeren]], [[Polonia Warsaw]] and [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]].<ref>{{cite news|title=FOOTBALL: Montpellier a écrasé (6-0) le club azeri de Karabakh Agdam|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1999/07/13/football-montpellier-a-ecrase-6-0-le-club-azeri-de-karabakh-agdam_3583770_1819218.html|work=Le Monde|language=fr|date=13 July 1999|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=FOOTBALL : Coupe Intertoto|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1999/07/20/football-coupe-intertoto_3577340_1819218.html|work=Le Monde|language=fr|date=20 July 1999|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=La Coupe Intertoto réussit aux clubs français|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1999/07/30/la-coupe-intertoto-reussit-aux-clubs-francais_3582154_1819218.html|work=Le Monde|language=fr|date=30 July 1999|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Lyon rate ses débuts européens en Ligue des champions de football|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1999/08/12/lyon-rate-ses-debuts-europeens-en-ligue-des-champions-de-football_3578058_1819218.html|work=Le Monde|language=fr|date=12 August 1999|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha's first goal for the club came on 7 August 1999, winning 3–0 against [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcmetz.com/1999-2000/ligue-1/fc-metz-vs-auxerre|title=FC Metz 3–0 AJ Auxerre|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=7 August 1999|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719162520/https://www.fcmetz.com/1999-2000/ligue-1/fc-metz-vs-auxerre|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Saha scored three more goals later in the 1999–2000, as he made 33 appearances and scoring 11 times in all competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcmetz.com/1999-2000/ligue-1/fc-metz-vs-montpellier|title=FC Metz 2–2 Montpellier HSC|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=19 November 1999|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719162506/https://www.fcmetz.com/1999-2000/ligue-1/fc-metz-vs-montpellier|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcmetz.com/1999-2000/ligue-1/vauban-strasbourg-vs-fc-metz|title=RC Strasbourg Alsace 1–1|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=15 January 2000|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719162503/https://www.fcmetz.com/1999-2000/ligue-1/vauban-strasbourg-vs-fc-metz|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcmetz.com/1999-2000/ligue-1/nantes-vs-fc-metz|title=FC Nantes 1–3 FC Metz|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=2 February 2000|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719162459/https://www.fcmetz.com/1999-2000/ligue-1/nantes-vs-fc-metz|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite being in a goal scoring form, Saha revealed that the club wanted him to "take on a lot more defensive duties", something that made him consider quitting football.<ref name="Saha The Guardian 3">{{cite news|title=Saha seeks way out of Sahara|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/feb/16/sport.facup2|work=The Guardian|date=16 February 2002|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> By the time Saha left the club at the close of the 1999–2000 season, he netted five goals in 47 matches for a two-year spell.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

===Fulham===
[[File:Louis Saha Fulham.jpg|thumb|left|Saha, just after signing for [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]], in a pre-season friendly against [[Tiverton Town F.C.|Tiverton Town]] in 2000]]

Saha returned to England, where he was signed by [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] for £2.1&nbsp;million in 2000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha improvises to keep Fulham fluent|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/nov/13/match.sport2|work=The Guardian|date=13 November 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham eye £3m French recruits|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/may/26/newsstory.sport1|work=The Guardian|date=26 May 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Upon joining the club, Manager [[Jean Tigana]] said: "Louis is a very good signing. I have known him since he was 17 and he has great ability. I am sure he will follow the success of his contemporaries Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. I believe he will be a very good player in the First Division and has the right qualities to be a success in the Premiership".<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha so good for Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/792604.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=15 June 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

Saha quickly made an impact on his Fulham debut, scoring his first goal of the season in a 2–0 win against [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]] in the opening game of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham 2-0 Crewe Alexandra|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/874566.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=12 August 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> This was followed up by scoring in a 3–1 win against [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2000_2001/league/away/birmingham-city|title=Fulham 3–1 Birmingham City|publisher=Fulham FC|date=18 August 2000|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719165133/https://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2000_2001/league/away/birmingham-city|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Since making his debut, Saha quickly established himself in the first team, becoming the club's first-choice striker and along with [[John Collins (footballer, born 1968)|John Collins]] and [[Lee Clark (footballer)|Lee Clark]]. Their performances were described "world class" by the [[Evening Standard]].<ref name="Saha The Guardian">{{cite news|title=Fast learner Saha makes striking progress|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/dec/13/newsstory.sport2|work=The Guardian|date=13 December 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham are the men for all seasons|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/nov/27/match.sport12|work=The Guardian|date=27 November 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham astride the summit while Watford just plummet|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/dec/27/match.sport5|work=The Guardian|date=27 December 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham v Portsmouth|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/fulham-v-portsmouth-6357370.html|work=London Evening Standard|date=17 November 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Cottagers look to add to Hornets' woes|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cottagers-look-to-add-to-hornets-woes-6339996.html|work=London Evening Standard|date=25 December 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He then scored eight goals in four matches in September 2000, scoring once against [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]], braces against [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] and [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]], and a hat-trick against [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham 4-1 Northampton (agg: 4-2)|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/911769.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=5 September 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br />{{cite news|title=Five-star Fulham return to top|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/916414.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=10 September 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br />{{cite news|title=Fulham 3-1 Burnley|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/920277.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=12 September 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br />{{cite news|title=Nottingham Forest 0-3 Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/926363.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=16 September 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> His goalscoring form continued with three goals in two matches against [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] on 25 November and [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] on 29 November 2000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham 2-1 Grimsby Town|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1039261.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=25 November 2000|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br />{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2000_2001/league-cup/round-4/derby-county|title=Fulham win 3-2 against Derby County|publisher=Fulham FC|date=29 November 2000|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719182446/https://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2000_2001/league-cup/round-4/derby-county|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Saha scored two goals in two matches between in January 2001 against [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] and [[Watford F.C.|Watford]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham 2-0 Norwich City|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1113417.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=13 January 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Boa Morte batters Watford|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1125787.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=20 January 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He then scored twice for the side in a 4–1 win against [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] on 30 March 2001.<ref>{{cite news|title=Slick Fulham topple Tranmere Rovers|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1252377.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=30 March 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha scored three goals in two matches between in April 2001 against [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] and [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Portsmouth 1-1 Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1285994.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=21 April 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1292197.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=24 April 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> In the promotion-winning campaign of [[2000–01 in English football#Football League First Division|2000–01]] Saha scored 27 league goals to fire Fulham into the [[Premier League]], making him the league top–scorer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham go up with win at Terriers|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1274211.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=14 April 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> At the conclusion of the 2000–01 season, he made 48 appearances and scored 32 times in all competitions. For his achievement, Saha was named [[PFA Team of the Year (2000s)#First Division 2|PFA Team of the Year]].<ref name="2001PFATOTY"/>

In the first two matches of the 2001–02 season, Saha scored three goals, against Manchester United and Sunderland.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1495517.stm|title=Man Utd floor Fulham|website=BBC Sport|date=19 August 2001|access-date=23 April 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham open account|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1496508.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=22 August 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> During his first month in the top flight he was named [[Premier League Player of the Month]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8552707.stm|title=Fulham pair Roy Hodgson and Mark Schwarzer win awards|website=BBC Sport|date=5 March 2010|access-date=23 April 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Super Saha sets target|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1531219.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=7 September 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha continued to regain his first team place as the club's first choice striker, forming a partnership with [[Barry Hayles]] throughout the 2001–02 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/august/23/sunderland-reaction|title=Sunderland reaction|publisher=Fulham FC|date=23 August 2001|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912162617/http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/august/23/sunderland-reaction|archive-date=12 September 2015|url-status=dead}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/august/17/lou-can-do-it|title=Lou can do it|publisher=Fulham FC|date=17 August 2001|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719185248/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/august/17/lou-can-do-it|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/august/14/saha-amp-hayles-ready-for-premiership|title=Saha & Hayles ready for Premiership|publisher=Fulham FC|date=14 August 2001|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719185245/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/august/14/saha-amp-hayles-ready-for-premiership|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Tigana won't stop at Marlet deal|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tigana-wont-stop-at-marlet-deal-6354554.html|work=London Evening Standard|date=28 August 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Although Saha did score in the League Cup against [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] on 10 October 2001, he went on a three-month spell without scoring in the league before scoring against Newcastle United, in a 3–1 victory on 17 November 2001.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha: I can take on anyone now|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/saha-i-can-take-on-anyone-now-6348962.html|work=London Evening Standard|date=23 November 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham show Todd no mercy|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/oct/11/match.sport|work=The Guardian|date=11 October 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Reject Saha punishes Newcastle|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/nov/18/match.sport10|work=The Guardian|date=18 November 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham face up to hard life at top|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/oct/21/sport.comment3|work=The Guardian|date=21 October 2001|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> However, Saha's goal scoring form continued to dip,<ref name="Saha The Guardian 3"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/december/10/art-of-winning|title=Art of winning|publisher=Fulham FC|date=10 December 2001|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720101426/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/december/10/art-of-winning|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/december/20/focus-is-on-goals|title=Focus is on goals|publisher=Fulham FC|date=20 December 2001|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720101429/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2001/december/20/focus-is-on-goals|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/june/17/houghton-backs-saha|title=Houghton backs Saha|publisher=Fulham FC|date=17 June 2002|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720094551/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/june/17/houghton-backs-saha|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/march/08/saha-s-season-so-far|title=Saha's season so far|publisher=Fulham FC|date=8 March 2002|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720094635/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/march/08/saha-s-season-so-far|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Saha Fulham 1">{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/april/13/saha-s-reddy-made|title=Saha's reddy made|publisher=Fulham FC|date=13 April 2002|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720104729/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/april/13/saha-s-reddy-made|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> scoring only four more goals later in the 2001–02 season, including a brace against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2001_2002/league/home/middlesbrough|title=Fulham 2–1 Middlesbrough|publisher=Fulham FC|date=12 January 2002|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129152831/https://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2001_2002/league/home/middlesbrough|archive-date=29 November 2015|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/1849389.stm|title=Forssell foils Fulham|website=BBC Sport|date=6 March 2002|access-date=23 April 2020}}<br/>{{cite web|url=http://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2001_2002/league/away/newcastle-united|title=Newcastle United 1–1 Fulham|publisher=Fulham FC|date=8 April 2002|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210043550/http://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2001_2002/league/away/newcastle-united|archive-date=10 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> At the conclusion of the season, Saha had made 44 appearances and scored nine times in all competitions.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

