Portland Timbers players come from a variety of countries and various parts of the United States. Different languages, different cultures. Timbers Roots takes a look at some of the origins of Portland players to learn more about where they came from before they were part of The Rose City.
This latest edition: Larrys Mabiala. After beginning his career with Paris Saint-Germain in 2007, Mabiala went on to play in Nice and later in Turkey. He signed with the Timbers in the summer of 2017.
What was the name of the first youth soccer team you ever played on?
It was US Nojent Sur Oise
What is the name of your hometown?
Montfermeil
What position did you play?
I played striker
Who was your favorite sports hero growing up?
My favorite athletes were Michael Jordan and Mike Tyson
(Photo: USA Today Sports Images)
What was/is your favorite thing to do in your hometown?
Training with my friends, playing football outside
Name one unique fact about where you came from.
When we were young and used to be together all the time, you could go—without asking permission—to your friends’ house, even if they were not there, and they could give you some food…I would say in one word, it would be: Unity
Describe your favorite home-cooked meal.
It’s some rice with chicken, with a sauce called poondu that’s made with vegetables and it’s a little bit spicy
Who inspires you?
My mother
What are you most proud of?
Being a father
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear? My greatest fear, wow that’s a good question. Wait, wait, wait. Just give me a second. What’s my greatest fear? I would say, I’m very—no, it’s not, like, a greatest fear—I’m very scared of cats. Yeah, cats.
