Stéphane Sessegnon
Encyclopedia
Stéphane Sessègnon is Benin
ese football player of Ivorian
heritage who currently plays for English club Sunderland
in the Premier League. He is a Benin international
having starred for the nation at both the 2008 and 2010 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. Sessègnon plays a variety of positions in the midfield, most notably as a playmaker
.
side Requins de l'Atlantique
, which means the Sharks of the Atlantic
, in Cotonou
, the largest city in Benin
. After spending only a year in the club's senior team, he ventured to France joining US Créteil-Lusitanos
, based in the Parisian suburbs. Sessègnon quickly integrated into the squad, which included fellow international Noel Seka
, making his debut on the opening match day of the 2004–05 Ligue 2 season
against Stade Reims
appearing as a substitute in a 2–1 defeat. He scored his first goal on 14 January 2005, scoring a brace, in a span of four minutes, in a 3–0 win over Gueugnon
. Though Créteil finished in 15th position, Sessègnon was labeled a revelation as he was the primary bright spot in helping the club escape relegation.
The following season
proved even better for the club, as well as Sessègnon. Créteil finished the season in 8th position, their highest finish ever in Ligue 2
, and Sessègnon appeared in 33 league matches scoring 5 goals. In total, the player appeared in 68 league matches scoring 10 goals for Créteil.
, on 19 May 2006, he signed with Le Mans agreeing to a three-year deal. He made his debut for the club in a league match against Troyes
appearing as a substitute in a 2–2 draw. After featuring as a sub in his first five appearances, including receiving a straight red card in a match against Sedan
, he earned his first start on 4 November 2006 against Auxerre
. Two weeks later, he scored his first career goal for Le Mans in a 1–1 draw with Rennes. These positive performances resulted in Sessègnon cementing his place in the first 11 starting every following match that season, except one.
Though utilized with Le Mans early on as a holding midfielder, Sessègnon was given a more advanced role for the 2007–08 season, often starting on the right side of the midfield or as an attacker. This proved beneficial for Sessègnon and the club as the new role displayed his versatility, which showed when he scored both goals in the club's 3–2 defeat to giants Olympique Lyonnais
on 1 September 2007. He scored again the following week in a 1–0 victory over Valenciennes
. Sessègnon also helped the club reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue
that season where they lost to Lens
in a thrilling 5–4 defeat in extra time. Sessègnon played the entire 120 minutes.
and Newcastle United
before opting to remain in France signing a four-year deal with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint Germain
. The fee was said to be in the range of €8 to 10 million. Sessègnon was giving the number 10 shirt and installed as the team's playmaker
.
Sessegnon made his league debut with the club on 16 August 2008, starting in the club's 1–0 win against Bordeaux
. The following match day, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw with Sochaux
. On 13 December 2008, Sessègnon scored his third career brace against Auxerre in a 2–1 victory. For his positive performances, he was named the UNFP Player of the Month
for December. Sessègnon also appeared in 9 matches in the UEFA Cup
scoring one goal against Dutch club Twente
. During the season, Sessègnon formed a dazzling triangular partnership with captain and holding midfielder Claude Makélélé
and centre midfielder Jérémy Clément
, which contributed to the club going as high as 2nd position in the league, reaching the Coupe de la Ligue
semi-finals, and making it to the UEFA Cup quarterfinals. In total, Sessègnon made 49 appearances scoring 8 goals and also compiling 11 assists. For his efforts, he was nominated for the Player of the Year award and also named to the Team of the Year. The season effectively validated Sessègnon as a star player.
After the season, several clubs contacted Paris Saint-Germain to discuss Sessègnon's availability on the transfer market with Premier League clubs Chelsea
, Liverpool
, Arsenal
, Everton
, and Manchester City
being the primary suitors. Following the overwhelming interest, on 23 June, Sessègnon went public demanding his parent club give him a pay raise, stating, "I think I am one of the best performers in the club." The firing of manager Paul Le Guen
also played a role in his demands. Two weeks later, Sessègnon and the club reached an agreement on a contract extension with the player set to receive a substantial pay raise.
