Aly Cissokho
Encyclopedia
Aly Cissokho is a French football player of Senegal
ese descent who plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais
in Ligue 1
. He plays as a left back and has been described as a "sprightly left-back with good speed and stamina".
Cissokho began his career playing for local clubs within his hometown, such as Blois Foot 41
. In 2004, he signed with professional club FC Gueugnon
and spent three years in the club's youth system before making his debut in the 2006–07 season. Cissokho spent only one season at the club and, in June 2008, signed with Portuguese
club Vitória de Setúbal
in the Portuguese Liga
. After spending only half the season with the club, Cissokho departed Vitória for the league's defending champions Porto. With Porto, Cissokho won the Portuguese league and cup
double
and played in the UEFA Champions League
for the first time. In July 2009, after a failed transfer attempt to Italian club Milan
, he signed a five-year contract with French club Lyon for a fee of €15 million.
Cissokho is also a French international
and earned his first call-up to the team in November 2009. He made his senior debut a year later in August 2010 in a friendly match against Norway
.
, the capital city of the Loir-et-Cher
département, to Senegal
ese parents. He grew up learning the sport of football from his three older brothers who are also football players. Mamadou, the eldest, and Demba remain in Blois playing for local amateur clubs AFM Blois and Blois Foot 41
, respectively, while Issa plays for professional club Nantes in Ligue 2
.
Cissokho began his football career at the age of eight playing for AMJ Blois. He spent four years in the club's benjamins section and, in 1999, joined the biggest club in the city, Blois Foot 41. While at the club, Cissokho settled into his role as a left back with his coaches describing him as a player with great potential. Following his move from Porto to Lyon, Blois were compensated €162,500 due to an agreement Blois reached with both Gueugnon and Porto. The payment helped the club achieve some stability after a few years of financial difficulties. After four years at Blois, Cissokho had a year's stint at FCO Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle
. In 2004, while playing with Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle, Cissokho was spotted by the assistant manager of professional club FC Gueugnon
Jean Acédo who recommended that the player join his club, who were playing in the second division of French football, Ligue 2
. In July 2004, he signed with the club and was inserted into the club's youth academy.
After two years in the club's academy and another two years in the reserves, Cissokho made his professional debut on 25 May 2007 in a league match against Metz
. He started and played the entire match in a 2–1 victory. Following the season, Cissokho signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal until June 2010. He was, subsequently, promoted to the senior team for the 2007–08 season and assigned the number 3 shirt by manager Alain Ravera. Under Ravera, Cissokho struggled for playing time often being utilized as a substitute, however, after the sacking of Ravera in October 2007, he was inserted into the starting lineup by new manager Alex Dupont
. He appeared in 22 league matches during the campaign, starting in 15, but could not prevent Gueugnon from finishing dead last in the league, which meant relegation to the Championnat National
.
On 2 June 2008, Portuguese
first division
club Vitória de Setúbal
confirmed on its website that the club had signed Cissokho to a three-year contract until 2011. He made his debut for the club on 22 August 2008 in a derby match against Vitória de Guimarães playing the entire match in a 1–1 draw. Cissokho appeared in 15 league matches for the club and, also, made his European
debut in a UEFA Cup
match against Dutch club SC Heerenveen.
making his debut 17 January in a Taça da Liga match against Académica de Coimbra. In the league, Cissokho appeared in 15 matches with the club going undefeated in that span. The unbeaten streak led to the club winning its fourth consecutive league title and giving Cissokho his first major honour.
In the UEFA Champions League
, Cissokho made his debut on 24 February 2009 in the opening leg of the team's first knockout round tie against Spanish club Atlético Madrid. The match finished 2–2 and Porto won the tie by the same scoreline by virtue of the away goals rule. In the quarterfinals, Porto faced English club Manchester United
and Cissokho was tasked with the objective of containing the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year
Cristiano Ronaldo
. Despite putting up a strong effort in the first leg, which ended 2–2 at Old Trafford
, Porto were defeated 3–2 on aggregate after losing 1–0 at the Estádio do Dragão
. On 31 May, Porto completed the league and cup double
after defeating Paços de Ferreira 1–0 in the 2009 final of the Taça de Portugal
. Cissokho played the entire match.
announced that the club had signed Cissokho, subject to medical, with a reported deal of €15 million.
