Valentin Roberge


Valentin Sébastien Roger Roberge is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Cypriot First Division club AEK Larnaca.
Born in France, he represented Cyprus at international level.

Club career

Early years

Born in Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, Roberge had spells with hometown's ESD Montreuil, Les Lilas and Paris FC before joining Guingamp for his senior debut, but he went on to appear only for the reserve side.
For the 2007–08 season he signed with Paris Saint Germain, but met the exact same fate.

Aris and Marítimo

In the summer of 2008, Roberge signed for Aris Thessaloniki, penning a three-year contract. He made his debut against Panathinaikos but, midway through his second year in the Super League Greece, an economic crisis took hold of the club, and he went five months without being paid before his link was terminated.
Following his release, Roberge moved to Portugal's Marítimo after a successful trial. He started in all of his 25 Primeira Liga appearances in the 2011–12 campaign, helping the Madeirans to finish fifth and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Sunderland

On 10 June 2013, Premier League side Sunderland announced the signing of Roberge on a free transfer. He made his debut on 17 August in a 0–1 home defeat against Fulham, and scored his only goal on 24 September in the 2–0 home win over Peterborough in the League Cup, heading in an Adam Johnson cross.
Roberge left the Stadium of Light in June 2016, with 13 competitive matches to his credit.

Apollon Limassol

Roberge joined Apollon Limassol in the 2016 off-season. He won several accolades during his spell, including the Cypriot First Division in 2021–22.

International career

In September 2022, Roberge became a Cypriot citizen. He won his first cap for the national team on the 24th at the age of 35, in a 1–0 victory against Greece in the UEFA Nations League. He scored his first goal three days later, but in a 5–1 loss in Kosovo in the same competition.

Career statistics

Honours

Apollon Limassol
  • Cypriot First Division: 2021–22
  • Cypriot Cup: 2016–17; runner-up: 2017–18
  • Cypriot Super Cup: 2016, 2017, 2022
AEK Larnaca