In the 2010–11 season
, Sessègnon struggled to make an impact with the first team after being relegated to a substitute's role by manager Antoine Kombouaré
. The friction between the player and manager reached its zenith in December 2010 when Sessègnon accused Kombouaré of insulting him during a one-on-one interview ahead of the team's match against Nancy
on 19 December. Sessègnon, subsequently, confirmed his desire to leave the club in the January window and, as a sign of his intent, refused to join Paris Saint-Germain on its winter training camp in Morocco
.
. He signed a three-and-a-half year contract and the transfer fee was priced at £6 million, and made his debut on 1 February against Chelsea
. He made his second start for the Black Cats
in 3–2 away loss against Stoke City
on 5 February 2011.
His first real successful moment as a Sunderland player after a disappointing start came on 23 April, where he scored his first goal for the club in the 4–2 win over Wigan Athletic
. He converted a penalty of his own making in the 73rd minute, beating Ali Al Habsi after being tripped by Antolin Alcaraz
. Sessègnon had been forced to play in an unfamiliar role as a lone striker, after injuries to strikers Danny Welbeck
and Asamoah Gyan
during the game. He started Sunderland's next fixture at home to Fulham in the same lone forward role, with both forwards injured until the end of the season. Sessègnon has also been credited for his performance against Bolton Wanderers playing as a lone striker and creating two goals, one of them for Boudewijn Zenden, who said, "Stéphane did really well – he's a little piece of dynamite and he dealt really well with what Bolton threw at him".
Sessegnon scored in Sunderland's home defeat against Wolves
, and again in the final game of the season, a 3–0 win at West Ham
.
In his second season at Sunderland, he scored his opening of the season against Bolton on 22 October 2011.
Sessegnon followed this up with an 89th minute equaliser against Aston Villa a week later, also providing an assist and winning man of the match.
on 6 June 2004 in a 2006 World Cup qualification match
against Cameroon
starting in the team's 2–1 loss. He appeared in the majority of the qualification matches, where Benin ultimately suffered elimination. He was a member of Benin squad that reached the 2008 African Cup of Nations
, where the nation was eliminated in the group stage. During 2010 World Cup qualifying
, Sessègnon scored his only goal of the campaign in the team's 4–1 romp over minnows Uganda
. Benin reached the third round of qualifying finishing in a respectable second in their group, five points behind Ghana
and ahead of contenders Mali
. As a result of their second place finish, Benin qualified for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team failed to get out of the group stage for the second straight competition. Sessègnon scored his last goal for his nation in the team's 1–0 victory over Libya
on 7 January 2010. In 7 February 2010 a local sports magazine chose him the best player of Benin's history.
, manager Steve Bruce
described Sessègnon as a player who "can play on the left, on the right, through the middle – he's lightning quick and he's a match-winner". Bruce also went on to say "Stéphane's a little powerhouse with a small centre of gravity, some great dribbling skills and a good shot."
Benin
Benin , officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in West Africa. It borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. Its small southern coastline on the Bight of Benin is where a majority of the population is located...
ese football player of Ivorian
Côte d'Ivoire
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
heritage who currently plays for English club Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
in the Premier League. He is a Benin international
Benin national football team
The Benin national football team, nicknamed Les Écureuils , is the national football team of Benin and is controlled by the Fédération Béninoise de Football. They were known as the Dahomey national football team until 1975, when Dahomey became Benin. They have never made the World Cup but have...
having starred for the nation at both the 2008 and 2010 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. Sessègnon plays a variety of positions in the midfield, most notably as a playmaker
Playmaker
In association football, a playmaker is a player who controls the flow of the team's offensive play, and is often involved in passing moves which lead to goals....
.