Cissokho underwent his medical on 16 June, but the very next day it was revealed that he had failed it due to a problem with his teeth that could indicate potential spinal problems, and that the move was in jeopardy of collapse. Later that day, Cissokho declared he had passed a second medical he undertook, and that he had, subsequently, signed a pre-contract. In the meantime, Milan tried to re-negotiate the bid on a loan basis due to Cissokho's health concerns; as the parties failed to reach an agreement, Milan general manager
, Adriano Galliani
, subsequently announced the deal was cancelled.
On 18 July, French club Olympique Lyonnais
announced that the club had reached an agreement with Porto for the transfer of Cissokho, in a deal which equaled Milan's €15 million bid. However, Porto remain eligible to receive 20% of the added value/differential value if Lyon sold him for a higher price. Cissokho successfully passed his medical and agreed to a five-year contract. He was presented to the media, along with fellow new signing Michel Bastos
, on 20 July and was assigned the number 20 shirt.
Cissokho was immediately inserted to the starting eleven by manager Claude Puel
replacing the Italian international
Fabio Grosso
, who departed for Juventus
. He made his debut for Lyon in the team's opening league match of the season; a 2–2 draw with Le Mans with Cissokho playing the entire match. On 26 September 2009, Cissokho assisted on the equalizing goal, scored by Yannis Tafer
, in the 52nd minute of a league match against Toulouse
. Lyon later won the match 2–1 with a goal from Bafétimbi Gomis
. On 9 December, he scored his first professional goal in Lyon's 4–0 thrashing of Hungarian
club Debrecen
. Two weeks later, he provided his second league assist of the season on Lyon's only goal in the team's 2–1 loss to Montpellier
.
with Gueugnon, Cissokho never earned call ups with any of France's international youth teams
. However, he did earn the attention of the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football
who govern the Senegal national team
. The federation wanted the player to play for the nation of his ancestors and Cissokho initially accepted, but lost confidence in the federation when they lost his passport and informed him that they only preferred homegrown players. After excelling in Portugal
, the Senegalese Federation contacted him again, but Cissokho refused contact stating he had not made up his mind. On 3 October 2009, Cissokho announced that he would be open to representing the France national team
, but his main focus was currently with his new club.
On 5 November 2009, Cissokho was included in the team by coach Raymond Domenech
for the team's World Cup qualification playoff round tie against the Republic of Ireland
to serve as backup to Patrice Evra
. Cissokho described the call up as a "childhood dream". He made the bench for the first match played at Croke Park
in Dublin, but was an unused substitute. In the second leg, he did not make the bench as France earned a place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
. On 25 February 2010, Cissokho received his second call up to the team for the team's friendly against Spain
on 3 March, but did not make an appearance. On 11 May, he was named to the 30-man preliminary list by Domenech to play in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
, but failed to make the final 23.
On 5 August 2010, Cissokho was called up to the team by new manager Laurent Blanc
for the team's friendly match against Norway
on 11 August. Cissokho made his international debut in the match starting and playing the full match at the left back position.
Senegal
Senegal , officially the Republic of Senegal , is a country in western Africa. It owes its name to the Sénégal River that borders it to the east and north...
ese descent who plays for French club 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...
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 plays as a left back and has been described as a "sprightly left-back with good speed and stamina".
Cissokho began his career playing for local clubs within his hometown, such as Blois Foot 41
Blois Foot 41
Blois Foot 41 is a French football club founded in 1912. Managed by , in 2006-2007 the club were promoted to the championnat de France Amateurs 2...