At the start of the 2002–03 season, Saha appeared in every match of the [[2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup|UEFA Intertoto Cup]], scoring once against [[Egaleo F.C.|Egaleo]] in the third round on 20 July 2002.<ref>{{cite news|title=Haka 1–1 Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/2126717.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=14 July 2002|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham 1–0 Egaleo|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/2139521.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=20 July 2002|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Sochaux 0–2 Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2177730.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=7 August 2002|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He played in both legs of the [[2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup#Finals|Intertoto Cup finals]] against [[Bologna F.C. 1909|Bologna]], as they won 5–3 to win the tournament and qualify for the [[2002–03 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Bologna 2–2 Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2188318.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=13 August 2002|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="2002IntertotoCup"/> Saha scored his first league goal of the season, from a penalty, in a 4–1 win against [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] in the opening game of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham 4–1 Bolton Wanderers|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2196574.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=17 August 2002|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> However, he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for the rest of 2002.<ref>{{cite news|title=Finnan ready for return|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/finnan-ready-for-return-6349978.html|work=London Evening Standard|date=17 September 2002|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/september/27/saha-missing|title=Saha missing|publisher=Fulham FC|date=27 September 2002|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720105536/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2002/september/27/saha-missing|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/january/03/fa-cup-preview|title=FA Cup preview|publisher=Fulham FC|date=3 January 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720105458/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/january/03/fa-cup-preview|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Saha scored on his return on 5 January 2003, in a 3–1 win against Birmingham City in the third round of the FA Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham 3–1 Birmingham City|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/2607243.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=5 January 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> However, his return was short-lived as he suffered another injury that saw him miss two matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/february/06/louis-saha-back-in-action|title=Louis Saha back in action|publisher=Fulham FC|date=6 February 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720135445/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/february/06/louis-saha-back-in-action|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He returned to the first team on 1 February 2003, coming on as a 69th-minute substitute, in a 2–1 loss against Arsenal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arsenal 2–1 Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2693953.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=1 February 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He then scored his fourth goal of the season in a 3–0 win against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham overpower Baggies|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2766131.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=19 February 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Following his return, Saha managed to regain his first team place for the rest of the 2002–03 season, playing in the striker position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/march/21/more-to-come-from-louis|title=More to come from Louis|publisher=Fulham FC|date=21 March 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720105414/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/march/21/more-to-come-from-louis|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/may/06/saha-s-pride|title=Saha's pride|publisher=Fulham FC|date=6 May 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720105414/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/may/06/saha-s-pride|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored three more goals later in the 2002–03 season, including scoring two goals in two matches in March 2003 against Sunderland and Southampton.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham 1–0 Sunderland|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2790021.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=1 March 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Svensson saves Saints|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/2830417.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=15 March 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2002_2003/league/away/charlton-athletic|title=Charlton Athletic 0–1 Fulham|publisher=Fulham FC|date=11 May 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307084846/https://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2002_2003/league/away/charlton-athletic|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of his injuries he was less prolific in the [[2002–03 in English football|2002–03 season]], scoring onlyseven goals in 28 appearances in all competitions.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

Ahead of the 2003–04 season, it was announced by the club that Saha would be staying put.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/may/22/saha-staying-put|title=Saha: Staying Put!|publisher=Fulham FC|date=22 May 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720105403/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/may/22/saha-staying-put|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He started the season well, scoring in the opening game of the season, winning 3–2 win against Middlesbrough.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham hold on for win|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3140895.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=16 August 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha then scored three goals in three matches in September 2003, scoring against Birmingham City, [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] and Blackburn Rovers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Forssell double foils Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3194217.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=14 September 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Wanchope rescues Man City|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3084354.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=20 September 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham see off Blackburn|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3122918.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=28 September 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Throughout the first half of the season, he continued to be in the first team regular for Fulham, playing in the striker position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/october/02/the-first-strike|title=The first strike|publisher=Fulham FC|date=2 October 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720143731/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/october/02/the-first-strike|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/november/05/setting-things-straight|title=Setting Things Straight|publisher=Fulham FC|date=5 November 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720143659/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/november/05/setting-things-straight|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Van der Sar: We have a long way to go|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/van-der-sar-we-have-a-long-way-to-go-7224402.html|work=London Evening Standard|date=3 October 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha is key to Fulham fortunes|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/dec/28/newsstory.sport7|work=The Guardian|date=28 December 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> His goal scoring form continued to the end of the year, scoring three braces.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham's Saha sinks Pompey|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3273251.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=24 November 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Leeds edge past Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3249110.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=14 December 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham 2-0 Southampton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3316111.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=26 December 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> As a result, Saha was named as the Player of the Month for December.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2004/january/02/player-of-the-month|title=Player of the Month|publisher=Fulham FC|date=2 January 2004|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720143644/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2004/january/02/player-of-the-month|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In his final season at Fulham, he contributed 15 goals in only 22 appearances before leaving in the January transfer window.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

It was announced on 23 December 2003 by the club that they rejected a bid from Manchester United to sign Saha, saying he was not for sale.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/december/23/part-of-the-future|title=Part of the Future|publisher=Fulham FC|date=23 December 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720143625/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/december/23/part-of-the-future|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2004/january/06/chairman-backs-coleman|title=Chairman Backs Coleman|publisher=Fulham FC|date=6 January 2004|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720143557/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2004/january/06/chairman-backs-coleman|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> It came after when his performance at Fulham's victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in October 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/december/04/sole-man|title=Sole Man|publisher=Fulham FC|date=4 December 2003|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720143630/https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2003/december/04/sole-man|archive-date=20 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fulham stun Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3206852.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=25 October 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227044148/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3206852.stm|archive-date=27 December 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> was thought to be influential in persuading [[Alex Ferguson]] to sign him in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha happy with the underdogs|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/dec/20/newsstory.sport5|work=The Guardian|date=20 December 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Around this time, Saha revealed that he had a fallen out with manager [[Chris Coleman (footballer)|Chris Coleman]] as a result of the way in which he left Fulham.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha 'not speaking' to Coleman|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-not-speaking-to-coleman-1098376|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha: I'll walk away from Fulham|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-ill-walk-away-from-fulham-1098727|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 April 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha 'appalled' as Fulham say 'non'|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-appalled-as-fulham-say-non-1098252|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> During a spell of nearly four years at the club, Saha scored 63 goals.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

===Manchester United===
Saha was transferred to [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] for a fee of £12.4&nbsp;million in 2004 having scored 15 goals so far that season and impressing [[Alex Ferguson]] in Fulham's 3–1 win at Old Trafford. Fulham were reluctant to sell Saha<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha issues Fulham threat|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3391725.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=15 January 2004|access-date=17 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810140751/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3391725.stm|archive-date=10 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> but he pushed for a deal and it eventually went through on 23 January 2004.<ref>{{cite news|date=23 January 2004|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3412371.stm|title=Man Utd seal Saha deal|website=BBC Sport|access-date=17 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329011618/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3412371.stm|archive-date=29 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> A month later, however, Metz brought a case to FIFA (and later [[Court of Arbitration for Sport]]) arguing that they were entitled to a share of Saha's transfer fee from Fulham.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcmetz.com/2004-2005/actualites/equipe-pro/metz-saisit-la-fifa|title=METZ SAISIT LA FIFA|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=2 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719143127/https://www.fcmetz.com/2004-2005/actualites/equipe-pro/metz-saisit-la-fifa|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcmetz.com/2004-2005/actualites/equipe-pro/entretien-avec-carlo-molinari-deuxieme-partie|title=ENTRETIEN AVEC CARLO MOLINARI : DEUXIÈME PARTIE|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=24 December 2004|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719141538/https://www.fcmetz.com/2004-2005/actualites/equipe-pro/entretien-avec-carlo-molinari-deuxieme-partie|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of Metz and Fulham were ordered to pay.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcmetz.com/2005-2006/actualites/equipe-pro/les-echos-du-mercredi-5|title=LES ÉCHOS DU MERCREDI|publisher=FC Metz|language=fr|date=18 January 2006|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719141607/https://www.fcmetz.com/2005-2006/actualites/equipe-pro/les-echos-du-mercredi-5|archive-date=19 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Saha impressed early, with seven goals in his ten starting appearances of the [[2003–04 FA Premier League|2003–04 season]] and scoring on his debut against [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 3–2 Southampton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3417887.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=31 January 2004|access-date=17 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724042647/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3417887.stm|archive-date=24 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> After the match, Manager Ferguson praised his performance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Louis lands the plaudits|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/louis-lands-the-plaudits-1100689|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> In the next match, versus [[Everton F.C.|Everton]], Saha and [[Ruud van Nistelrooy]] both scored two goals in a 4–3 win.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3447465.stm|title=Everton 3–4 Man Utd|website=BBC Sport|date=7 February 2004|access-date=17 May 2008}}</ref> On 28 February 2004, he faced his former team for the first time, scoring the only goal for United in a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3507609.stm|title=Fulham 1–1 Manchester United|website=BBC Sport|date=28 February 2004|access-date=27 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724042819/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3507609.stm|archive-date=24 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the match, Saha received boos and jeers from Fulham supporters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham 1 Manchester United 1|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-1-manchester-united-1-1102271|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He then played in both legs of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against [[FC Porto|Porto]], as Manchester United lost 3–2 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Porto 2-1 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/champions_league/3511537.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=25 February 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 1 Porto 1 (2-3 on agg)|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-1-porto-1-1103663|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> After missing two matches due to an Achilles problem, Saha returned to the first team and scored in the next two matches against Arsenal and Birmingham City.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha fit to face Gunners|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-fit-to-face-gunners-1104686|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha's nightmare almost at an end|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sahas-nightmare-almost-at-an-end-1104751|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3553027.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=28 March 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 1-2 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3574333.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=10 April 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He was unable to play in the [[2004 FA Cup Final]] win over [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]], being [[cup-tied]] due to an earlier appearance with Fulham.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fergie sweats over Ruud injury|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergie-sweats-over-ruud-injury-1106508|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha backs United for final flourish|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-backs-united-for-final-flourish-1104941|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Despite this, Saha went on to make 12 appearances and scoring seven times in all competitions by the conclusion of the 2003–04 season.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