Early career
Sessègnon began his career with Benin Premier LeagueBenin Premier League
The Benin Premier League, also called Championnat National du Bénin in French, is the highest football division in Benin. The league was delivered in 1969 for the first time. Currently, it is composed by 14 clubs playing a double round-robin tournament. The winner of the Premier League earns a...
side Requins de l'Atlantique
Requins de l'Atlantique FC
Requins de l'Atlantique Football Club is a football club of Benin, playing in the town of Cotonou. They play in the Beninese first division, the Benin Premier League.-Achievements:*Benin Premier League: 3*Benin Cup: 5...
, which means the Sharks of the Atlantic
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
, in Cotonou
Cotonou
-Demographics:*1979: 320,348 *1992: 536,827 *2002: 665,100 *2005: 690,584 The main languages spoken in Cotonou include the Fon language, Aja language, Yoruba language and French.-Transport:...
, the largest city in Benin
Benin
Benin , officially the Republic of Benin, is a country in West Africa. It borders Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east and Burkina Faso and Niger to the north. Its small southern coastline on the Bight of Benin is where a majority of the population is located...
. After spending only a year in the club's senior team, he ventured to France joining US Créteil-Lusitanos
US Créteil-Lusitanos
Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos Football is a French football club based in Créteil, a southeastern suburb of Paris. The club was founded in 1936 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third division of French football...
, based in the Parisian suburbs. Sessègnon quickly integrated into the squad, which included fellow international Noel Seka
Noel Seka
Arnaud Noël Séka is a Beninese international football player who plays professionally in Oman for Al-Nasr as a defender. He formerly played for Requins in Benin, US Créteil-Lusitanos in France, and FC Fyn in Denmark....
, making his debut on the opening match day of the 2004–05 Ligue 2 season
Ligue 2 season 2004-05
The Ligue 2 season 2004/2005, organised by the LFP was won by AS Nancy and saw the promotions of AS Nancy, Le Mans UC72 and Troyes AC, whereas Angers SCO and SC Bastia were relegated to National.-20 participating teams:-Final table:-Recap:...
against 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...
appearing as a substitute in a 2–1 defeat. He scored his first goal on 14 January 2005, scoring a brace, in a span of four minutes, in a 3–0 win over Gueugnon
FC Gueugnon
Football Club Gueugnonnais was a French association football club based in Gueugnon. The club was formed in 1940 and played in the Championnat National, the third level of French football, before entering liquidation in April 2011. Gueugnon played its home matches at the Stade Jean Laville...
. Though Créteil finished in 15th position, Sessègnon was labeled a revelation as he was the primary bright spot in helping the club escape relegation.
The following season
Ligue 2 season 2005-06
The Ligue 2 season 2005/2006, organised by the LFP was won by Valenciennes FC and saw the promotions of Valenciennes FC, CS Sedan Ardennes and FC Lorient, whereas AC Ajaccio, RC Strasbourg and FC Metz were relegated from Ligue 1.-20 participating teams:...
proved even better for the club, as well as Sessègnon. Créteil finished the season in 8th position, their highest finish ever in Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
, and Sessègnon appeared in 33 league matches scoring 5 goals. In total, the player appeared in 68 league matches scoring 10 goals for Créteil.
Le Mans
With Sessègnon keen on a move to Ligue 1Ligue 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....
, on 19 May 2006, he signed with Le Mans agreeing to a three-year deal. He made his debut for the club in a league match against Troyes
Troyes AC
Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube Champagne is a French association football club, based in Troyes. It was founded in 1900. The club was promoted to Ligue 1 for the 2005–06 season and their first Ligue 1 season was in 1954/55, and their second spell came in 1999/2000 Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube...
appearing as a substitute in a 2–2 draw. After featuring as a sub in his first five appearances, including receiving a straight red card in a match against Sedan
CS Sedan Ardennes
Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes, commonly referred to as CS Sedan or simply Sedan , is a French association football club based in Sedan. The club was formed in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Sedan plays its home matches at the Stade Louis Dugauguez located...
, he earned his first start on 4 November 2006 against Auxerre
AJ Auxerre
Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise is a French association football club based in the commune of Auxerre in Burgundy. The club was founded in 1905 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Auxerre plays its home matches at the Stade l'Abbé-Deschamps on the banks of the...
