Gueïda Fofana
Encyclopedia
Gueïda Fofana is a French football player who currently plays for French club Lyon
in Ligue 1
. He is a French youth international
and has captained at all levels of youth. In 2010, Fofana captained the France team that won the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
on home soil. He operates as a defensive midfielder, but can also play as a defender
and is known for his physical style of play.
, which he initially rejected preferring to play with his friends and remain close to his family. However, after constant inquiries, Fofana accepted and joined the club at age 12. While in the club's training center, Fofana developed into youth international and one of the club's most promising prospects, alongside the now-departed Paul Pogba
, captaining several of the team's youth squads. In 2008, he signed an élite contract until June 2011. In the 2008–09 season, despite being 17 years old, he appeared on the bench as a senior team player for several matches, though he didn't make an appearance, mainly due to dealing with the rigorous effects of a herniated disc
. The club suffered relegation from Ligue 1
in the 2008–09 season and, for the 2009–10 season, Fofana began training with the first team on a permanent basis.
In the club's first competitive match of the new campaign, Fofana appeared on the bench in the club's 2–1 loss to Tours
in the Coupe de la Ligue
. He made his professional debut on 18 August 2009 in a league match against Tours appearing as a substitute in the 78th minute. Le Havre, again, lost to Tours 2–0. Fofana earned his first start on 26 September 2009 playing the entire 90 minutes in the club's 2–0 victory over Metz
. On 26 November, Fofana scored his first professional goal in the club's 1–0 victory over AC Ajaccio
. Two weeks later, Fofana earn his first professional red card
after accumulating two yellow cards in only 26 minutes in a 1–0 defeat to Clermont
. He finished the campaign with 31 total appearances and one goal.
Fofana began the 2010–11 season
as a starter in the midfield. On 20 August 2010, he assisted on Le Havre's opening goal in a 2–1 victory over Stade Reims
. On 3 December, Fofana scored his first goal of the season in a 2–1 victory over Metz
. After a failed January 2011 transfer to English club Aston Villa
, on 28 January 2011, Fofana signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal with Le Havre.
confirmed on its official website that the club had signed Fofana from Le Havre. Fofana agreed to a four-year contract and the transfer fee was priced at €1.8 million. The fee could reach €2.6 million based on incentives. Fofana described the move to Lyon as "a great satisfaction" and was given the number 15 shirt. He simultaneously made his club and European debut on 14 September 2011 in the team's 0–0 draw with Dutch club Ajax in the UEFA Champions League
.
on the youth level
having appeared at all levels. Prior to representing France on international level, Fofana earned regional caps with Normandy
at age 13. He made his international youth debut with the under-16 team
in the team's opening match against the Republic of Ireland
in a 1–1 draw. On 5 December, Fofana scored his first youth international goal converting a penalty in the team's 4–1 victory over Turkey
. Fofana finished his under-16 career playing against Germany
at the Olympic Stadium
in Berlin on 30 May 2006. Germany won the match 1–0 with Felix Kroos
scoring the lone goal. With the under-17 team
, Fofana was named captain of the team by coach Francis Smerecki and scored his first goal on his debut in a 4–0 victory over Switzerland
. In qualification for the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
, Fofana scored a brace against Albania
in the first qualifying round. He also captained the team to a second-place finish at the Algarve Cup
in Portugal scoring his lone goal in a group stage match against the hosts
. At the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, Fofana led the team to the final where they were defeated 4–0 by Spain
.
With the under-18 team, he captained the squad that played against England
at Wembley Stadium
. France won the match 4–2 and Fofana, as captain, was presented with the Fallenhero Trophy by The Football Association
chairman Trevor Brooking
. On 9 September 2009, Fofana made his debut with the under-19 team
in the team's opening group stage match at the Sendaï Cup against Japan
. He scored his first goal for the team on 9 October in a 4–2 defeat to the Netherlands
. After consistently appearing with the team for the campaign, on 7 June 2010, Fofana was named to coach Francis Smerecki's 18-man squad to participate in the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
and was designated as the team's captain. He featured in four of the team's five matches including the final match against Spain
, which France won 2–1. The title is the country's second UEFA Under-19 championship.