The [[2004–05 FA Premier League|2004–05 season]] was a stop-start season marred by constant injury for Saha.<ref>{{cite news|title=Premiership Kick Off - Game by Game|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/premiership-kick-off---game-by-game-1601232|work=Daily Mirror|date=11 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Wayne's World|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/waynes-world-1602396|work=Daily Mirror|date=11 September 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He made his first appearance of the season on 28 August 2004, coming on as a second half substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Blackburn Rovers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3586096.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=28 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> However, Saha picked up a knee injury playing for France against the [[Faroe Islands national football team|Faroe Islands]] which put him out of action for a month.<ref>{{cite news|title=CROCK STAR SAHA VOWS TO BEAT INJURY JINX|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/crock-star-saha-vows-to-beat-1601898|work=Daily Mirror|date=11 September 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=French keep silent over Saha injury|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/french-keep-silent-over-saha-1121621|work=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He returned to the first team on 16 October 2004, playing the full 90 minutes of a 0–0 draw against Birmingham City.<ref>{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 0-0 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3724050.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=16 October 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha then scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] in the fourth round of the League Cup on 10 November 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/3988411.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=10 November 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Shortly after, he picked up an injury again while playing for the national side and costing him nearly two months out.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha jinx strikes again|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-jinx-strikes-again-1129440|work=Manchester Evening News|date=20 November 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fergie concerned by Saha trips|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergie-concerned-by-saha-trips-1130321|work=Manchester Evening News|date=30 November 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha did not next play a full 90 minutes until 12 January 2005, in a 0–0 draw against Chelsea in the first leg of the League Cup semi–finals.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chelsea 0–0 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4157097.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=12 January 2005|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Ten days later on 22 January 2005 he scored his second goal of the season, as well as setting up the first goal of the game in a 3–1 win against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4177033.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=22 January 2005|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> However in February, the problem recurred, leaving Saha out for a further two months.<ref>{{cite news|title=Van Nistelrooy hungry for return|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/4261259.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=15 August 2005|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha out of semi-final|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/2332152/saha-out-of-semi-final|work=Sky Sports|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> At the conclusion of the 2004–05 season, Saha never got going, making only 11 starting appearances, 11 from the bench and scoring two goals.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

Over the summer, Saha suffered another hamstring strain which ruled him out for the first three months of the [[2005–06 FA Premier League|2005–06 season]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha out after knee op|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-out-after-knee-op-1079501|work=Manchester Evening News|date=5 August 2005|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha on comeback trail|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-on-comeback-trail-1085567|work=Manchester Evening News|date=26 September 2005|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha eyes comeback|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-eyes-comeback-1087488|work=Manchester Evening News|date=7 October 2005|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He scored on his first appearance of the season, as well as setting up the third goal of the game, in a 3–1 win against West Bromwich Albion on 30 November 2005.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 3 West Bromwich Albion 1|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/united-3-west-brom-1-1093251|work=Manchester Evening News|date=30 November 2005|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Following his return, Saha eased back into side as a substitute, making appearances in [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] matches.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha eyes starting spot|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-eyes-starting-spot-1021276|work=Manchester Evening News|date=22 February 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=United: Payback time|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/united-payback-time-1020280|work=Manchester Evening News|date=11 February 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fergie has faith in Saha|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergie-has-faith-in-saha-1019527|work=Manchester Evening News|date=3 February 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Reds season player ratings|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reds-season-player-ratings-1029650|work=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> To the surprise of many, the French striker recaptured his initial good form and started a streak of goalscoring form.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 4-1 Bolton Wanderers|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4560308.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=31 December 2005|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 4-3 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4657210.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=1 February 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 4-2 Fulham|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4657230.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=4 February 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 5-0 Burton Albion|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4612320.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=18 January 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Wolverhampton Wanderers 0–3 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/4634314.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=29 January 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Six goals in the League Cup run saw him usurp Van Nistelrooy as the first-choice strike partner for [[Wayne Rooney]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 1-3 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4537786.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=20 December 2005|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4597922.stm|work=BBBC Sport|date=11 January 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers (3-2 agg)|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4642624.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=25 January 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Sadler: So right to throw in Saha|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sadler-so-right-to-throw-in-saha-1021705|work=Manchester Evening News|date=27 February 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fergie reassures Ruud|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergie-reassures-ruud-1024744|work=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha was named a starter over Van Nistelrooy in the [[2006 Football League Cup Final|final]] against [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]], and scored a goal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Man Utd ease to Carling Cup glory|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4727118.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=26 February 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha surprised by final start|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-surprised-by-final-start-1021782|work=Manchester Evening News|date=27 February 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Despite suffering from an injury along the way, he scored four more goals later in the 2005–06 season, including a brace against West Bromwich Albion on 18 March 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rio trusts Fergie in transfer market|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rio-trusts-fergie-in-transfer-market-1027240|work=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4796524.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=18 March 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4842420.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=1 April 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 4-0 Charlton Athletic|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4957458.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=7 May 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> At the end of the [[2005–06 FA Premier League|2005–06 season]], Saha had made 30 appearances and scored 15 times in all competitions.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

[[File:Louis Saha.jpg|thumb|Saha, scorer of United's second goal, pictured during the 3–1 [[Manchester derby]] win on 9 December 2006.]]

Saha was chosen by Ferguson to partner alongside Rooney for the [[2006–07 FA Premier League|next season]], after Van Nistelrooy's exit for [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] during the summer transfer window.<ref>{{cite news|title=Robson warning for Ruud|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/robson-warning-for-ruud-1029673|work=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fergie: Saha can shoulder burden|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergie-saha-can-shoulder-burden-1041883|work=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha soaks up the pressure|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-soaks-up-the-pressure-1042959|work=Manchester Evening New|date=15 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He began the [[2006–07 FA Premier League|2006–07 season]] by scoring only seven minutes into the first game against Fulham.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=356364|title=Report: United 5 Fulham 1|website=ManUtd.com |publisher=Manchester United|first=Ben|last=Hibbs|date=26 August 2006|access-date=17 May 2008}}<br/>{{cite news|title=United v Fulham: Verdict|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/united-v-fulham-verdict-1039361|work=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> This was followed up by scoring his second goal of the season in a 3–0 win against [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]], as well as setting up the second goal of the game.<ref>{{cite news|title=Charlton Athletic 0–3 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/5266142.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=23 August 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha then scored twice for the side, as well as setting up the third goal of the game, in a 3–2 win against [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] in the UEFA Champions League.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 3–2 Celtic|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/5330026.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=12 September 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He scored the winning goal away to [[SL Benfica|Benfica]] in the UEFA Champions League and later scored in the home leg.<ref>{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Taylor|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/manchester-united/saha-strikes-as-rooney-struggles/|title=Saha strikes as Rooney struggles|newspaper=The Irish Times|year=2006|access-date=18 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024161018/http://www.irishtimes.com/manchester-united/saha-strikes-as-rooney-struggles/|archive-date=24 October 2012}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 3–1 Benfica|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6201452.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=6 December 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha's goal scoring form continued for the rest of 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan Athletic 1–3 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/5415996.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=14 October 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 3–0 Portsmouth|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6094102.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=4 November 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 0–1 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6116234.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=11 November 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough 1-2 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6183284.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=2 December 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 3–1 Manchester City|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6201464.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=9 December 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> As a result, he signed an extension to his contract<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha signs new Manchester United contract|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6196623.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=20 December 2006|access-date=17 May 2008|archive-date=25 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525201620/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6196623.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> lasting to 2010, though soon after began suffering from more injury problems.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heinze: Reds can learn from Larsson|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/heinze-reds-can-learn-from-larsson-978065|work=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha's back in his Pomp|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sahas-back-in-his-pomp-1047263|work=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fergie looking for Scholes boost|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergie-looking-for-scholes-boost-986319|work=Manchester Evening News|date=28 March 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Groin and hamstring injuries restricted appearances and meant he only scored one goal in the second half of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reading 2–3 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/6397219.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=27 February 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He returned as substitute at [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] but then picked up a knee injury and was therefore absent for United's 1–0 extra-time loss to [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] in the [[2007 FA Cup Final|FA Cup]] final.<ref>{{cite news|title=AS Roma 2–1 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6517355.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=4 April 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2007/05/16/saha-sidelined-for-cup-final-373477/|title=Saha sidelined for cup final|work=Metro|date=16 May 2007|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525213441/http://metro.co.uk/2007/05/16/saha-sidelined-for-cup-final-373477/|archive-date=25 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Saha ended the season with 13 goals in all competitions, largely thanks to his pre-Christmas form.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