. Two weeks later, he scored his first career goal for Le Mans in a 1–1 draw with Rennes. These positive performances resulted in Sessègnon cementing his place in the first 11 starting every following match that season, except one.
Though utilized with Le Mans early on as a holding midfielder, Sessègnon was given a more advanced role for the 2007–08 season, often starting on the right side of the midfield or as an attacker. This proved beneficial for Sessègnon and the club as the new role displayed his versatility, which showed when he scored both goals in the club's 3–2 defeat to giants Olympique Lyonnais
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...
on 1 September 2007. He scored again the following week in a 1–0 victory over Valenciennes
Valenciennes FC
Valenciennes Football Club is a French association football club based in Valenciennes. The club was founded in 1913 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Valenciennes plays its home matches at the recently-built Stade du Hainaut located within the city...
. Sessègnon also helped the club reached the semi-finals of 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...
that season where they lost to Lens
RC Lens
Racing Club de Lens is a French association football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or , comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbors Lille OSC, whom they contest the Derby du...
in a thrilling 5–4 defeat in extra time. Sessègnon played the entire 120 minutes.
Paris Saint-Germain
Due to his two impressive seasons with Le Mans, Sessègnon became the subject of several scouting missions by larger clubs. He drew interest from Premier League sides ArsenalArsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
and Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
before opting to remain in France signing a four-year deal with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint Germain
Paris Saint-Germain FC
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club , also known simply as Paris Saint-Germain and familiarly as Paris SG or PSG , is a professional association football club based in Paris, France. The club was founded on 12 August 1970, thanks to the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain...
. The fee was said to be in the range of €8 to 10 million. Sessègnon was giving the number 10 shirt and installed as the team's playmaker
Playmaker
In association football, a playmaker is a player who controls the flow of the team's offensive play, and is often involved in passing moves which lead to goals....
.
Sessegnon made his league debut with the club on 16 August 2008, starting in the club's 1–0 win against Bordeaux
FC Girondins de Bordeaux
Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux is a French association football club based in the city of Bordeaux. The club currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, and won its last Ligue 1 title in the 2008–09 season....
. The following match day, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw with Sochaux
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city...
. On 13 December 2008, Sessègnon scored his third career brace against Auxerre in a 2–1 victory. For his positive performances, he was named the UNFP Player of the Month
UNFP Player of the Month
The UNFP Player of the Month trophy is awarded to the best player in the French football championship Ligue 1 by the UNFP, RTL and L'Équipe.A similar award goes to the best player in Ligue 2 and is set up by the UNFP, France Football and Eurosport....
for December. Sessègnon also appeared in 9 matches in the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
scoring one goal against Dutch club Twente
FC Twente
FC Twente is a Dutch professional football club from the city of Enschede, playing in the Eredivisie. The club was formed in 1965 by the merger of 1926 Eredivisie Champions, Sportclub Enschede and Enschedese Boys...
. During the season, Sessègnon formed a dazzling triangular partnership with captain and holding midfielder Claude Makélélé
Claude Makélélé
Claude Makélelé Sinda is a retired football player who used to play as a defensive midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. Prior to joining Paris Saint-Germain, Makélélé played for Nantes, Olympique de Marseille, Celta Vigo, Real Madrid and Chelsea...
and centre midfielder Jérémy Clément
Jérémy Clément
Jérémy Clément is a French professional footballer currently playing for Ligue 1 club Saint-Étienne. He is primarily a left-footed defensive midfielder with an eye for a pass.-Career:...
, which contributed to the club going as high as 2nd position in the league, reaching 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...
semi-finals, and making it to the UEFA Cup quarterfinals. In total, Sessègnon made 49 appearances scoring 8 goals and also compiling 11 assists. For his efforts, he was nominated for the Player of the Year award and also named to the Team of the Year. The season effectively validated Sessègnon as a star player.