. In 2004, he signed with professional club FC 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...
and spent three years in the club's youth system before making his debut in the 2006–07 season. Cissokho spent only one season at the club and, in June 2008, signed with Portuguese
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
club Vitória de Setúbal
Vitória F.C.
Vitória Futebol Clube is a Portuguese sports club from the city of Setúbal. Popularly known as Vitória de Setúbal with the motto "A Vitória será nossa" .- Domestic :*Portuguese Liga: Runners-up 1971–72...
in the Portuguese Liga
Portuguese Liga
The Primeira Liga , formerly called Primeira Divisão, currently named Liga ZON Sagres after their main sponsors, is the top professional association football division of the Portuguese football league system...
. After spending only half the season with the club, Cissokho departed Vitória for the league's defending champions Porto. With Porto, Cissokho won the Portuguese league and cup
Cup of Portugal 2008–09
2008–09 Taça de Portugal was the 86th season of Portuguese football knockout tournament. The competition started on August 30, 2008 with the First Round and ended with the Final held in on May 31, 2009. The defending champions were Sporting.-First round:...
double
The Double
The Double is a term in association football which refers to winning a country's top tier division and its primary cup competition in the same season...
and played 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...
for the first time. In July 2009, after a failed transfer attempt to Italian club Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
, he signed a five-year contract with French club Lyon for a fee of €15 million.
Cissokho is also a French international
France 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...
and earned his first call-up to the team in November 2009. He made his senior debut a year later in August 2010 in a friendly match against Norway
Norway national football team
The Norway national football team represents Norway in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Norway, the governing body for football in Norway. Norway's home ground is Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo and their head coach is Egil Olsen...
.
Early career
Cissokho was born and raised in BloisBlois
Blois is the capital of Loir-et-Cher department in central France, situated on the banks of the lower river Loire between Orléans and Tours.-History:...
, the capital city of the Loir-et-Cher
Loir-et-Cher
Loir-et-Cher is a département in north-central France named after the rivers Loir and Cher.-History:Loir-et-Cher is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790. It was created from parts of the former provinces of Orléanais and...
département, to Senegal
Senegal
Senegal , officially the Republic of Senegal , is a country in western Africa. It owes its name to the Sénégal River that borders it to the east and north...
ese parents. He grew up learning the sport of football from his three older brothers who are also football players. Mamadou, the eldest, and Demba remain in Blois playing for local amateur clubs AFM Blois and Blois Foot 41
Blois Foot 41
Blois Foot 41 is a French football club founded in 1912. Managed by , in 2006-2007 the club were promoted to the championnat de France Amateurs 2...
, respectively, while Issa plays for professional club Nantes 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...
.
Cissokho began his football career at the age of eight playing for AMJ Blois. He spent four years in the club's benjamins section and, in 1999, joined the biggest club in the city, Blois Foot 41. While at the club, Cissokho settled into his role as a left back with his coaches describing him as a player with great potential. Following his move from Porto to Lyon, Blois were compensated €162,500 due to an agreement Blois reached with both Gueugnon and Porto. The payment helped the club achieve some stability after a few years of financial difficulties. After four years at Blois, Cissokho had a year's stint at FCO Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle
Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle
Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle is a commune in the Loiret department in north-central France.-References:*...
. In 2004, while playing with Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle, Cissokho was spotted by the assistant manager of professional club FC 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...
Jean Acédo who recommended that the player join his club, who were playing in the second division of French football, 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...
. In July 2004, he signed with the club and was inserted into the club's youth academy.
After two years in the club's academy and another two years in the reserves, Cissokho made his professional debut on 25 May 2007 in a league match against 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...
. He started and played the entire match in a 2–1 victory. Following the season, Cissokho signed his first professional contract agreeing to a three-year deal until June 2010. He was, subsequently, promoted to the senior team for the 2007–08 season and assigned the number 3 shirt by manager Alain Ravera. Under Ravera, Cissokho struggled for playing time often being utilized as a substitute, however, after the sacking of Ravera in October 2007, he was inserted into the starting lineup by new manager Alex Dupont
Alex Dupont
Alex Dupont is a French former footballer and football manager. He is currently managing Brest.-Career:Dupont played as a midfielder for Dunkerque and Hazebrouck.-Coaching career:...