In the [[2007–08 Premier League|2007–08 season]], Saha returned from injury and came as a substitute against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]], scoring the winning goal.<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=McKenzie|title=Manchester United 1–0 Sunderland|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6963704.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=1 September 2007|access-date=17 May 2008|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203022637/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6963704.stm}}</ref> On 23 September 2007, Saha won and converted a penalty against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] in Chelsea's first game with [[Avram Grant]] in charge. United won the game 2–0.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mandeep|last=Sanghera|title=Manchester United 2–0 Chelsea|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6996759.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=23 September 2007|access-date=17 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222042649/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6996759.stm |archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> This earned Saha a recall to the France national team after a year out. Against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], Saha came on to replace the under-performing [[Carlos Tevez]] in a 2–2 draw. He was key in setting up a goal as [[Cristiano Ronaldo]] gave United a 2–1 lead.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7065152.stm|title=Arsenal 2–2 Manchester United|first=Phil|last=McNulty|website=BBC Sport|date=3 November 2007|access-date=17 May 2008|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222042640/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7065152.stm |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> Saha continued to make appearances off the bench, but when Wayne Rooney was ruled out for a few weeks he partnered Tevez up front.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hitman Saha set to plug Ole gap|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hitman-saha-set-to-plug-ole-1010501|work=Manchester Evening News|date=10 November 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Vidic in fitness battle|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/vidic-in-fitness-battle-1011984|work=Manchester Evening News|date=23 November 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Fergie's delight over Saha|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fergies-delight-over-saha-1015232|work=Manchester Evening News|date=28 December 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He then started in a match against Sunderland on Boxing Day, and scored twice including a penalty, winning 2–0 to lift Manchester United to 1st position in the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sunderland 0–4 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157355.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=26 December 2007|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> After being sidelined with a knee injury that kept him out for a month, Saha made his return in an [[FA Cup]] clash versus Arsenal on 16 February 2008, winning 4–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United dismiss fresh Saha fears|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7185685.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=13 January 2008|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 4–0 Arsenal|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7224064.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=16 February 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> The following weekend, he came on as a substitute for Ronaldo, scoring the final goal in a 5–1 rout of [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7248356.stm|title=Newcastle United 1–5 Manchester United|website=BBC Sport|date=23 February 2008|access-date=17 May 2008|first=Saj|last=Chowdhury|archive-date=4 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104222734/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7248356.stm}}</ref> After returning to nearly full fitness, Saha's injury haunts returned and forced him off with a hamstring complaint during United's win over [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] at Old Trafford.<ref>{{cite news|title=Preview: United v Liverpool|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/preview-united-v-liverpool-947668|work=Manchester Evening News|date=17 April 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha was ruled out for several weeks, missing key games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 4 Aston Villa 0: Verdict|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/united-4-aston-villa-0-948649|work=Manchester Evening News|date=20 April 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> In the final game of the Premier League season against [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]], Saha was named as a substitute, but played no part in the game.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan Athletic 0–2 Manchester United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7381807.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=11 May 2008|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> In May 2008, Saha admitted that he believed his United career was in doubt. Despite his desire to stay and love for the club, he was unsure of what the future held for him at Old Trafford.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ian|last=Ladyman|title=Saha nearing the end|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3575912,00.html|work=Sky Sports|date=16 May 2008|access-date=17 May 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112160221/http://www.skysports.com/story/0%2C19528%2C11661_3575912%2C00.html|archive-date=12 January 2009}}</ref>

Despite struggling with injuries in many of his seasons with Manchester United, Saha still contributed 42 goals in all competitions in 120 appearances for the club.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

===Everton===
[[File:Sylvain Distin Louis Saha vs ManU 2009.jpg|thumb|left|Saha (right) alongside [[Sylvain Distin]] with [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] in 2009]]

Saha joined [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] in 2008 for an undisclosed fee,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.evertonfc.com/player-profile/louis-saha|title=Players: Squad Profiles: Louis Saha|publisher=Everton FC|access-date=1 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827231449/http://www.evertonfc.com/player-profile/louis-saha|archive-date=27 August 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> signing a two-year 'pay-as-you-play' deal.<ref name=MirrorSep08>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-sport/2008/09/04/louis-saha-i-told-everton-i-would-pay-for-free-115875-20723341/ |title=Louis Saha: I told Everton I would pay for free |first=David |last=Anderson |date=4 September 2008 |access-date=1 December 2008 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313062236/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-sport/2008/09/04/louis-saha-i-told-everton-i-would-pay-for-free-115875-20723341/ |archive-date=13 March 2009 }}</ref> Not match-fit at his time of signing, Saha offered to train without being paid while injured.<ref name=MirrorSep08/>

Saha made his Everton debut on 22 September coming on as a substitute in a league game away to [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/david-moyes-hails-louis-saha-3472985|title=David Moyes hails Louis Saha debut as Everton stage comeback|date=22 September 2008|first=Dominic|last=King|work=[[Liverpool Echo]]|access-date=1 December 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203102353/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/david-moyes-hails-louis-saha-3472985|archive-date=3 February 2014}}</ref> before scoring his first goal against his former club Fulham, at [[Goodison Park]] on 1 November.<ref>{{cite news|first=Derek|last=Allsop|title=Louis Saha opens account as Everton beat Fulham|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/3331282/Louis-Saha-opens-account-as-Everton-beat-Fulham-Football.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130422061954/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/3331282/Louis-Saha-opens-account-as-Everton-beat-Fulham-Football.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 April 2013|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=1 November 2008|access-date=1 December 2008|location=London}}</ref> This was followed up by scoring a brace, as well as setting up the first goal of the game in a 3–1 win against West Ham United.<ref>{{cite news|title=West Ham United 1–3 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7697432.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=8 November 2008|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> However during a 1–0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on 30 November 2008, he suffered a knee injury and was substituted in the 60th minute.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tottenham Hotspur 0–1 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7747655.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=30 November 2008|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Following this, it was announced that Saha would be out for two months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1036967/boss-provides-injury-news|title=BOSS PROVIDES INJURY NEWS|publisher=Everton FC|date=5 December 2008|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722075657/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1036967/boss-provides-injury-news|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1037017/saha-not-too-serious|title=SAHA 'NOT TOO SERIOUS'|publisher=Everton FC|date=1 December 2008|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722075825/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1037017/saha-not-too-serious|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He returned to the first team on 22 February 2009, coming on as a 74th-minute substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Newcastle United.<ref>{{cite news|title=Newcastle United 0–0 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7885849.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=22 February 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> This was followed up by scoring his fourth league goal of the season in a 2–0 win against West Bromwich Albion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton 2–0 West Bromwich Albion|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7905845.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=28 February 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> A week later on 8 March 2009, he came off the bench at half-time in that season's FA Cup quarter-final against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], scoring the winner and helping Everton reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1995.<ref>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Bevan|title=Everton 2–1 Middlesbrough|date=8 March 2009|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7914684.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=8 March 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220082450/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7914684.stm|archive-date=20 February 2014}}</ref> Two months later, against West Ham United, Saha scored twice for the second time in the season, as the club won 3–1.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton 3–1 West Ham United|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8038269.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=16 May 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Two weeks later in the [[2009 FA Cup Final|FA Cup final]], Saha scored the fastest goal in the final's history after 25 seconds, though opponents [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] came from behind to win 2–1.<ref>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Bevan|title=Chelsea 2–1 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8060989.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=30 May 2009|access-date=31 May 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112084129/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8060989.stm|archive-date=12 January 2016}}</ref> This broke [[Bob Chatt]]'s record, set 114 years earlier in the [[1895 FA Cup Final|1895 Final]].<ref>{{cite web|title=FA Cup Trivia|url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2003/05/48711.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20040106155319/http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2003/05/48711.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 January 2004|access-date=31 May 2009|publisher=The Football Association}}</ref> It was also the fastest goal in any match at the new Wembley Stadium, beating the previous record by [[Giampaolo Pazzini]] in March 2007 in an under-21 international for Italy.<ref>{{cite news|first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=England U21s draw Wembley cracker|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6483789.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=24 March 2007|access-date=22 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017162035/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6483789.stm|archive-date=17 October 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the 2008–09 season, he established himself in the starting 11, forming a striking partnership with [[Yakubu (footballer)|Yakubu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1036155/saha-there-were-glimpses|title=SAHA: THERE WERE GLIMPSES|publisher=Everton FC|date=28 October 2008|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722075132/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1036155/saha-there-were-glimpses|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite news|title=David Moyes - Everton will get back on track|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/david-moyes---everton-back-3470103|work=Liverpool Echo|date=20 October 2008|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Blues set to unleash Louis Saha|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-set-unleash-louis-saha-3457062|work=Liverpool Echo|date=14 March 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> At the end of the 2008–09 season, Saha had made 29 appearances and scored eight times in all competitions.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

