Latvia: Premier League Nations
The next destination of our alphabetical world tour is Latvia. The only Baltic state to have played at a major tournament (Euro 2004), Latvia has been represented by five players in the Premier League era according to the Premier League website.
First Player – Marian Pahars (Southampton; 1999-2005)
A hugely popular figure at Southampton, Marian Pahars became the first Latvian to play in the Premier League in April 1999, with Saints in a fierce relegation battle.
Pahars scored both goals in Southampton’s final day win over Everton that sealed their survival and kicked on in the following three full campaigns, scoring 36 goals.
The remainder of his time was ravaged by several injury troubles and he made no appearances in 2004/05 as Southampton were relegated from the Premier League.
Records
- Most appearances – Marian Pahars (129)
- First appearance – Marian Pahars (Coventry 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON, April 5th 1999)
- Most goals – Marian Pahars (42)
- First goal – Marian Pahars (SOUTHAMPTON 3-3 Blackburn, April 17th 1999)
Other Players
In addition to Marian Pahars, four others have represented Latvia in the Premier League: Imants Bleidelis (Southampton), Igors Stepanovs (Arsenal), Andrejs Štolcers (Fulham) and Kaspars Gorkss (Reading). Other than Gorkss (2012/13), no Latvian has played for a Premier League team since 2004.
Trivia
- Latvia are one of 48 UEFA nations to have been represented in the Premier League, out of a total of 55.
- Igors Stepanovs is the only Latvian to have won the Premier League.
- Marian Pahars managed the Latvia national team between 2013 and 2017.