After the season, several clubs contacted Paris Saint-Germain to discuss Sessègnon's availability on the transfer market with Premier League clubs Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
, Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
, Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
, and Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
being the primary suitors. Following the overwhelming interest, on 23 June, Sessègnon went public demanding his parent club give him a pay raise, stating, "I think I am one of the best performers in the club." The firing of manager Paul Le Guen
Paul Le Guen
Paul Le Guen is a French football manager and former player. He was recently confirmed as new manager of the Oman national football team.Le Guen had a successful managerial career in France, most notably leading Olympique Lyonnais to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles. He has also managed Stade...
also played a role in his demands. Two weeks later, Sessègnon and the club reached an agreement on a contract extension with the player set to receive a substantial pay raise.
In 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...
, Sessègnon struggled to make an impact with the first team after being relegated to a substitute's role by manager Antoine Kombouaré
Antoine Kombouaré
Antoine Kombouaré is a manager of football Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain and a former professional football defender.-Early life and career:...
. The friction between the player and manager reached its zenith in December 2010 when Sessègnon accused Kombouaré of insulting him during a one-on-one interview ahead of the team's match against Nancy
AS Nancy
Association Sportive Nancy-Lorraine is a French association football club based in Nancy. The club was founded in 1967 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Nancy plays its home matches at the Stade Marcel Picot in Tomblaine, a commune located in the Arrondissement of...
on 19 December. Sessègnon, subsequently, confirmed his desire to leave the club in the January window and, as a sign of his intent, refused to join Paris Saint-Germain on its winter training camp in Morocco
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
.
Sunderland
On 15 August 2010, Sessègnon departed Paris Saint-Germain to join English club SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
. He signed a three-and-a-half year contract and the transfer fee was priced at £6 million, and made his debut on 1 February against Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
. He made his second start for the Black Cats
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
in 3–2 away loss against Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
on 5 February 2011.
His first real successful moment as a Sunderland player after a disappointing start came on 23 April, where he scored his first goal for the club in the 4–2 win over Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
. He converted a penalty of his own making in the 73rd minute, beating Ali Al Habsi after being tripped by Antolin Alcaraz
Antolin Alcaraz
Antolín Alcaraz Viveros is a Paraguayan footballer who plays for Wigan Athletic in the Premier League, as a central defender.-Club career:...
. Sessègnon had been forced to play in an unfamiliar role as a lone striker, after injuries to strikers Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck
Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah "Danny" Welbeck is an English footballer who plays for Manchester United and the England national football team. He is a centre forward who can also play on the wing....
and Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan is a Ghanaian professional footballer, who plays as a striker for Emirati club Al Ain in the UAE Pro-League , and the Ghana national team....
during the game. He started Sunderland's next fixture at home to Fulham in the same lone forward role, with both forwards injured until the end of the season. Sessègnon has also been credited for his performance against Bolton Wanderers playing as a lone striker and creating two goals, one of them for Boudewijn Zenden, who said, "Stéphane did really well – he's a little piece of dynamite and he dealt really well with what Bolton threw at him".
Sessegnon scored in Sunderland's home defeat against Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
, and again in the final game of the season, a 3–0 win at West Ham
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
.
In his second season at Sunderland, he scored his opening of the season against Bolton on 22 October 2011.
Sessegnon followed this up with an 89th minute equaliser against Aston Villa a week later, also providing an assist and winning man of the match.
International career
Sessègnon made his debut for BeninBenin national football team
The Benin national football team, nicknamed Les Écureuils , is the national football team of Benin and is controlled by the Fédération Béninoise de Football. They were known as the Dahomey national football team until 1975, when Dahomey became Benin. They have never made the World Cup but have...
on 6 June 2004 in a 2006 World Cup qualification match
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)
Listed below are the dates and results for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for Africa. 51 teams took part , competing for 5 World Cup places.The qualification was composed of two Rounds...
against Cameroon
Cameroon national football team
The Cameroon national football team, nicknamed Les Lions Indomptables , is controlled by the Fédération Camerounaise de Football and is Africa's most successful side in FIFA world cup; having qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times – in 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010– more than any...
starting in the team's 2–1 loss. He appeared in the majority of the qualification matches, where Benin ultimately suffered elimination. He was a member of Benin squad that reached the 2008 African Cup of Nations
2008 African Cup of Nations
The 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the MTN Africa Cup of Nations due to the competition's sponsorship by MTN, was the 26th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial football tournament for nations affiliated to the Confederation of African Football . The tournament was staged at...
