Bernard Lama
Encyclopedia
Bernard Pascal Maurice Lama (born April 7, 1963) is a French
football
coach and former goalkeeper. He was born in the Indre-et-Loire
département but grew up in French Guiana
. He spent a number of years in goal for Lille
and Paris Saint-Germain. He was also a member of the France national team
that won the 1998 World Cup
and the Euro 2000.
in 1981 to come to metropolitan France, without his father's consent but determined to become a professional footballer, where he was first signed by Division 1
club Lille
. He was loaned to Abbeville
in 1982, where he failed to make a single appearance, and he returned to Lille after just one year, only to be loaned again to Besançon
. He did get some play time that year, and his performances were convincing enough for Lille to agree to keep him for the following season. From then on, Lama played regularly, and even scored a goal (a penalty kick
during the 8–0 win over Laval
on May 31, 1989), but was never the indisputable number 1 keeper he aspired to be, and so he decided to leave. He spent one year in Metz
, and then took part in Brest
's last season in first division. Lama actually played every single league game during those two seasons. He then spent one year with RC Lens
, where his performances attracted the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, who offered him a five-year contract.
, and his impressive performances quickly showed he was up for the task. His career took a new dimension when he took part in European competitions, and even got called up for the French national team
. He won the Coupe de France
twice in 1993
and 1995
, and in 1996, his most prestigious trophy yet, the European Cup Winners' Cup.
giants FC Barcelona
, Lama decided to stay in Paris, and had an excellent start of season that was unfortunately cut short by a serious knee injury in September 1996 after he saved a penalty
against Cannes
, having not conceded a single goal so far that season. Shortly after his return, he received a two month ban for consumption of cannabis
in February 1997. This led Paris SG to look for a new goalkeeper, and Lama was notified during the summer 1997 (while he was still suspended) that Christophe Revault
would be the starting goalkeeper for the following season and that Lama was free to look for a new destination.
Lama found himself without a club at the start of the 1997–98 season, training with the PSG reserve team. During the winter transfer window and only six months away from the World Cup
, he finally agreed on a short term contract with Premier League club West Ham
. Though signed on December 21, he did not start in a match until March 2 against Arsenal, whereupon he kept a clean sheet. He would finish the season with twelve appearances in The Hammers' colours. His performances were good enough to interest West Ham in making him a permanent signing, but they were unable to retain the player after the World Cup and he re-signed with Paris Saint-Germain.
would replace him in the club's goals. He quickly found a new club, Rennes, where he spent a very good season, at the end of which he expressed his desire to fulfill his childhood's dream and play for a Brazilian club. Unfortunately for him, no club expressed any interest in signing him, which led to his announcing the end of his career.
was on February 17, 1993 against Israel
in a 4-0 victory, and he would go on to win 44 caps for his nation. Lama played in the Euro 1996 finals, and was a substitute at the Euro 2000 finals.
. Kenya, however, lost on his debut to Eritrea
on September 2, 2006, during an African Nations Cup qualifier, and he quit just two months later, citing the lack of professionalism of the Kenya Football Federation
, and was replaced by Tom Olaba.
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
coach and former goalkeeper. He was born in the Indre-et-Loire
Indre-et-Loire
Indre-et-Loire is a department in west-central France named after the Indre and the Loire rivers.-History:Indre-et-Loire is one of the original 83 départements created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790...
département but grew up in French Guiana
French Guiana
French Guiana is an overseas region of France, consisting of a single overseas department located on the northern Atlantic coast of South America. It has borders with two nations, Brazil to the east and south, and Suriname to the west...
. He spent a number of years in goal for Lille
Lille OSC
LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the...
and Paris Saint-Germain. He was also a member of 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...
that won the 1998 World Cup
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
and the Euro 2000.
Early years
Lama left GuianaFrench Guiana
French Guiana is an overseas region of France, consisting of a single overseas department located on the northern Atlantic coast of South America. It has borders with two nations, Brazil to the east and south, and Suriname to the west...
in 1981 to come to metropolitan France, without his father's consent but determined to become a professional footballer, where he was first signed by Division 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....
club Lille
Lille OSC
LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the...
. He was loaned to Abbeville
SC Abbeville
Sporting Club Abbeville is a French football club based in Abbeville, Picardie. It was founded in 1901. The club currently plays in the Division d'Honneur, Picardie, the sixth tier of the French football league system.-Honours:*Champions Division 4 : 1978...
in 1982, where he failed to make a single appearance, and he returned to Lille after just one year, only to be loaned again to Besançon
Besançon RC
Besançon Racing Club is a French football club based in Besançon. It was founded in 1904-1905. They play at the Stade Léo Lagrange.- Current squad :As of September 2011.- Coaching staff :...
. He did get some play time that year, and his performances were convincing enough for Lille to agree to keep him for the following season. From then on, Lama played regularly, and even scored a goal (a penalty kick
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
during the 8–0 win over Laval
Stade Lavallois
Stade Lavallois Mayenne Football Club is a French association football club based in Laval. The club was formed on 17 July 1902 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Laval plays its home matches at the Stade Francis Le Basser located in the city and is managed by...
on May 31, 1989), but was never the indisputable number 1 keeper he aspired to be, and so he decided to leave. He spent one year in 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...
, and then took part in Brest
Stade Brestois 29
Stade Brestois 29 is a French football club based in Brest. The club was founded in 1903 under the name Armoricaine de Brest and adopted its current name in 1950...
's last season in first division. Lama actually played every single league game during those two seasons. He then spent one year with RC 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...
, where his performances attracted the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, who offered him a five-year contract.
