In 1923, two great Parisian players arrived at Olympique de Marseille: scorer Jean Boyer and defensive (midfielder) Edouard Crut. This duo would wreak havoc on Olympique de Marseille in the 1920s. Renowned for his powerful shot that allows him to score goals of more than 30 meters, Edouard Crut grew into the jersey as he wore the Blue and White during five seasons during his career ( 1923-1927 and 1935-1936). Nicknamed "Doudou" or "Mélanie", the left back plays 69 matches with OM and scored 54 goals.
Born April 16, 1901 in Neuilly-sur-Seine -- in the Paris region -- Édouard Crut grew up in Switzerland. It was among the Swiss that he began his career as a footballer in 1920, in the Star Carouge Geneva FC. He then comes to France where he will play in several clubs: US Saint-Mande, Gallia Club Lunel, OGC Nice, AS Cannes, Fac Nice. In 1923, he left the Gallia Club Lunel to join Olympique de Marseille. The beginning of a good period for him and the club.
It was Pierre Robin, a cork dealer settled near the Old Port and responsible for recruiting on Paris soil who convinced him to move to the South of France in 1923. Robin had gone to Paris and met "Doudou" Crut to the Brasserie des Sports, rue du Faubourg-Montmartre. Crut told Robin that his friend Jean Boyer could also join the club. President Dallaporta then took the opportunity to recruit these two stars. Professionalism does not exist yet, Crut is hired as grain brokers for 1100 francs per month like his favorite teammate Jean Boyer. OM's investment is quickly paying off.
A French international (8 caps, 6 goals), Crut participated in the Olympic Games with France in 1924 in Paris and he won with OM three French Cup (1924, 1926 , 1927). He scored twice in the final of the 1924 edition against FC Ce (3-2 a.p). Renowned as one of the best free-kicks, "Doudou" drews a magnificent free-kick in added time and beat Henric, the goalkeeper. Crut!
Crut also won in the final of the Coupe de France in the 1926 and 1927 editions. He contributes to the rise and new reputation of Olympique de Marseille. He left OM in 1927 to join the OGC Nice. But he ended his career at OM, club in which he returns in the 1935-1936 season. He died on October 24, 1974 in Marseille at the age of 73 years.