, where the nation was eliminated in the group stage. During 2010 World Cup qualifying
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)
The Confederation of African Football section of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw teams compete for five berths in the final tournament in South Africa...
, Sessègnon scored his only goal of the campaign in the team's 4–1 romp over minnows Uganda
Uganda national football team
The Uganda national football team, nicknamed The Cranes, is the national team of Uganda and is controlled by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations...
. Benin reached the third round of qualifying finishing in a respectable second in their group, five points behind Ghana
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
and ahead of contenders Mali
Mali national football team
The Mali national football team, nicknamed Les Aigles , is the national team of Mali and is controlled by the Fédération Malienne de Football. They have never qualified for the World Cup finals.-History:...
. As a result of their second place finish, Benin qualified for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team failed to get out of the group stage for the second straight competition. Sessègnon scored his last goal for his nation in the team's 1–0 victory over Libya
Libya national football team
The Libya national football team is the national association football team of Libya and is controlled by the Libyan Football Federation. The team has never qualified for the senior FIFA World Cup. They have qualified for three Africa Cup of Nations, one in 1982 where they finished runners-up and...
on 7 January 2010. In 7 February 2010 a local sports magazine chose him the best player of Benin's history.
Style of play
Upon signing for SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
, manager Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce
Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce is an English football manager and former player. Born in Corbridge, Northumberland, he was a promising schoolboy footballer but was rejected by a number of professional clubs. He was on the verge of quitting the game altogether when he was offered a trial with Gillingham...
described Sessègnon as a player who "can play on the left, on the right, through the middle – he's lightning quick and he's a match-winner". Bruce also went on to say "Stéphane's a little powerhouse with a small centre of gravity, some great dribbling skills and a good shot."
Club
(Correct as of 15 December 2010)| 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 | ||
| Requins de l'Atlantique Requins de l'Atlantique FC Requins de l'Atlantique Football Club is a football club of Benin, playing in the town of Cotonou. They play in the Beninese first division, the Benin Premier League.-Achievements:*Benin Premier League: 3*Benin Cup: 5... |
2003–04 Benin Premier League The Benin Premier League, also called Championnat National du Bénin in French, is the highest football division in Benin. The league was delivered in 1969 for the first time. Currently, it is composed by 14 clubs playing a double round-robin tournament. The winner of the Premier League earns a... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| US Créteil US Créteil-Lusitanos Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos Football is a French football club based in Créteil, a southeastern suburb of Paris. The club was founded in 1936 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third division of French football... |
2004–05 | 35 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 5 | 4 |
| 2005–06 | 33 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 5 | 2 | |
| Total | 68 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70 | 10 | 6 | |
| Le Mans | 2006–07 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 1 | 2 |
| 2007–08 | 30 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 5 | 1 | |
| Total | 61 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 68 | 6 | 6 | |
| Paris Saint-Germain Paris Saint-Germain FC Paris Saint-Germain Football Club , also known simply as Paris Saint-Germain and familiarly as Paris SG or PSG , is a professional association football club based in Paris, France. The club was founded on 12 August 1970, thanks to the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain... |
2008–09 | 34 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 49 | 7 | 11 |
| 2009–10 | 29 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 3 | 5 | |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Ligue 1 The 2010–11 Ligue 1 season was the 73rd since its establishment. Entering the season, Marseille were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 21 May 2010 and the season began on 7 August and ended on 29 May 2011. The winter break was in effect between 23 December and 15 January 2011... |
14 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 0 | 2 | |
| Total | 77 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 14 | 1 | 3 | 103 | 10 | 18 | |
| Sunderland A.F.C | 2010–11 2010–11 Premier League The 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011... |
14 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 3 | 2 |