. He appeared in 22 league matches during the campaign, starting in 15, but could not prevent Gueugnon from finishing dead last in the league, which meant relegation to the Championnat National
Championnat National
The Championnat de France National, commonly referred to as simply National or Division 3, serves as the third division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
.
On 2 June 2008, Portuguese
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
first division
Portuguese Liga
The Primeira Liga , formerly called Primeira Divisão, currently named Liga ZON Sagres after their main sponsors, is the top professional association football division of the Portuguese football league system...
club Vitória de Setúbal
Vitória F.C.
Vitória Futebol Clube is a Portuguese sports club from the city of Setúbal. Popularly known as Vitória de Setúbal with the motto "A Vitória será nossa" .- Domestic :*Portuguese Liga: Runners-up 1971–72...
confirmed on its website that the club had signed Cissokho to a three-year contract until 2011. He made his debut for the club on 22 August 2008 in a derby match against Vitória de Guimarães playing the entire match in a 1–1 draw. Cissokho appeared in 15 league matches for the club and, also, made his European
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....
debut in a 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...
match against Dutch club SC Heerenveen.
Porto
After positive displays for Vitória de Setúbal, on 9 January 2009, the defending champions Porto announced that the club had acquired 60% of Cissokho's rights for a modest fee of €300,000. Upon his arrival, Cissokho was given the number 28 shirt and immediately inserted into the starting lineup by manager Jesualdo FerreiraJesualdo Ferreira
Manuel Jesualdo Ferreira is a Portuguese football manager who currently manages Greek club Panathinaikos.-Early career:In Ferreira's early career, he managed Rio Maior and Torreense...
making his debut 17 January in a Taça da Liga match against Académica de Coimbra. In the league, Cissokho appeared in 15 matches with the club going undefeated in that span. The unbeaten streak led to the club winning its fourth consecutive league title and giving Cissokho his first major honour.
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...
, Cissokho made his debut on 24 February 2009 in the opening leg of the team's first knockout round tie against Spanish club Atlético Madrid. The match finished 2–2 and Porto won the tie by the same scoreline by virtue of the away goals rule. In the quarterfinals, Porto faced English club Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
and Cissokho was tasked with the objective of containing the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year
2008 FIFA World Player of the Year
The 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year awards took place on 12 January 2009 at the Zurich Opera House, Zürich, Switzerland, with Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United and Portugal taking the men's award, and Marta of Umeå IK and Brazil taking the women's award for the third year in a row.Other...
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
. Despite putting up a strong effort in the first leg, which ended 2–2 at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
, Porto were defeated 3–2 on aggregate after losing 1–0 at the Estádio do Dragão
Estádio do Dragão
The Estádio do Dragão is a football stadium located in Porto, Portugal, with an all-seated capacity of 50,399. Inaugurated on November 16, 2003, it is the current home ground of F.C. Porto, having replaced the club's old venue, the Estádio das Antas...
. On 31 May, Porto completed the league and cup double
The Double
The Double is a term in association football which refers to winning a country's top tier division and its primary cup competition in the same season...
after defeating Paços de Ferreira 1–0 in the 2009 final of the Taça de Portugal
Taça de Portugal
The Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
. Cissokho played the entire match.
Transfer saga and Lyon
On 14 June 2009, Italian club MilanA.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
announced that the club had signed Cissokho, subject to medical, with a reported deal of €15 million.