The golden years
In Paris, Lama had to replace the iconic Joël BatsJoël Bats
Joël Bats is a retired goalkeeper and French international footballer.-Goalkeeper:Bats began his professional career with FC Sochaux-Montbéliard in 1974, moving on to newly promoted AJ Auxerre the following year...
, and his impressive performances quickly showed he was up for the task. His career took a new dimension when he took part in European competitions, and even got called up for the French 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...
. He won the 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...
twice in 1993
Coupe de France 1992-93
The Coupe de Frances results of the 1992-1993 season. Paris SG won the final played on June 12, 1993, beating FC Nantes Atlantique.-Round of 64:------------------------------------------------------------------------...
and 1995
Coupe de France 1994-95
-Round of 16:-Quarter-finals:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-References:*...
, and in 1996, his most prestigious trophy yet, the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Downfall
Despite an interest from La LigaLa Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
giants FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
, Lama decided to stay in Paris, and had an excellent start of season that was unfortunately cut short by a serious knee injury in September 1996 after he saved a penalty
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
against Cannes
AS Cannes
Association Sportive de Cannes Football is a French association football club based in Cannes. The club was formed 1902 as a sports club and currently play in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth division of French football. Cannes plays its home matches at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin...
, having not conceded a single goal so far that season. Shortly after his return, he received a two month ban for consumption of cannabis
Cannabis
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes three putative species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These three taxa are indigenous to Central Asia, and South Asia. Cannabis has long been used for fibre , for seed and seed oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a...
in February 1997. This led Paris SG to look for a new goalkeeper, and Lama was notified during the summer 1997 (while he was still suspended) that Christophe Revault
Christophe Revault
Christophe Revault is a French professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Le Havre AC-Le Havre:Revault started his career with Le Havre, playing his first Ligue 1 game for them against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.-Paris SG:Revault would return to Paris to play for PSG in...
would be the starting goalkeeper for the following season and that Lama was free to look for a new destination.
Lama found himself without a club at the start of the 1997–98 season, training with the PSG reserve team. During the winter transfer window and only six months away from the World Cup
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
, he finally agreed on a short term contract with Premier League club 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...
. Though signed on December 21, he did not start in a match until March 2 against Arsenal, whereupon he kept a clean sheet. He would finish the season with twelve appearances in The Hammers' colours. His performances were good enough to interest West Ham in making him a permanent signing, but they were unable to retain the player after the World Cup and he re-signed with Paris Saint-Germain.
End of career
After six months spent in England, he made the most of the change of president in Paris (Charles Biétry replacing Michel Denisot) to return to the capital's club, where he spent two more seasons. Despite a more than decent 1999–00 season, he was notified that, due to Paris' youth policy, his services were no longer needed and that Lionel LetiziLionel Letizi
Lionel Letizi is a French former professional football goalkeeper. He played 4 matches for the France national team.-France:...
would replace him in the club's goals. He quickly found a new club, Rennes, where he spent a very good season, at the end of which he expressed his desire to fulfill his childhood's dream and play for a Brazilian club. Unfortunately for him, no club expressed any interest in signing him, which led to his announcing the end of his career.
International career
His debut with the France national teamFrance 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...
was on February 17, 1993 against Israel
Israel national football team
The Israel national football team is the national football team of Israel, controlled by the Israel Football Association .Israel National Football is the direct successor of the Eretz Yisrael National Team during British Mandate...
in a 4-0 victory, and he would go on to win 44 caps for his nation. Lama played in the Euro 1996 finals, and was a substitute at the Euro 2000 finals.
Coaching career
On July 21, 2006, Lama was appointed coach of the Kenya national teamKenya national football team
The Kenya national football team, nicknamed the Harambee Stars, is the national team of Kenya and is controlled by Football Kenya Limited, the governing body of football in Kenya. They have never qualified for the World Cup finals.-History:...
. Kenya, however, lost on his debut to Eritrea
Eritrea national football team
The Eritrea national football team is controlled by the Eritrean National Football Federation . It is nicknamed the Red Sea Boys. It has not qualified for the finals of the FIFA World Cup or the African Nations Cup...
on September 2, 2006, during an African Nations Cup qualifier, and he quit just two months later, citing the lack of professionalism of the Kenya Football Federation
Kenya Football Federation
The Kenya Football Federation was the governing body of football in Kenya. It was founded in 1960 and affiliated to FIFA same year. It organized the Kenya Premier League and the Kenya national football team...
, and was replaced by Tom Olaba.
Honours
- Paris Saint-Germain:
- Division 1Ligue 1Ligue 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....
(1994) - 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...
(1993, 1995) - Cup Winners CupUEFA Cup Winners' CupThe UEFA Cup Winners' Cup was a football club competition contested annually by the most recent winners of all European domestic cup competitions. The cup is one of the many inter-European club competitions that have been organised by UEFA. The first competition was held in the 1960–61 season—but...
(1996UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1995-96The season 1995-96 of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup was won by Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the final against Austrian entrants SK Rapid Wien in Brussels on 8 May 1996.-Qualifying round:-First leg:...
)
- Division 1
- France national teamFrance 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...
:- 1998 FIFA World Cup1998 FIFA World CupThe 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
- Euro 2000
- 1998 FIFA World Cup
- Personal awards:
- France FootballFrance FootballFrance Football is a French bi-weekly magazine containing football news from all over the world. It's one of the most reputable sports publications in Europe, mostly because of their photographic reports and accurate statistics of the big European Cup matches, and extensive coverage of the European...
's 1994 best French player award - He was made Chevalier (Knight) of the Légion d'honneurLégion d'honneurThe Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Consulat which succeeded to the First Republic, on 19 May 1802...
in 1998
- France Football