Due to France's victory at the UEFA Under-19 championship, the nation qualified for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
, which merited under-20 team
appearances for Fofana. He was installed as captain for the fifth consecutive season by Smerecki and made his debut with the team on 7 October 2010 in a friendly match against Portugal
, which ended 3–3. Fofana, subsequently, captained the team in four more matches during the 2010–11 campaign and, on 10 June 2011, was named to the 21-man squad to participate in the U-20 World Cup. He made his debut in the competition on 30 July 2011 in the team's 4–1 defeat to the hosts Colombia
. In the team's next group stage match against South Korea, he scored the game-winning goal in a 3–1 victory.
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
. He is a French youth international
France national youth football team
The France national youth football team are the national under-20, under-19, under-18, under-17 and under-16 football teams of France and are controlled by the Fédération Française de Football. The youth teams of France participate in tournaments sanctioned by both FIFA and UEFA and also...
and has captained at all levels of youth. In 2010, Fofana captained the France team that won the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette...
on home soil. He operates as a defensive midfielder, but can also play as a defender
Defender (football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
and is known for his physical style of play.
Le Havre
Fofana began his career playing for hometown club ES Mont-Gaillard. The youngster drew the interest of Le HavreLe Havre AC
Le Havre Athletic Club Football Association is a French association football club based in Le Havre. The club was founded originally as an athletics and rugby club in 1872, thus making it the oldest association football and rugby club registered in France...
, which he initially rejected preferring to play with his friends and remain close to his family. However, after constant inquiries, Fofana accepted and joined the club at age 12. While in the club's training center, Fofana developed into youth international and one of the club's most promising prospects, alongside the now-departed Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba
Paul Labile Pogba is a French footballer who plays for English club Manchester United in the Premier League. Of Guinean descent, he operates primarily as a midfielder who is comfortable at playing both offensively and defensively...
, captaining several of the team's youth squads. In 2008, he signed an élite contract until June 2011. In the 2008–09 season, despite being 17 years old, he appeared on the bench as a senior team player for several matches, though he didn't make an appearance, mainly due to dealing with the rigorous effects of a herniated disc
Spinal disc herniation
A spinal disc herniation , informally and misleadingly called a "slipped disc", is a medical condition affecting the spine due to trauma, lifting injuries, or idiopathic, in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc allows the soft, central portion A spinal disc herniation...
. The club suffered relegation from Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
in the 2008–09 season and, for the 2009–10 season, Fofana began training with the first team on a permanent basis.
In the club's first competitive match of the new campaign, Fofana appeared on the bench in the club's 2–1 loss to Tours
Tours FC
Tours Football Club is a French association football club based in Tours, the capital city of the Indre-et-Loire department. The club was formed in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Tours plays its home matches at the Stade de la Vallée du Cher located within...
in the Coupe de la Ligue
Coupe de la Ligue
The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
. He made his professional debut on 18 August 2009 in a league match against Tours appearing as a substitute in the 78th minute. Le Havre, again, lost to Tours 2–0. Fofana earned his first start on 26 September 2009 playing the entire 90 minutes in the club's 2–0 victory over Metz
FC Metz
Football Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its...
. On 26 November, Fofana scored his first professional goal in the club's 1–0 victory over AC Ajaccio
AC Ajaccio
Athletic Club Ajaccio is a French association football club based in the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. The club was founded in 1910 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, having finished 2nd in the 2010–11 campaign in Ligue 2. The club president is Alain...
. Two weeks later, Fofana earn his first professional red card
Penalty card
A penalty card is used in many sports as a means of warning, reprimanding or penalising a player, coach or team official. Penalty cards are most commonly used by referees or umpires to indicate that a player has committed an offense. The referee will hold the card above his or her head while...
after accumulating two yellow cards in only 26 minutes in a 1–0 defeat to Clermont
Clermont Foot
Clermont Foot Auvergne 63 is a French association football club based in Clermont-Ferrand. The first incarnation of the club was formed in 1911 and the current club was created in 1990 as a result of a merger...
. He finished the campaign with 31 total appearances and one goal.
Fofana began the 2010–11 season
2010–11 in French football
The 2010–11 season is the 78th season of competitive professional football in France. The league season began on 6 August 2010 for the Championnat National and Ligue 2 and on 7 August for Ligue 1 and the Championnat de France amateur. The season concluded on 26 May 2011 for Ligue 2, 27 May for the...
as a starter in the midfield. On 20 August 2010, he assisted on Le Havre's opening goal in a 2–1 victory over Stade Reims
Stade Reims
Stade de Reims is a French association football club based in Reims. The club was formed in 1911 under the name Société Sportive du Parc Pommery and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football having achieved promotion to the league following the 2009–10 season...