Cissokho underwent his medical on 16 June, but the very next day it was revealed that he had failed it due to a problem with his teeth that could indicate potential spinal problems, and that the move was in jeopardy of collapse. Later that day, Cissokho declared he had passed a second medical he undertook, and that he had, subsequently, signed a pre-contract. In the meantime, Milan tried to re-negotiate the bid on a loan basis due to Cissokho's health concerns; as the parties failed to reach an agreement, Milan general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
, Adriano Galliani
Adriano Galliani
Adriano Galliani is an Italian entrepreneur who has been serving as vice-president and C.E.O. of Italian football club Associazione Calcio Milan since 1986. During his tenure as CEO, Milan have won five European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles and eight Serie A titles among other achievements and...
, subsequently announced the deal was cancelled.
On 18 July, French club 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...
announced that the club had reached an agreement with Porto for the transfer of Cissokho, in a deal which equaled Milan's €15 million bid. However, Porto remain eligible to receive 20% of the added value/differential value if Lyon sold him for a higher price. Cissokho successfully passed his medical and agreed to a five-year contract. He was presented to the media, along with fellow new signing Michel Bastos
Michel Fernandes Bastos
Michel Fernandes Bastos is a Brazilian footballer. He currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. He primarily plays as a winger capable of playing on either side of the field, but plays as a left back for the Brazil national team...
, on 20 July and was assigned the number 20 shirt.
Cissokho was immediately inserted to the starting eleven by manager Claude Puel
Claude Puel
Claude Puel is a French football manager and former player. He spent 17 years playing for AS Monaco.-Managerial career:...
replacing the Italian international
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
Fabio Grosso
Fabio Grosso
Fabio Grosso, Ufficiale OMRI is an Italian World Cup-winning footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Juventus. Grosso is primarily a left wingback, but can also play as left back. He is also a free kick, penalty kick and corner kick specialist...
, who departed for Juventus
Juventus F.C.
Juventus Football Club S.p.A. , commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve , are a professional Italian association football club based in Turin, Piedmont...
. He made his debut for Lyon in the team's opening league match of the season; a 2–2 draw with Le Mans with Cissokho playing the entire match. On 26 September 2009, Cissokho assisted on the equalizing goal, scored by Yannis Tafer
Yannis Tafer
Yannis Tafer is a French football player of Algerian descent who currently plays for French club Lyon in Ligue 1. He is a France youth international having represented the country under-17, under-18, and under-19 level...
, in the 52nd minute of a league match against Toulouse
Toulouse FC
Toulouse Football Club is a French association football club based in the city of Toulouse. The club was founded in 1970 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Toulouse plays its home matches at the Stadium Municipal located within the city. The first team is managed by...
. Lyon later won the match 2–1 with a goal from Bafétimbi Gomis
Bafétimbi Gomis
Bafétimbi Gomis |Var]]) is a French footballer of Senegalese descent who currently plays as a striker for Lyon and the French national team.-Saint-Étienne:...
. On 9 December, he scored his first professional goal in Lyon's 4–0 thrashing of Hungarian
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
club Debrecen
Debreceni VSC
Debreceni VSC or just Debrecen or DVSC is a football club from the city of Debrecen in Hungary. They are best known for reaching the group stages of the UEFA Champions League 2009–10 season. Debreceni VSC has been the most successful Hungarian club since 2000. The club has won the Hungarian...
. Two weeks later, he provided his second league assist of the season on Lyon's only goal in the team's 2–1 loss to Montpellier
Montpellier HSC
Montpellier Hérault Sport Club is a French association football club based in the city of Montpellier. The club was founded in 1919 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Montpellier plays its home matches at the Stade de la Mosson, located within the city...
.
International career
Due to hovering in the second divisionLigue 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...
with Gueugnon, Cissokho never earned call ups with any of France's international youth teams
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...
. However, he did earn the attention of the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football
Fédération Sénégalaise de Football
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football is the governing body of football in Senegal. It was founded in 1960, affiliated to FIFA in 1962 and to CAF in 1963. It organizes the national football league and the national team.-External links:...
who govern the Senegal national team
Senegal national football team
The Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football...