[[File:Louis Saha, Everton.jpg|thumb|Saha warming up prior to [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]'s match against [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] in 2009]]

Saha scored his first goal of the [[2009–10 Premier League|2009–10]] season after coming on as a substitute on the opening day of the season against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], in a 6–1 defeat at [[Goodison Park]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Phil|last=Dawkes|title=Everton 1–6 Arsenal|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8199120.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=15 August 2009|date=15 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816073354/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8199120.stm|archive-date=16 August 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> His goalscoring form continued for the next two months, scoring a goal against both [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]] and [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]], as well as braces against [[SK Sigma Olomouc|Sigma Olomouc]] and [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton 4–0 Sigma Olomouc|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8209373.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=20 August 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton 2–1 Wigan Athletic|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8222964.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=30 August 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton 3–0 Blackburn Rovers|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8257797.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=20 September 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Portsmouth 0–1 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8269311.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=26 September 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He went on to a run of seven goals in seven games in all competitions by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers 3–2 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8316289.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=25 October 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=West Ham United 1–2 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8340508.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=8 November 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Hull City 3–2 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8376120.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=25 November 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton 2–2 Tottenham Hotspur|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8391316.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=6 December 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Chelsea 3–3 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8402643.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=12 December 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> The next two months saw Saha earned two Player of the Month awards by the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1026652/meet-the-player-of-the-month|title=MEET THE PLAYER OF THE MONTH|publisher=Everton FC|date=8 January 2010|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722135107/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1026652/meet-the-player-of-the-month|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1033244/saha-wins-award|title=SAHA WINS AWARD|publisher=Everton FC|date=14 December 2009|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722135045/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1033244/saha-wins-award|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Saha signed a two-year contract extension with Everton on 5 February 2010, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2011–12 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Striker Louis Saha signs new two-year deal with Everton|date=5 February 2010|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/8500605.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=5 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824063655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/8500605.stm|archive-date=24 August 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Five days later he scored a brace for the side, in a 2–1 win against Chelsea.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton 2–1 Chelsea|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8502608.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=10 February 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Throughout the 2009–10 season he established himself in the starting 11, playing in the striker position, but found his goalscoring form dipped as the season progressed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1032414/saha-is-the-real-deal|title=SAHA IS THE REAL DEAL|publisher=Everton FC|date=23 September 2009|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722135044/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1032414/saha-is-the-real-deal|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton boss David Moyes hails Louis Saha after Blackburn double strike|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-boss-david-moyes-hails-3445248|work=Liverpool Echo|date=21 September 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Louis Saha enjoying his football at Everton FC|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/louis-saha-enjoying-football-everton-3441334|work=Liverpool Echo|date=9 October 2009|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton FC manager David Moyes wants Louis Saha to get back amongst the goals|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-manager-david-moyes-3430912|work=Liverpool Echo|date=10 February 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=The crown of King Louis is starting to slip|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/other-sport/crown-king-louis-starting-slip-3422259|work=Liverpool Echo|date=5 May 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Despite suffering from injuries during the season along the way, Saha made 40 appearances and scored 15 times in all competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1033113/saha-not-involved|title=SAHA NOT INVOLVED|publisher=Everton FC|date=28 December 2009|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722135136/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1033113/saha-not-involved|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1032478/saha-missing-heitinga-on-bench|title=SAHA MISSING, HEITINGA ON BENCH|publisher=Everton FC|date=13 September 2009|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722135050/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1032478/saha-missing-heitinga-on-bench|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Phil Neville hails Everton's Leighton Baines as England's best left-back|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/phil-neville-hails-evertons-leighton-3427230|work=Liverpool Echo|date=2 March 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

At the start of the 2010–11 season, Saha continued to retain his first team place for the first four matches, scoring his first goal in a 5–1 win against [[Huddersfield Town A.F.C.|Huddersfield Town]] in the second round of the League Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=David Moyes backs Jermaine Beckford to get Everton off to a flyer|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/david-moyes-backs-jermaine-beckford-3398919|work=Liverpool Echo|date=14 August 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton FC 5, Huddersfield 1: Greg O'Keeffe sees the Blues start Carling Cup trail with a five-star Goodison performance|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-5-huddersfield-1-3399962|work=Liverpool Echo|date=26 August 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton FC assistant manager Steve Round tips Jack Rodwell to shine in Carling Cup|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-assistant-manager-steve-3399753|work=Liverpool Echo|date=25 August 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> However, he suffered an injury while on international duty that kept him out for a month.<ref name="Saha Liverpool Echo"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Louis Saha fitness concerns Everton FC – as Gary Neville says Blues' poor start won't last|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/louis-saha-fitness-concerns-everton-3395457|work=Liverpool Echo|date=6 September 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He returned from injury on 23 October 2010, coming on as a 61st-minute substitute in a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tottenham Hotspur 1–1 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9110606.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=23 October 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Since returning from injury, he was involved in the first team for the next three months, though he struggled to regain his goalscoring form.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton FC's Louis Saha in new goal pledge|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fcs-louis-saha-new-3390814|work=Liverpool Echo|date=18 November 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha desperate for goals as Everton face Sunderland|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-desperate-goals-everton-face-3391110|work=Liverpool Echo|date=22 November 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Louis Saha hoping Wigan game will kick start his Everton FC season|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/louis-saha-hoping-wigan-game-3387637|work=Liverpool Echo|date=10 December 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha then suffered a thigh injury that saw him miss one match.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton manager David Moyes leaves Steven Pienaar out of derby as transfer closes in|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-manager-david-moyes-leaves-3385368|work=Liverpool Echo|date=17 January 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha scored his eighth goal in five starts against Chelsea on 29 January 2011, and continued his form in the next home game, against [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] on 5 February, when he netted four goals in a 5–3 victory. It was his first [[List of Premier League hat-tricks|hat-trick]] in the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news|title=Scunthorpe United 1–5 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9341901.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=8 January 2011|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110214948/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9341901.stm|archive-date=10 January 2011|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Everton 1–1 Chelsea|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9379057.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=29 January 2011|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130082407/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9379057.stm|archive-date=30 January 2011|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Arsenal 2–1 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9379477.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=1 February 2011|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202074512/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9379477.stm|archive-date=2 February 2011|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|first=Owen|last=Phillips|title=Everton 5–3 Blackpool|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9384152.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=5 February 2011|access-date=9 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124071957/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9384152.stm|archive-date=24 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Saha scored again for Everton against [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] on 19 March 2011 with a low right footed drive from a free kick, he was later stretchered off with an ankle injury and remained sidelined for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton FC boss David Moyes confirms Louis Saha set to be out for a fortnight with hamstring injury|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-boss-david-moyes-3382626|work=Liverpool Echo|date=10 February 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton FC 2 Fulham 1: Greg O'Keeffe sees a Goodison deja-vu on David Moyes' Blues anniversary|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-2-fulham-1-3380663|work=Liverpool Echo|date=21 March 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br>{{cite news|title=Everton FC striker Louis Saha fears his season may be over|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-striker-louis-saha-3380971|work=Liverpool Echo|date=24 March 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton striker Louis Saha out for the rest of the season due to ankle injury|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-striker-louis-saha-out-3376317|work=Liverpool Echo|date=1 April 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> At the end of the 2010–11 season, Saha had made 26 appearances and scored nine times in all competitions.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

Saha made his return for the 2011–12 season on 30 July 2011 in a pre-season fixture against the recently relegated [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] at St Andrews.<ref name="Saha Cheshire Live"/> He was substituted into the match in the second half and scored 3 minutes into his return from injury with a low right footed drive from outside the box.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1025291/saha-hungrier-than-ever|title=SAHA HUNGRIER THAN EVER|publisher=Everton FC|date=1 August 2011|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722155700/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1025291/saha-hungrier-than-ever|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> After missing four matches, Saha returned to the first team, coming on as a 66th-minute substitute in a 2–0 loss against Manchester City on 24 September 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Louis Saha back on Twitter to reveal determination for getting back into the Everton FC first team|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/louis-saha-back-twitter-reveal-3365962|work=Liverpool Echo|date=23 September 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Everton FC striker Louis Saha faces fight for EFC future after being left out of Carling Cup squad|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-striker-louis-saha-3365747|work=Liverpool Echo|date=21 September 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Manchester City 2–0 Everton|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/14958201.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=24 September 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> This was followed up by making his first start of the season for Everton in a home fixture against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]. Everton lost the game 2–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton 0-2 Liverpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15045708|website=BBC Sport|date=1 October 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> He then scored his first goal of the season in a 3–1 victory over [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] at [[Craven Cottage]] after coming on as a substitute.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fulham 1–3 Everton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15325501|website=BBC Sport|date=23 October 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha continued his scoring in the following game on 26 October against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] in a [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] tie.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/11-12/news/item.php?submissionID=19448|title=Blues edged out in extra time - Toffeeweb - Season 2011-12 - News|website=www.toffeeweb.com|access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> He failed to score again for Everton, a drought that lasted 942 consecutive minutes of league football.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football365.com/f365-features/7450672/Premier-League-Numbers-And-Stats|title=Premier League Numbers And Stats|website=Football365.com|access-date=14 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128212244/http://www.football365.com/f365-features/7450672/Premier-League-Numbers-And-Stats|archive-date=28 January 2012}}</ref> Saha left Everton having scored 35 goals in 115 appearances.<ref>{{cite web|title=Louis Saha claims Spurs are most exciting team in England|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16843310 |website=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2012|access-date=13 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204150208/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16843310|archive-date=4 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Tottenham Hotspur===
On 31 January 2012, Saha completed a free transfer move to [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], signing a six-month contract. He was given the number 15 jersey, last worn by [[Peter Crouch]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16820538|first=Phil|last=McNulty|title=Louis Saha joins Spurs as Steven Pienaar moves to Everton |publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation)|date=1 February 2012|access-date=15 February 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110160354/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16820538|archive-date=10 November 2012}}</ref>