. On 3 December, Fofana scored his first goal of the season in a 2–1 victory over Metz
FC Metz
Football Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its...
. After a failed January 2011 transfer to English club Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
, on 28 January 2011, Fofana signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal with Le Havre.
Lyon
On the final day of the summer transfer window, LyonOlympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
confirmed on its official website that the club had signed Fofana from Le Havre. Fofana agreed to a four-year contract and the transfer fee was priced at €1.8 million. The fee could reach €2.6 million based on incentives. Fofana described the move to Lyon as "a great satisfaction" and was given the number 15 shirt. He simultaneously made his club and European debut on 14 September 2011 in the team's 0–0 draw with Dutch club Ajax in the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
.
International career
Fofana has been active with FranceFrance national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
on the youth level
France national youth football team
The France national youth football team are the national under-20, under-19, under-18, under-17 and under-16 football teams of France and are controlled by the Fédération Française de Football. The youth teams of France participate in tournaments sanctioned by both FIFA and UEFA and also...
having appeared at all levels. Prior to representing France on international level, Fofana earned regional caps with Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
at age 13. He made his international youth debut with the under-16 team
France national under-16 football team
The France national under-16 football team is the national under-16 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team previously competed in the annual UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship before it was converted into an under-17 competition in 2002...
in the team's opening match against the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
in a 1–1 draw. On 5 December, Fofana scored his first youth international goal converting a penalty in the team's 4–1 victory over Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
. Fofana finished his under-16 career playing against Germany
Germany national youth football team
This article includes current squads of Germany U20, U19, U18, U17, U16 and U15 national football teams.-Current technical staff:- Germany national under-20 squad :- Germany national under-19 squad :- Germany national under-18 squad :...
at the Olympic Stadium
Olympic Stadium (Berlin)
The Olympiastadion is a sports stadium in Berlin, Germany. There have been two stadiums on the site: the present facility, and one that is called the Deutsches Stadion which was built for the aborted 1916 Summer Olympics. Both were designed by members of the same family, the first by Otto March...
in Berlin on 30 May 2006. Germany won the match 1–0 with Felix Kroos
Felix Kroos
Felix Kroos is a German footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Werder Bremen.-Career:...
scoring the lone goal. With the under-17 team
France national under-17 football team
The France national under-17 football team is the national under-17 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the annual UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship and the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which is held every four years...
, Fofana was named captain of the team by coach Francis Smerecki and scored his first goal on his debut in a 4–0 victory over Switzerland
Switzerland national under-17 football team
The Switzerland national under-17 football team is the national under-17 football team of Switzerland and is controlled by the Swiss Football Association. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship and in the FIFA U-17 World Cup...
. In qualification for the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship
The final tournament of the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship was the 26th UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, UEFA's premier football tournament for players under the age of 17. The tournament was held in Turkey from 4 May to 16 May 2008...
, Fofana scored a brace against Albania
Albania national football team
The Albania national association football team is the national association football team of Albania and is controlled by the Football Association of Albania...
in the first qualifying round. He also captained the team to a second-place finish at the Algarve Cup
Algarve Cup
The Algarve Cup is a global invitational tournament for national teams in women's football . Held annually in the Algarve region of Portugal since 1994, it is one of the most prestigious women's football events, alongside the Women's World Cup and Women's Olympic Football...
in Portugal scoring his lone goal in a group stage match against the hosts
Portugal national under-17 football team
The Portugal national under-17 football team represents Portugal in international football at this age level and is controlled by Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, the governing body for football in Portugal.-FIFA U-17 World Cup Championship Record:...
. At the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, Fofana led the team to the final where they were defeated 4–0 by Spain
Spain national under-17 football team
The Spain national under-17 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain....
.
With the under-18 team, he captained the squad that played against England
England national under-18 football team
-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Slovakia.-Recent call-ups:The following players have also been called up to the England under-18 squad and remain eligible.-References:...
at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
. France won the match 4–2 and Fofana, as captain, was presented with the Fallenhero Trophy by The Football Association
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
chairman Trevor Brooking
Trevor Brooking
Sir Trevor David Brooking CBE is a football player turned manager, on-air analyst, and administrator.Brooking attended Ripple Infants School and left Ilford County High School with 11 O-levels and 2 A-levels....
