Rudy Gestede

Rudy Philippe Michel Camille Gestede (born 10 October 1988) is a former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is currently head of football operations at Blackburn Rovers. After coming through the youth ranks at Metz, Gestede spent a year on loan gaining experience with Cannes, scoring four goals in 22 appearances, before returning to Metz in 2010. In the summer of 2011, he joined Cardiff City, helping the club to secure promotion to the Premier League. However, he found first team chances limited with Cardiff at the start of 2013–14, prompting a loan move to Blackburn Rovers in 2013. In January 2014, he made a permanent transfer to Blackburn and established himself in the first team, forming a prolific partnership with Jordan Rhodes in attack. Gestede played internationally for France at under-19 level before switching international allegiance to Benin.