Everybody loves Shavy! Meet Toulouse's Supersub, Shavy Babicka

While the history of Gabonese players in Ligue 1 McDonald's isn't as illustrious as the likes of Senegal or Cameroon, Les Panthéres have contributed their fair share of magnetic attacking talent to French football over the years. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, late of Marseille and Saint-Étienne, of course leads the way, but the likes of Denis Bouanga and Daniel Cousin have also made an impact in recent years. While Aubameyang left France this summer, it looks like another Gabon international looks set to rise to the challenge of replacing him, in the form of Toulouse FC striker Shavy Babicka.

Setting STANDARDS from the bench

On Sunday against Le Havre, Babicka was on the bench as Les Violets sought what would be their first win of the season, at home against Le Havre. Summer signing Joshua King was in the eleven from the off for the hosts, but Babicka, as he had already done in a draw against OGC Nice and a loss to Marseille, came off the bench to score, breaking the deadlock on 70 minutes, before Yann Gboho sealed the result four minutes from time. 

With three goals -- all off the bench -- in just 85 minutes of play this season, Babicka has been a potent "supersub" as Toulouse look to replace the goalscoring that was lost by the departure of Thijs Dallinga. No other player in Europe's top five leagues has more goals off the bench this season, and only Cristhian Stuani of Girona has a better goals/minute ratio among players with at least two goals. Simply put, no one on the continent has made more of a difference coming on than Babicka, who earned the praise of manager Carles Martínez Novell post-match. "I'm very happy for Shavy, as he arrived late back from the international break. He wanted to play but was still a little fatigued. Three goals in the league, we hope he can continue like this -- it's great to share this win with the fans."  

Shavy et Yann qui marquent, c'est tout un Stadium qui danse 🕺#TFCHAC pic.twitter.com/3hiyeWcYEc

— Toulouse FC (@ToulouseFC) September 15, 2024

Humble beginnings

Born in the Gabonese capital, Libreville, the 24-year-old Babicka has been an international for his country since 2022, but unlike many of his teammates, who were born in France, he has had a longer road to reach European football. After coming through the academy at Mangasport, he moved to the Rwandan side Kiyovu, where he caught the eye of Aris Limassol, one of the top clubs in Cyprus. While there, he was acknowledged as one of the best attackers in the league, and even had the chance to play in European competitions. 

After joining Toulouse last winter, he played sparingly, especially after the return of Zakaria Aboukhlal, but even with the arrival of the vastly experience King, he now looks well-positioned to be hugely influential as Toulouse hope to return to European football. Speaking after Sunday's win, Babicka expressed satisfaction, but also determination to continue to improve, saying, "I figured I had no excuse this season. I've had enough time to adapt to Ligue 1. I'm trying to do my best, but much remains to be done."  If that improvement continues apace, Ligue 1 could yet have its next star Gabonese attacker.  

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