| 2011–12 2011–12 Premier League The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012... |
11 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2 | 2 | |
| Total | 25 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 5 | 4 | |
| Career totals | 233 | 29 | 27 | 22 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 1 | 3 | 267 | 31 | 34 | |
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 September 2005 | Arab Contractors Stadium Arab Contractors Stadium Arab Contractors Stadium , also known as Osman Ahmed Osman Stadium, is a multi-use stadium in Cairo, Egypt. It is currently used mostly for football matches. It is the home stadium of Al-Mokawloon al-Arab.The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 spectators.... , Cairo Cairo Cairo , is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa, and the 16th largest metropolitan area in the world. Nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its preponderance of Islamic architecture, Cairo has long been a centre of the region's political and cultural life... , Egypt |
1 – 2 | 1 – 4 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification A total of 197 teams entered the qualification process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, competing for a total of 32 spots in the final tournament. Germany, as the host, qualified automatically, leaving 31 spots open for competition... |
|
| 2 | 17 June 2007 | Stade de l'Amitié Stade de l'Amitié Stade de l'Amitie or Friendship Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Cotonou, Benin. It is currently used for football matches and also has facilities for athletics. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 people.-External links:* at... , Cotonou Cotonou -Demographics:*1979: 320,348 *1992: 536,827 *2002: 665,100 *2005: 690,584 The main languages spoken in Cotonou include the Fon language, Aja language, Yoruba language and French.-Transport:... , Benin |
3 – 0 | 4 – 1 | 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| 3 | 8 June 2008 | Stade de l'Amitié Stade de l'Amitié Stade de l'Amitie or Friendship Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Cotonou, Benin. It is currently used for football matches and also has facilities for athletics. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 people.-External links:* at... , Cotonou Cotonou -Demographics:*1979: 320,348 *1992: 536,827 *2002: 665,100 *2005: 690,584 The main languages spoken in Cotonou include the Fon language, Aja language, Yoruba language and French.-Transport:... , Benin |
4 – 1 | 4 – 1 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification The qualification competition for the 2010 FIFA World Cup was a series of tournaments organised by the six FIFA confederations. Each confederation — the AFC , CAF , CONCACAF , CONMEBOL , OFC , and UEFA — was allocated a certain number of the 32 places at the tournament... |
|
| 4 | 7 January 2010 | Stade de l'Amitié Stade de l'Amitié Stade de l'Amitie or Friendship Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Cotonou, Benin. It is currently used for football matches and also has facilities for athletics. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 people.-External links:* at... , Cotonou Cotonou -Demographics:*1979: 320,348 *1992: 536,827 *2002: 665,100 *2005: 690,584 The main languages spoken in Cotonou include the Fon language, Aja language, Yoruba language and French.-Transport:... , Benin |
1 – 0 | 1 – 0 | Friendly | |
| 5 | 9 October 2010 | Stade Amahoro Stade Amahoro Amahoro Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Kigali City, Rwanda. It is the largest stadium in Rwanda and hosts football matches, concerts, and public events.-History:... , Kigali Kigali Kigali, population 965,398 , is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. It is situated near the geographic centre of the nation, and has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became capital at independence in 1962. The main residence and offices of the President of... , Rwanda |
3 – 0 | 3 – 0 | 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| 6 | 5 June 2011 | Stade de l'Amitie Stade de l'Amitié Stade de l'Amitie or Friendship Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Cotonou, Benin. It is currently used for football matches and also has facilities for athletics. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 people.-External links:* at... , Cotonou Cotonou -Demographics:*1979: 320,348 *1992: 536,827 *2002: 665,100 *2005: 690,584 The main languages spoken in Cotonou include the Fon language, Aja language, Yoruba language and French.-Transport:... , Benin |
2 – 6 | 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | ||
| 7 | |
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Club
Paris Saint-Germain-
- Coupe de FranceCoupe de FranceThe 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...
: 20102010 Coupe de France FinalThe 2010 Coupe de France Final was the 92nd final of France's most prestigious cup competition. The final took place on 1 May 2010 at the Stade de France in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis. The match was contested between Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain...
- Coupe de France