Less than a week later he made his debut against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] coming on as a substitute for [[Emmanuel Adebayor]] in a 0–0 draw.<ref>{{cite news|first=Phil|last=McNulty|title=Liverpool 0–0 Tottenham|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16784407|publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation)|date=6 February 2012|access-date=15 February 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112002256/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16784407|archive-date=12 November 2012}}</ref> He made his full debut in the very next league fixture against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]], scoring twice in a 5–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16884811|first=Peter|last=Scrivener|title=Tottenham 5–0 Newcastle|publisher=BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation)|date=11 February 2012|access-date=15 February 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313112725/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16884811|archive-date=13 March 2012}}</ref> On 26 February 2012, he made it three goals in three games for his new club when he scored the opening goal in Tottenham's [[North London derby]] defeat against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], 5-2.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17093405|title=Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham|work=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2012|accessdate=4 January 2020}}</ref>

He scored his fourth goal, in all competitions, for the club against [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] to make it 3–1 to Tottenham with the last kick of the game to send his side through to the [[2011–12 FA Cup#Semi-finals|FA Cup semi-finals]] against London rivals [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17465293|title=Tottenham 3-1 Bolton|work=BBC Sport |date=27 March 2012|accessdate=4 January 2020}}</ref> Following his successful short spell with Tottenham, Saha reported that he was desperate to seal a long term deal at [[White Hart Lane]], citing [[Harry Redknapp]] as a big factor in his upturn in form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1076333/tottenham-striker-jermain-defoe-seeking-more-first-team-football?cc=5901|title=Defoe wants more opportunities|date=22 May 2012|accessdate=22 May 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525114916/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1076333/tottenham-striker-jermain-defoe-seeking-more-first-team-football?cc=5901|archivedate=25 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 13 July 2012, it was confirmed that Saha was released after his contract expired at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs/News/player-update-13072012.page?|title=PLAYER UPDATE|date=13 July 2012|accessdate=14 July 2012|publisher=Tottenham Hotspur official website|url-status=live|archivedate=22 July 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722005411/http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs/News/player-update-13072012.page}}</ref>

===Sunderland===
[[File:Flickr - Ronnie Macdonald - Louis Saha makes his debut for Sunderland.jpg|thumb|left|Saha coming on for his Sunderland debut as a substitute]]

On 16 August 2012, [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] confirmed the signing of Saha on a one-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|first=Pete|last=O'Rourke|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11695/7996030/Sunderland-seal-Saha-deal |title=Sunderland seal Saha deal|work=Sky Sports |date=16 August 2012 |access-date=23 August 2012|archive-date=18 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818212118/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11695/7996030/Sunderland-seal-Saha-deal|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his debut two days later, coming on as a substitute in a 0–0 draw with [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Alistair|last=Magowan|title=Arsenal 0–0 Sunderland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19221271 |website=BBC Sport|date=18 August 2012|access-date=23 August 2012|archive-date=18 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818212211/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19221271 |url-status=live}}</ref> His contract was mutually terminated on transfer deadline day January 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Disillusioned Louis Saha set to quit Sunderland|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/disillusioned-louis-saha-set-quit-1351220|work=Chronicle Live|date=16 January 2013|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> During Saha's time at Sunderland, he made only 14 appearances and failed to score a single goal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Louis Saha: I will be Sunderland's goalden boy|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/louis-saha-sunderlands-goalden-boy-1371847|work=Chronicle Live|date=27 September 2012|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Danny Graham the top target for Sunderland boss|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/danny-graham-top-target-sunderland-1350940|work=Chronicle Live|date=11 January 2013|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Connor Wickham is is[sic] finding top form believes Stephane Sessegnon|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/connor-wickham-finding-top-form-1376458|work=Chronicle Live|date=19 December 2012|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Louis Saha wants the chance to lead line with Fletcher|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/louis-saha-wants-chance-lead-1373498|work=Chronicle Live|date=26 October 2012|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

===Lazio===
On 6 February 2013, Saha signed a six-month contract with Italian club [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Louis Saha: Lazio sign former Sunderland striker|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21357054|website=BBC Sport|date=6 February 2013|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> The following day, he was presented by the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sslazio.it/news/news/1-news/3640-presentazione-louis-saha.html|title=Presentazione Louis Saha|publisher=SS Lazio|language=it|date=7 February 2013|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209210249/http://www.sslazio.it/news/news/1-news/3640-presentazione-louis-saha.html|archive-date=9 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Saha made his debut for Lazio, coming on as a substitute on 9 February 2013 in a match against [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Lazio-Napoli 1-1, un pari per la Juve|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/lazio/2013/02/09/news/lazio_napoli_pareggio-52309928/|work=La Repubblica|language=it|date=9 February 2013|access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> However, he found his playing time limited, mostly coming on as a substitute, as he went on to make six appearances for the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=La giornata della Lazio - A Siena col 4-4-2, Petkovic: "Serve grande prova"|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/altre-notizie/la-giornata-della-lazio-a-siena-col-4-4-2-petkovic-serve-grande-prova-425535|work=Tutto Mercato Web|language=it|date=18 February 2013|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Bidoni di gennaio: sei personaggi in cerca di riscatto|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/bidoni-di-gennaio-sei-personaggi-in-cerca-di-riscatto-437967|work=Tutto Mercato Web|language=it|date=5 April 2013|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Lazio, Saha in rampa di lancio. Rivoluzione in difesa|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/lazio/2013/03/27/news/arriva_il_momento_di_saha-55487574/|work=La Repubblica|language=it|date=27 March 2013|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Giordano: "Petkovic rischia di commettere gli stessi errori di Ballardini"|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/altre-notizie/giordano-petkovic-rischia-di-commettere-gli-stessi-errori-di-ballardini-429272|work=Tutto Mercato Web|language=it|date=4 March 2013|access-date=19 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Lazio, confermata lesione all'adduttore per Saha|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/altre-notizie/lazio-confermata-lesione-all-adduttore-per-saha-450157|work=Tutto Mercato Web|language=it|date=20 May 2013|access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> Despite being keen to stay at the club beyond the 2012–13 season, Saha was released at the end of the short-term deal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha ha le idee chiare: "Lazio, voglio restare"|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/saha-ha-le-idee-chiare-lazio-voglio-restare-430630|work=Tutto Mercato Web|language=it|date=8 March 2013|access-date=19 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Lazio, Marchetti: "Vogliamo vincere subito". Al Napoli piace Candreva|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/lazio/2013/07/02/news/marchetti_ritiro_candreva-62277541/|work=La Repubblica|language=it|date=2 July 2013|access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref>

==International career==
Saha represented [[France national football team|France]] at various youth levels and scored the winning goal in the [[1997 UEFA European Under-18 Championship]] against [[Portugal national under-18 football team|Portugal]].<ref>{{cite news|title=France 1–0 Portugal|url=https://www.fpf.pt/pt/selecoes/futebol-masculino/selecao-sub-18/jogos/ficha-de-jogo/match/1041216|publisher=Portuguese Football Federation|language=pt|date=31 July 1997|access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref>

Saha said he wanted to play for [[France national football team|France]] and put his name in the short–list to be called up to the national squad for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] but due to his lack of form during the 2001–02 season, Saha acknowledged that he would be unlikely to be in the squad for the tournament, which turned out to be true.<ref name="Saha The Guardian 3"/> It was not until 2004 that Saha finally earned his first full cap, marking his debut with a goal in a 2–0 victory over [[Belgium national football team|Belgium]] on 18 February.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saha wins French call-up|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/saha-wins-french-call-up-1101310|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Saha enjoys dream debut|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0254-0d7b34b865cf-6691bf12c551-1000--saha-enjoys-dream-debut/|website=[[UEFA]]|date=18 February 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> That summer he was also selected for the [[UEFA Euro 2004]] squad.<ref>{{cite news|title=France confirm Euro squad|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/france/3724843.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=18 May 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha then scored his second goal for France, scoring the third goal of the game in a 4–0 win against [[Andorra national football team|Andorra]] on 28 May 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=France 4, Andorra 0|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/france-4-andorra-0-1618877|work=Chronicle Live|date=29 May 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Having appeared in the first two matches as an unused substitute in the group stage, he made his first appearance of the tournament against [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]], coming on as a 75th-minute substitute, and set up a goal for [[Thierry Henry]] to score the national team's second goal of the game, winning 3–1.<ref>{{cite news|title=France 2-1 England|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3787491.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=13 June 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Croatia 2-2 France|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3813635.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=17 June 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Switzerland 1-3 France|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3787505.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=21 June 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> However, Saha played 18 minutes, having come on as a 72nd-minute substitute, as France lost 1–0 against [[Greece national football team|Greece]] in the quarter–finals, eliminating the national side from the competition.<ref>{{cite news|title=France 0-1 Greece|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/3830575.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=25 June 2004|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

Two years later, Saha was called up to the national team squad for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|FIFA World Cup]], earning his first call-up in almost a year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/WorldCup/news/Kind=1/newsId=421462.html|title=Chimbonda and Ribéry in for France|website=[[UEFA]]|date=14 May 2006|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060521022740/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/WorldCup/news/Kind=1/newsId=421462.html|archive-date=21 May 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> He made his first appearance for the national side in almost a year, starting a match against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] on 31 May 2006 and set up France's first goal of the game, in a 2–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=195451&cc=5739|title=France 2–0 Denmark|work=ESPN Soccernet|date=31 May 2006|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426010706/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=195451&cc=5739|archive-date=26 April 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Saha made his first appearance of the World Cup, coming on as a 69th-minute substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Switzerland.<ref>{{cite news|title=France 0-0 Switzerland|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4852856.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=13 June 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha contributed to France reaching the [[2006 FIFA World Cup Final]], but he was suspended for the final against [[Italy national football team|Italy]] after receiving a yellow card during the semi-final victory over [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Portugal 0–1 France|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991632.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=5 July 2006|access-date=22 May 2012|archive-date=20 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420134204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991632.stm|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite web|url=http://www.football.co.uk/france/saha_to_miss_final_230736.shtml|title=Saha to miss final|website=Football.co.uk|date=6 July 2006|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060713123543/http://www.football.co.uk/france/saha_to_miss_final_230736.shtml|archive-date=13 July 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After the end of the World Cup tournament, Saha was called up to the France squad for the match against [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], and started in a 2–1 win.<ref>{{cite news|title=France fires up young guns|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0254-0d7b9aa19df2-388e951fd0e4-1000--france-fires-up-young-guns/|website=[[UEFA]]|date=9 August 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}<br/>{{cite news|title=BOSNIE-HERZÉGOVINE 1–2 FRANCE|url=https://www.fff.fr/equipes-de-france/1/france-a/matchs/1218/2006-08-16/bosnie-herzegovine-franc|publisher=French Football Federation|language=fr|date=16 August 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha then followed up in his next appearance for the national side by scoring in a 3–0 win against [[Georgia national football team|Georgia]].<ref>{{cite news|title=GÉORGIE 0–3 FRANCE|url=https://www.fff.fr/equipes-de-france/1/france-a/matchs/1219/2006-09-02/georgie-france|publisher=French Football Federation|language=fr|date=2 September 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> A month later on 11 October 2006, he scored his fourth goal for France, in a 5–0 win against [[Faroe Islands national football team|Faroe Islands]].<ref>{{cite news|title=FRANCEILES 5–0 ILES FÉROÉ|url=https://www.fff.fr/equipes-de-france/1/france-a/matchs/1222/2006-10-11/france-iles-feroe|publisher=French Football Federation|language=fr|date=11 October 2006|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

Saha was named in the squad picked for the Euro 2012 qualifiers, which also included goalkeeper [[Hugo Lloris]], Chelsea's [[Florent Malouda]] and nine other players who took part in France's disappointing 2010 World Cup campaign.<ref name="Saha Liverpool Echo"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://vonews.fr/article_10611|title=Football : Louis Saha de retour en Bleu pour la plus grande fierté du FC Soisy|work=Vo News|language=fr|date=3 September 2010|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407100217/http://vonews.fr/article_10611|archive-date=7 April 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to this, he had not played for his national side since November 2006 (although he was called up by [[Raymond Domenech]] in February 2010, he withdrew from the squad due to injury).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1028058/france-leave-saha-out|title=FRANCE LEAVE SAHA OUT|publisher=Everton FC|date=11 May 2010|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722135138/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1028058/france-leave-saha-out|archive-date=22 July 2020|url-status=live}}<>{{cite news|title=France call up Cisse as Saha cover|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/france-call-up-cisse-as-saha-cover-1913931.html|work=The Independent|date=1 March 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Saha made an appearance for France for the first time in four years, coming on as a 79th-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss against [[Belarus national football team|Belarus]] on 3 September 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=FRANCE 0–1 BIÉLORUSSIE|url=https://www.fff.fr/equipes-de-france/1/france-a/matchs/1299/2010-09-03/france-bielorussie|publisher=French Football Federation|language=fr|date=3 September 2010|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Two years later, on 29 February 2012, he made his return to the national team in a 2–1 win against [[Germany national football team|Germany]], in what turned out to be his last appearance for France.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3378/international-friendlies/2012/02/23/2924172/louis-saha-included-in-france-squad-to-face-germany|first=Luis|last=Mira|title=The new Tottenham signing returns to Les Bleus as the 1998 World Cup winners prepare for a difficult test against the Germans next week |date=22 February 2012|archive-date=3 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403163309/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3378/international-friendlies/2012/02/23/2924172/louis-saha-included-in-france-squad-to-face-germany|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite news|title=ALLEMAGNE 1–2 FRANCE|url=https://www.fff.fr/equipes-de-france/1/france-a/matchs/1524/2012-02-29/allemagne-france|publisher=French Football Federation|language=fr|date=29 February 2012|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

==Post-playing career==
[[File:Manchester United Legends v Barcelona Legends, 2 September 2017 (15).jpg|thumb|left|Saha playing alongside [[Jesper Blomqvist]] during Manchester United's charity match against [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] on 2 September 2017]]

On 8 August 2013, his 35th birthday, Saha announced his retirement from professional football via [[Twitter]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23622006 |title=Louis Saha: Former Man Utd striker retires on 35th birthday|date=8 August 2013|access-date=8 August 2013|website=BBC Sport|archive-date=11 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811025902/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23622006|url-status=live}}</ref> Saha joined other retired players at a testimonial match for his former Spurs teammate [[Ledley King]] on 12 May 2014. Coming on as a second-half substitute, he scored a hat-trick against a line-up of current Tottenham players.<ref>{{cite news|title=A game fit for a King: Ledley's 6-3 testimionial win|url=http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/05/12/a-game-fit-for-a-king-ledleys-6-3-testimonial-in-pictures-feat-g/|work=HITC Sport|access-date=13 May 2014|archive-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513092449/http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/05/12/a-game-fit-for-a-king-ledleys-6-3-testimonial-in-pictures-feat-g/|url-status=live}}</ref> Three years later on 2 September 2017, he once again joined other retired players for a charity match against [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] that Manchester United won 3–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United squad vs Barcelona legends confirmed|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-fixtures-barcelona-legends-13558189|work=Manchester Evening News|date=2 September 2017|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br/>{{cite news|title=Van Nistelrooy scores on Man Utd return against Barcelona legends|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/van-nistelrooy-scores-on-man-utd-return-against-barcelona/zn5basf1awvv1j5dy2kuqw1iz|website=Goal.com|date=2 September 2017|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Web Summit 2016 - SportsTrade - Nov 8 - Day 1 ws (21 of 79) (30860220225).jpg|thumb|Saha's speaking at the Web Summit in 2016]]
Following his retirement from professional football, Saha created a private network for pro athletes and entertainers called AxisStars.<ref name="Saha The Daily Telegraph 1"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-Manchester United player Louis Saha creates Axis Stars, a social network for professional sports stars|url=https://www.cityam.com/ex-manchester-united-player-louis-saha-creates-axis-stars-social-network-professional/|work=City AM|date=28 October 2014|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Saha Sky Sports">{{cite news|title=Interview: Louis Saha discusses new business venture and backs Ryan Giggs as Manchester United manager|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/15115/9291701/interview-louis-saha-discusses-new-business-venture-and-backs-ryan-giggs-as-manchester-united-manager|work=Sky Sports|date=2 May 2014|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

In December 2015, Saha said he would be suing a UK bank after it was revealed that a botched investment scheme resulted in him losing "around six figures."<ref name="Saha The Daily Telegraph 1" /> He also published his first book titled ''Thinking Inside the Box?''.<ref name="Saha The Guardian 1">{{cite news|title=Louis Saha: 'I really liked playing football but this is a real challenge'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/05/louis-saha-challenge-manchester-united-tottenham|work=The Guardian|date=5 August 2017|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="Saha The National" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Louis Saha: Q&A|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/louis-saha-qa|work=FourFourTwo|date=12 March 2012|access-date=22 July 2020}}<br />{{cite news|title=Louis Saha reveals Everton FC restored his love of football as new book comes out|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/louis-saha-reveals-everton-fc-3345040|work=Liverpool Echo|date=17 May 2012|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

==Personal life==
In addition to speaking [[French language|French]], Saha speaks fluent [[British English|English]]. He learned the language after moving to [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]] in 2000, where he experienced some initial struggles before improving.<ref name="Saha The Guardian"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Sunderland move allows Louis Saha to return to where his love affair with English football began|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/sunderland/9495540/Sunderland-move-allows-Louis-Saha-to-return-to-where-his-love-affair-with-English-football-began.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=23 August 2012|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827021427/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/sunderland/9495540/Sunderland-move-allows-Louis-Saha-to-return-to-where-his-love-affair-with-English-football-began.html|archive-date=27 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Saha has three children with his former partner: Stanley, Enzo and Lou.<ref name="Saha The Guardian 2"/><ref name="Saha The Guardian 3"/><ref name="Saha Fulham 1"/><ref name="Saha The National"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Louis Saha has baby girl and names her Lou|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/louis-saha-has-baby-girl-and-names-136086|work=Daily Mirror|date=20 June 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Every day's a Saha day for Louis|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/every-day-s-a-saha-day-for-louis-1.401399|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=20 December 2003|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> They split up after his retirement from football.<ref name="Saha The Guardian 1"/> Having previously lived in [[Manchester]], [[North West England]], he has since moved to the [[Southern France|south of France]].<ref name="Saha The Daily Telegraph 1"/><ref name="Saha Sky Sports"/><ref name="Saha The National">{{cite news|title=Searing pain was like an electric shock, recalls Louis Saha|url=https://www.thenational.ae/sport/searing-pain-was-like-an-electric-shock-recalls-louis-saha-1.463578|work=The National|date=11 May 2012|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

In February 2011, Saha escaped unhurt after his car collided with a fence on Altrincham Road, at the entrance to the tunnels that run under the runways of Manchester Airport.<ref>{{cite news|title= Everton FC star Louis Saha in lucky escape after horror Ferrari crash|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/everton-fc-star-louis-saha-3383995|work=Liverpool Echo|date=28 February 2011|access-date=22 July 2020}}</ref>

==Career statistics==

===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/playermenu/saha.html |title=Louis Saha |access-date=27 March 2012 |last=Endlar |first=Andrew |website=StretfordEnd.co.uk |archive-date=12 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312032407/http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/playermenu/saha.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Soccerbase}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[Coupe de France]], [[FA Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [[Coupe de la Ligue]], [[Football League Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[FC Metz|Metz]]
|[[1997–98 FC Metz season|1997–98]]
|[[French Division 1|Division 1]]
|21||1||2||0||0||0||3{{efn|name=UC|Appearances in [[UEFA Cup]]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||26||1
|-
|[[1998–99 FC Metz season|1998–99]]
|Division 1
|3||0||0||0||0||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||6||0
|-
|[[1999–2000 FC Metz season|1999–2000]]
|Division 1
|23||4||3||0||1||0||8||8||colspan="2"|—||35||12
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!47!!5!!5!!0!!1!!0!!14!!8!!0!!0!!67!!13
|-
|[[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] (loan)
|[[1998–99 Newcastle United F.C. season|1998–99]]
|[[Premier League]]
|11||1||1||1||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||12||2
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]]
|[[2000–01 Fulham F.C. season|2000–01]]
|[[Football League First Division|First Division]]
|43||27||1||0||4||5||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||48||32
|-
|[[2001–02 Fulham F.C. season|2001–02]]
|Premier League
|36||8||6||0||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||44||9
|-
|[[2002–03 Fulham F.C. season|2002–03]]
|Premier League
|17||5||3||1||0||0||8||1||colspan="2"|—||28||7
|-
|[[2003–04 Fulham F.C. season|2003–04]]
|Premier League
|21||13||1||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||22||15
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!117!!53!!11!!3!!6!!6!!8!!1!!0!!0!!142!!63
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]
|[[2003–04 Manchester United F.C. season|2003–04]]
|Premier League
|12||7||0||0||0||0||2{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]}}||0||0||0||14||7
|-
|[[2004–05 Manchester United F.C. season|2004–05]]
|Premier League
|14||1||2||0||4||1||2{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||22||2
|-
|[[2005–06 Manchester United F.C. season|2005–06]]
|Premier League
|19||7||4||2||5||6||2{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||30||15
|-
|[[2006–07 Manchester United F.C. season|2006–07]]
|Premier League
|24||8||2||1||0||0||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||colspan="2"|—||34||13
|-
|[[2007–08 Manchester United F.C. season|2007–08]]
|Premier League
|17||5||2||0||0||0||5{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||0||0||24||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!86!!28!!10!!3!!9!!7!!19!!4!!0!!0!!124!!42
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Everton F.C.|Everton]]
|[[2008–09 Everton F.C. season|2008–09]]
|Premier League
|24||6||3||2||1||0||1{{efn|name=UC}}||0||colspan="2"|—||29||8
|-
|[[2009–10 Everton F.C. season|2009–10]]
|Premier League
|33||13||1||0||1||0||5{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in [[UEFA Europa League]]}}||2||colspan="2"|—||40||15
|-
|[[2010–11 Everton F.C. season|2010–11]]
|Premier League
|22||7||3||2||1||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||10
|-
|[[2011–12 Everton F.C. season|2011–12]]
|Premier League
|18||1||0||0||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||20||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!97!!27!!7!!4!!5!!2!!6!!2!!0!!0!!115!!35
|-
|[[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]
|[[2011–12 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. season|2011–12]]
|Premier League
|10||3||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||4
|-
|[[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]]
|[[2012–13 Sunderland A.F.C. season|2012–13]]
|Premier League
|11||0||0||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||0
|-
|[[SS Lazio|Lazio]]
|[[2012–13 SS Lazio season|2012–13]]
|[[Serie A]]
|6||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||colspan="2"|—||6||0
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!385!!117!!36!!12!!24!!15!!47!!15!!0!!0!!492!!159
|}

{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{NFT player|2424|name=Louis Saha|accessdate=28 March 2011}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
| rowspan="9" |[[France national football team|France]]
|2004||8||2
|-
|2005
|0
|0
|-
|2006||10||2
|-
|2007
|0
|0
|-
|2008
|0
|0
|-
|2009
|0
|0
|-
|2010
|0
|0
|-
|2011||1||0
|-
|2012||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!20!!4
|}

:''Scores and results list France's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Saha goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Louis Saha{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
|align="center"|1
|18 February 2004
|[[King Baudouin Stadium]], Brussels, Belgium
|{{fb|BEL}}
|align="center"|2–0
|align="center"|2–0
|[[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
|align="center"|2
|28 May 2004
|[[Stade de la Mosson]], Montpellier, France
|{{fb|AND}}
|align="center"|3–0
|align="center"|4–0
|Friendly
|-
|align="center"|3
|2 September 2006
|[[Boris Paichadze National Stadium]], Tbilisi, Georgia
|{{fb|GEO}}
|align="center"|1–0
|align="center"|3–0
|[[UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying]]
|-
|align="center"|4
|11 October 2006
|[[Stade Auguste Bonal]], Montbéliard, France
|{{fb|FRO}}
|align="center"|1–0
|align="center"|5–0
|UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
|}

==Honours==
'''Fulham'''
*[[Football League First Division]]: [[2000–01 Football League First Division|2000–01]]<ref>{{cite book |editor1-first=Glenda |editor1-last=Rollin |editor2-first=Jack |editor2-last=Rollin |title=Rothmans Football Yearbook 2001–2002 |year=2001 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-0-7472-7260-1 |pages=44, 180–181}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Intertoto Cup]]: [[2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup|2002]]<ref name="2002IntertotoCup">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2188318.stm |title=Fulham force draw |website=BBC Sport |date=13 August 2002 |access-date=24 September 2021}}<br />{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/uefa_cup/2217215.stm |title=Fulham clinch Euro glory |website=BBC Sport |date=27 August 2002 |access-date=24 September 2021}}</ref>

'''Manchester United'''
*[[Premier League]]: [[2006–07 FA Premier League|2006–07]], [[2007–08 Premier League|2007–08]]<ref name="PremProfile"/>
*[[Football League Cup]]: [[2005–06 Football League Cup|2005–06]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4727118.stm |title=Man Utd ease to Carling Cup glory |website=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2006 |access-date=18 April 2018}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Champions League]]: [[2007–08 UEFA Champions League|2007–08]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/players/ec1winningsquads.html |title=European Champions' Club Cup/UEFA Champions League winning squads |first=Luca |last=Gandini |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=2 June 2016 |access-date=18 April 2018}}</ref>

'''Everton'''
*[[FA Cup]] runner-up: [[2008–09 FA Cup|2008–09]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8060989.stm |title=Chelsea 2–1 Everton |first=Chris |last=Bevan |website=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2009 |access-date=24 September 2021}}</ref>

'''France U18'''
*[[UEFA European Under-18 Championship]]: [[1997 UEFA European Under-18 Championship|1997]]{{citation needed|date=September 2021}}

'''France'''
*[[FIFA World Cup]] runner-up: [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006]]

'''Individual'''
*[[PFA Team of the Year]]: [[PFA Team of the Year (2000s)#First Division 2|2000–01 First Division]]<ref name="2001PFATOTY">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1304001.stm |title=Teams of the year |website=BBC Sport |date=29 April 2001 |access-date=24 September 2021}}</ref>
*[[Premier League Player of the Month]]: [[2001–02 FA Premier League#Monthly awards|August 2001]]<ref name="PremProfile"/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{FFF player}}
*{{UEFA player}}
*{{FIFA player}}

{{Navboxes
| title = France squads
| bg = #002395
| fg = #FFFFFF
| bordercolor = #ED2939
| list1 = 
{{France squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{France squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 = 
{{2000–01 Football League First Division Team of the Year}}
{{Football League Championship top scorers}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Saha, Louis}}
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Paris]]
[[Category:French men's footballers]]
[[Category:France men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:France men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:INF Clairefontaine players]]
[[Category:FC Metz players]]
[[Category:Newcastle United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Fulham F.C. players]]
[[Category:Manchester United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Everton F.C. players]]
[[Category:Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players]]
[[Category:Sunderland A.F.C. players]]
[[Category:SS Lazio players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Serie A players]]
[[Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2004 players]]
[[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:French expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy]]
[[Category:French expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:French expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Black French sportspeople]]
[[Category:French people of Guadeloupean descent]]