. The federation wanted the player to play for the nation of his ancestors and Cissokho initially accepted, but lost confidence in the federation when they lost his passport and informed him that they only preferred homegrown players. After excelling in Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
, the Senegalese Federation contacted him again, but Cissokho refused contact stating he had not made up his mind. On 3 October 2009, Cissokho announced that he would be open to representing the France national team
France 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...
, but his main focus was currently with his new club.
On 5 November 2009, Cissokho was included in the team by coach Raymond Domenech
Raymond Domenech
Raymond Domenech is a retired French footballer and the former manager of the France national team.-2006 World Cup:On 12 July 2004, Domenech was a surprise choice to succeed Jacques Santini after the country's disappointing exit from UEFA Euro 2004 by losing in the quarter-final match to the...
for the team's World Cup qualification playoff round tie 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....
to serve as backup to Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra
Patrice Latyr Evra is a French international footballer who currently plays for English club Manchester United in the Premier League and the France national team. Originally an attacker, he primarily plays as a left back and is described as "the classic example of a modern full-back" who is...
. Cissokho described the call up as a "childhood dream". He made the bench for the first match played at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
in Dublin, but was an unused substitute. In the second leg, he did not make the bench as France earned a place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
. On 25 February 2010, Cissokho received his second call up to the team for the team's friendly against Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
on 3 March, but did not make an appearance. On 11 May, he was named to the 30-man preliminary list by Domenech to play in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
, but failed to make the final 23.
On 5 August 2010, Cissokho was called up to the team by new manager Laurent Blanc
Laurent Blanc
Laurent Robert Blanc is a French association football manager and former player. He is the head coach of the French national team, having replaced Raymond Domenech in the wake of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He was previously the manager of Bordeaux...
for the team's friendly match against Norway
Norway national football team
The Norway national football team represents Norway in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Norway, the governing body for football in Norway. Norway's home ground is Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo and their head coach is Egil Olsen...
on 11 August. Cissokho made his international debut in the match starting and playing the full match at the left back position.
Club
Statistics accurate as of match played 22 August 2010.| Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| 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... |
2006–07 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2007–08 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | |
| Total | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| Vitória Vitória F.C. Vitória Futebol Clube is a Portuguese sports club from the city of Setúbal. Popularly known as Vitória de Setúbal with the motto "A Vitória será nossa" .- Domestic :*Portuguese Liga: Runners-up 1971–72... |
2008–09 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| Total | 13 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | |
| Porto | 2008–09 | 15 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 |
| Total | 15 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | |
| 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... |
2009–10 2009–10 Ligue 1 The 2009–10 Ligue 1 season was the 72nd since its establishment. Bordeaux were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 5 June 2009, and play commenced on 8 August and ended on 15 May 2010. There were three promoted teams from Ligue 2, replacing the three teams that were relegated... |
31 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 1 |
| 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... |
29 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 1 | |
| 2011–12 2011–12 Ligue 1 The 2011–12 Ligue 1 season is the 74th since its establishment. Lille are the defending champions. The league schedule was announced on 31 March 2011 and the fixtures were determined on 10 June. The season began on 6 August 2011 and will end on 20 May 2012... |
13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total | 73 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100 | 2 | |
| Career total | 101 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 139 | 2 | |
International
- (Correct as of 19 April 2011)
National team Season Apps Goals Assists France France national football teamThe 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...2010–11 1 0 0 Total 1 0 0
Club
Porto-
- Portuguese LeaguePortuguese LigaThe Primeira Liga , formerly called Primeira Divisão, currently named Liga ZON Sagres after their main sponsors, is the top professional association football division of the Portuguese football league system...
: 2008–09 - Portuguese CupTaça de PortugalThe Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
: 2008–09Cup of Portugal 2008–092008–09 Taça de Portugal was the 86th season of Portuguese football knockout tournament. The competition started on August 30, 2008 with the First Round and ended with the Final held in on May 31, 2009. The defending champions were Sporting.-First round:...
- Portuguese League