. On 9 September 2009, Fofana made his debut with the under-19 team
France national under-19 football team
The France national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the annual UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship. They were the 2010 champions of the competition having won on home soil...
in the team's opening group stage match at the Sendaï Cup against Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
. He scored his first goal for the team on 9 October in a 4–2 defeat to the Netherlands
Netherlands national under-19 football team
The Netherlands national under-19 football team represents the Netherlands at this age level and is governed by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond — KNVB...
. After consistently appearing with the team for the campaign, on 7 June 2010, Fofana was named to coach Francis Smerecki's 18-man squad to participate in the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette...
and was designated as the team's captain. He featured in four of the team's five matches including the final match against Spain
Spain national under-19 football team
The Spain national under-19 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain.-UEFA European Under-19 Championship Record:...
, which France won 2–1. The title is the country's second UEFA Under-19 championship.
Due to France's victory at the UEFA Under-19 championship, the nation qualified for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the eighteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup since its inception in 1977 as the FIFA World Youth Championship. Colombia hosted the tournament between 29 July and 20 August 2011, with matches being played in eight cities...
, which merited under-20 team
France national under-20 football team
The France national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is held every two years and the Toulon Tournament, which is held every May when football league...
appearances for Fofana. He was installed as captain for the fifth consecutive season by Smerecki and made his debut with the team on 7 October 2010 in a friendly match against Portugal
Portugal national under-20 football team
The Portugal national under-20 football team is the national under-20 football team of Portugal and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal....
, which ended 3–3. Fofana, subsequently, captained the team in four more matches during the 2010–11 campaign and, on 10 June 2011, was named to the 21-man squad to participate in the U-20 World Cup. He made his debut in the competition on 30 July 2011 in the team's 4–1 defeat to the hosts Colombia
Colombia national under-20 football team
The Colombia national under-20 football team, is controlled by the Federación Colombiana de Fútbol and represents Colombia in international under-20 football competitions.-Current squad:The following players are participating in the 2011 U-20 FIFA World Cup....
. In the team's next group stage match against South Korea, he scored the game-winning goal in a 3–1 victory.
Club
(Correct as of 27 September 2011)| Club | Season | League | CupIncludes Coupe de France Coupe de France The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation... , Coupe de la Ligue Coupe de la Ligue The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel... , Trophée des Champions Trophée des champions The Trophée des champions , is a French association football trophy contested in an annual match between the champions of Ligue 1 and the winners of the Coupe de France. It is equivalent to the Super Cups found in many countries... |
Europe UEFA The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer.... Includes UEFA Supercup |
Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | ||
| Le Havre Le Havre AC Le Havre Athletic Club Football Association is a French association football club based in Le Havre. The club was founded originally as an athletics and rugby club in 1872, thus making it the oldest association football and rugby club registered in France... |
2009–10 | 30 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 1 |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Ligue 2 The 2010–11 Ligue 2 season was the 72nd since its establishment. Caen were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 22 May 2010 and the season began on 6 August and ended on 27 May 2011. The winter break will be in effect between 22 December and 14 January 2011... |
34 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 3 | 3 | |
| Total | 64 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 67 | 4 | 4 | |
| Lyon Olympique Lyonnais Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The... |
2011–12 2011–12 Ligue 2 The 2011–12 Ligue 2 season is the 73rd since its establishment. Last season's champions was Evian. The league schedule was announced on 31 March 2011 and the fixtures were determined on 10 June. The season began on 29 July and will end on 18 May 2012... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
| Career total | 67 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 71 | 4 | 4 | |
International
FranceFrance national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
-
- UEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipUEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
: 20102010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship-Group B:---------------------Bracket:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Daniel Pacheco3 goals Zvonko Pamić Cédric Bakambu Alexandre Lacazette... - 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup2011 FIFA U-20 World CupThe 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the eighteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup since its inception in 1977 as the FIFA World Youth Championship. Colombia hosted the tournament between 29 July and 20 August 2011, with matches being played in eight cities...
: Fourth Place
- UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship