Rigobert Song
Encyclopedia
Rigobert Song Bahanag is a former Cameroonian footballer who is currently a main consultant for the famous sports channel 'Orange sports'. Although receiving many propositions from top clubs, Song declined. Song played for Kosovo
super league
club KF Drenica
, when his contract after season 2010/12. He was also a member of the Cameroon national team
between 1993 and 2010. Known for his defensive skills, Song usually plays as a centre back but can also operate at right back
. Internationally, he has played at a record eight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and served as captain in five (the only ones he was not captain for were South Africa 1996, Burkina Faso 1998 and Angola 2010), a record, and holds the record of most consecutive games played in the tournament with 35 first team games. He has won two CAF Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002. In 2009, Song was dropped as Cameroon skipper by new coach Paul Le Guen
, who eventually appointed Samuel Eto'o
as the new captain but later caused concerns as Rigobert song had never been on the bench in more than 11 years for Cameroon. With 137 appearances, Song also holds the record of the most capped player in the history of the Cameroon national team and has played in four World Cups
, in 1994
, 1998
, 2002
, and 2010
.
A native of Nkenglicock
, Song started his professional career with Tonnerre
in 1993. A year later he moved to Metz
and helped the club to win the French League Cup back in 1996. After appearing at the 1998 World Cup he left Italy
, where he signed for Salernitana
, to start successive stints with Liverpool
, West Ham United
and Cologne
but after failing to hold down a first-team place he returned to France to play for RC Lens
. He stayed there until 2004 and moved on to Turkey
, where he spent four years with Galatasaray
, winning two Turkish League
titles and the Turkish Cup. Song then signed a contract with Trabzonspor
in 2008, where he won another Turkish Cup and stayed until 2010.
Along with Zinedine Zidane
, Song is the only player to have been sent off in two different World Cups, once against Brazil
in USA 94
and against Chile
in France 98
. He also holds the record as youngest player ever to be sent off in a World Cup, aged 17.
Nicknamed "Big Chief" by the Turkish fans, he is the cousin
of fellow Cameroon defensive midfielder and Arsenal
player Alex Song, although Alex refers to Rigobert as his uncle
.
. He made several strong appearances that earned him a selection to The Indomitable Lions for the World Cup in 1994.
The first Cameroonian player to play for the Reds, Song made his League debut against Coventry City at Highfield Road. He early earned the support of Liverpool's fans, who appreciated his strength, all action style and effort. His natural position was centre half but during his time at Anfield, Song operated at right back and became a figure for Liverpool's fans, who used to affectionately sing "We've only got one Song"! He had a mixed 1999-2000 campaign, missing three months of the season due to international matches with the Indomitable Lions, captaining them to victory in the 2000 African Nations Cup and scoring the decisive penalty in the final game against Nigeria.
Earlier in the season Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier
refused to release Song for the Olympics
but Song as a loyal captain insisted,Cameroon eventually won the gold medal with him.
Song was not able to find a spot on the starting eleven in the 2000-2001 season and played just four games. His last appearance for Liverpool was a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield on September 23, 2000. He made a total of 38 appearances for the Reds . He left Anfield to sign for West Ham United on Tuesday, November 28, 2000, in a deal, which saw Liverpool capture young Finnish striker Daniel Sjolund
.
for £2.5 million. The club identified the 24-year-old defender as a possible replacement for Rio Ferdinand
, who was transferred to Leeds United for £18m. In his first days, Song insisted that he did not want to be compared to Ferdinand, as he believed it was derogatory to his own talent.
at the heart of defence.
During the 2006–07 season, he struggled to find a place in the team after an argument with then Galatasaray manager Eric Gerets during a league game. Although Song apologized for the incident both publicly and privately, Gerets did not take a back step and the player remained punished. With the arrival of new coach Karl-Heinz Feldkamp
in the 2007/2008 season, Song once again become a vital member of the squad and new club captain . However upon his return from the African Cup of Nations
with Cameroon National Football Team
he found himself on the bench due to injury with the emergence of Emre Güngör
who partnered Servet Çetin
at the heart of the defence in Galatasaray
's run for their 16th league title with Galatasaray
.With a better offer Song decided to leave at the end of the 2007/08 season.
, Salernitana, Liverpool
, West Ham
, Cologne
, RC Lens
, and Galatasaray.
After a successful start to 2008–2009 season, Song became fan-favorite in Trabzon, played 28 games in Süper Lig without any yellow/red cards or goals. After Ersun Yanal
resigned he lost his place in the starting lineup. However, he became Trabzonspor's new captain on December 1, 2009 after Şenol Güneş
taking place as manager.
for over a decade, Song played in the 1994
, 1998
, 2002
, and 2010 World Cup
. He made his international debut on September 22, 1993, in a game against Mexico
.
At only 17 years old, Song was given a surprise call-up to Henri Michel
’s Cameroon squad for the 1994 World Cup
and played two games at the finals. The defender played in the group matches games against Sweden
and Brazil
. He received a red card in the match against Brazil, becoming the youngest player ever to be sent off in a World Cup, aged 17. Led by ageless striker Roger Milla
, the Indomitable Lions were knocked out in the group stages. The 24 years and 42 days age gap between Milla (42 years and 35 days) and 17-year-old future captain Song (17 years and 358 days) became (and remains) the largest between two team-mates in World Cup history.
The defender then participated at the 1998 World Cup
. Led by Song, Patrick Mboma and 17 year old young striker Samuel Eto'o
, Cameroon were eliminated in the group stage, following a draw with Austria
(1-1), a loss to Italy
(3-0) and another draw with Chile
. After receiving a red card in the last game against La Roja, Song broke another record as he became the first player ever to be sent off at two different World Cups. Zinedine Zidane
, who was also sent off at this World Cup, has since achieved this feat as well. Zidane received his second red card in the final of the 2006 tournament
.
Song was a part of the squads that won the 2000
and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations. After winning the 23rd edition of the football championship of Africa, The Indomitable Lions featured in the 2002 FIFA World Cup
, but were again eliminated in the group stage, following a 1-1 draw with Ireland
, a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia
and a 2-0 defeat to Germany
.
Song's next tournament was the 2003 Confederations Cup
. The Indomitable Lions qualified for the semifinals, after wins against Brazil
(0-1) and Turkey
(1-0) and a draw with the United States. The defender then led his team against Colombia
in the knockout stage. In the 72nd minute of the game, Song's longtime friend, Marc-Vivien Foé
, collapsed in the centre circle, with no other players near him. Foé died the same day due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
, a hereditary condition known to increase the risk of sudden death during physical exercise. Cameroon eventually won the game 1-0, but lost to France
in the finals after extra time.
Although Cameroon did not manage to qualify for the 2006 World Cup
finals, the team participated in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. In the tournament, Song became the most capped
player in Cameroon history. After three wins over Angola
(3-1), Togo
(2-0) and Congo DR
(2-0) in the group stage, the Indomitable Lions were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Côte d'Ivoire
, following a 24-shot shoot-out in which Cameroon was defeated 12-11.
Rigobert Song was also part of the Cameroon squad for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. After a 4-2 loss to Egypt in the Group C opening match, the veteran defender led his team to wins against Zambia
(5-1) and Sudan
(3-0). In the first game against The Pharaohs, Song's nephew Alex made his international debut for Cameroon, joining Rigobert on the pitch at half time. The captain then carried the Indomitable Lions to the knockout stage, in which they defeated Tunisia
(2-3) and Ghana
(0-1) before being eliminated in the finals by Egypt 1-0. The only goal, made by Mohamed Aboutrika, came after a mistake by Song, who covered his face with his shirt during the opponent's celebration.
On 31 May 2008, Song got the first goal for Cameroon after nine minutes of a 2-0 home win against Cape Verde
. With this win, the Indomitable Lions took an early lead in Group 1 of the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
In 2009 Song was dropped as captain of the Cameroonian national team, from the World Cup/ African Nations Cup qualifiers by new coach Paul le guen
, but still remained the player that defined the image of the national team. Le Guen eventually appointed Samuel Eto'o
as the new captain. On August 12, 2009, Cameroon's most-capped player was left out of the starting eleven for the first time in 10 years in a friendly game against Austria
. In 16 years with the national team, he has been to the African Nations cup, a record eight times (serving as Captain in five competitions excerpt in South Africa 1996, Burkina Faso in 1998 and Angola 2010). Song holds the record of most consecutive games played in the African Nations Cup- with 35 first team games. Song won the nations cup twice in Nigeria 2000 and Mali 2002 and losing to Egypt in the finals of Ghana 2008. In 2010 Cameroon was featured in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, but failed to win the tournament. On January 13, 2010, the Lions lost in a 1–0 group-stage upset against Gabon
but won a match against Zambia
four days later with the score of 3-2. Despite being considered as an experienced player, some of Song's mistakes in the tournament were called "self-destructive": in the first game against Gabon, a defensive error by the veteran defender allowed Daniel Cousin
's goal, and against Zambia in the second he headed a cross towards his own goal. The team still qualified for the quarter finals with 4 points after a draw with Tunisia
on January 21, in which Song came in as a substitute. Two days later Cameroon was eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations, following a 3-1 loss (after extra time) to Egypt. In the match, Aurelien Chedjou
was preferred to Song, ending the former captain's run of 36 successive Africa Cup of Nations matches (a total of 3201 minutes). After such events, Song was relegated to the role of backup player for a string of games as Le Guen often preferred him younger players such as Sebastien Bassong
and Benoit Assou-Ekotto
. In June 2011 Song transferred in Kosovo for 2 year contract 4$ in Kosovar superliga .
Although he had handed the captain’s armband over to Samuel Eto'o, Song was still selected for the 2010 World Cup
squad, making him the only player to play in the 1994 and 2010 World Cup finals. He was also the most experienced player to be featured in South Africa 2010 with 136 caps for his National team.
The veteran defender did not play in Cameroon's opening game of the 2010 World Cup against Japan
in South Africa. The Samurai Blue won the game with the score of 1-0, with a goal from Keisuke Honda
. After the match, Song and some senior players claimed that Cameroon's youngsters were not up to standard and asked coach Le Guen to reconsider his line for the next step against Denmark
. However, Song was also omitted in the next game with Denmark, which Cameroon lost 2-1. With the loss, they became the first team to be mathematically eliminated in the 2010 World Cup. The former captain was eventually featured in the last game against the Netherlands
, his 4th World Cup participation. Song entered the match as a substitute for Nicolas N'Koulou
in the 73rd minute of the second half. The Indomitable Lions went out of the tournament with a 1-2 loss.
Song retired from international duty on 1 August 2010 after 137 appearances.
His cousin Alex Song plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League side Arsenal
. Although many reports state that Rigobert is Alexander's uncle, the former in an interview with www.mtnfootball.live stated that their fathers were brothers, thus making both players cousins. Rigobert has mentored Alexander as a father figure
. About the relationship with Rigobert, Alexandre said: "I speak to him all the time and always call on him for advice. He's a good person to talk to because of his experience in England and I can ask him anything, depending on situations."
claimed he launched a deliberate hard tackle in a practice session against the Cameroonian player because of the latter's perceived mockery of Carragher's defending. "Song walked on to the training pitch with a smile on his face. He was limping off it with a grimace an hour later. The first chance I got, I did him. Never have I hunted down a 50–50 tackle with greater appetite. 'You're not fucking laughing now, are you, you soft cunt?' I said as he hobbled away."
Kosovo
Kosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia...
super league
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
club KF Drenica
KF Drenica
Klubi Futbollistik Drenica Skënderaj is a football club based in Srbica, Kosovo.-History:The club was founded in 1958 and currently plays in the top division of football in Kosovo, the Kosovar Superliga....
, when his contract after season 2010/12. He was also a member of the Cameroon national team
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...
between 1993 and 2010. Known for his defensive skills, Song usually plays as a centre back but can also operate at right back
Right Back
-Guest Artists:This album features many additional artists, including:* Barrington Levy, performing on "Righteous Dub" & "Saw Red"* H.R., performing on "New Sun"* Dangr, performing on "Kick Down"* Tippa Irie, performing on "Sensi"...
. Internationally, he has played at a record eight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and served as captain in five (the only ones he was not captain for were South Africa 1996, Burkina Faso 1998 and Angola 2010), a record, and holds the record of most consecutive games played in the tournament with 35 first team games. He has won two CAF Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2000 and 2002. In 2009, Song was dropped as Cameroon skipper by new coach 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...
, who eventually appointed Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o Fils is a Cameroonian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Russian team Anzhi Makhachkala. He is also the current captain of the Cameroon national team.Eto'o trained at Kadji Sports Academy...
as the new captain but later caused concerns as Rigobert song had never been on the bench in more than 11 years for Cameroon. With 137 appearances, Song also holds the record of the most capped player in the history of the Cameroon national team and has played in four World Cups
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
, in 1994
1994 FIFA World Cup
The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988...
, 1998
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...
, 2002
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
, and 2010
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...
.
A native of Nkenglicock
Nkenglicock
Nkenglicock is a town in Cameroon. Cameroonian footballer Rigobert Song was born there....
, Song started his professional career with Tonnerre
Tonnerre Yaoundé
Tonnerre Kalara Club of Yaoundé are a football club based in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The club was most prominent during the 1980s, winning all of their 5 national championship during the decade. They have also won the national cup 5 times...
in 1993. A year later he moved to 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 helped the club to win the French League Cup back in 1996. After appearing at the 1998 World Cup he left Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, where he signed for Salernitana
Salernitana Calcio 1919
Salerno Calcio, or simply Salerno is an Italian association football club from Salerno, Campania.The club is not the legitimate heir of the former Salernitana Calcio 1919, but there is however a sports continuity between the two companies thanks to Article 52 NOIF of FIGC, and the fact that they...
, to start successive stints with 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...
, West Ham United
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...
and Cologne
1. FC Köln
1. FC Köln is a German association football club based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It was formed in 1948 as a merger of the clubs Kölner Ballspiel-Club 1901 and SpVgg Sülz 07....
but after failing to hold down a first-team place he returned to France to play for 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...
. He stayed there until 2004 and moved on to Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, where he spent four years with Galatasaray
Galatasaray S.K. (football team)
Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups....
, winning two Turkish League
Turkcell Super League
The Süper Lig is a Turkish professional league for association football clubs. It is the top-flight of the Turkish football league system. It is one of the top leagues in the UEFA confederation and the winner of the competition automatically qualifies for the UEFA Champions League...
titles and the Turkish Cup. Song then signed a contract with Trabzonspor
Trabzonspor
Trabzonspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Trabzon, Turkey. Formed in 1967 through a merger of several local clubs, Trabzonspor won six championships in Turkish Super League. The Club won their first Championship title in 1975 which is also the Club's initiation year...
in 2008, where he won another Turkish Cup and stayed until 2010.
Along with Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Yazid Zidane is a retired French footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Zidane was a leading figure of a generation of French players that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship...
, Song is the only player to have been sent off in two different World Cups, once against Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
in USA 94
1994 FIFA World Cup
The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988...
and against Chile
Chile national football team
The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federación de Fútbol de Chile which was established in 1895. They have appeared in eight World Cup tournaments and were hosts of the 1962 FIFA World Cup finishing in...
in France 98
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 also holds the record as youngest player ever to be sent off in a World Cup, aged 17.
Nicknamed "Big Chief" by the Turkish fans, he is the cousin
Cousin
In kinship terminology, a cousin is a relative with whom one shares one or more common ancestors. The term is rarely used when referring to a relative in one's immediate family where there is a more specific term . The term "blood relative" can be used synonymously and establishes the existence of...
of fellow Cameroon defensive midfielder and 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...
player Alex Song, although Alex refers to Rigobert as his uncle
Uncle
An uncle is a type of familial relationship.Uncle may also refer to:* Uncle , by J. P. Martin* U.N.C.L.E., a fictional organization in the TV series The Man from U.N.C.L.E....
.
Early years (1993)
Song started his professional career at Tonnerre YaoundéTonnerre Yaoundé
Tonnerre Kalara Club of Yaoundé are a football club based in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The club was most prominent during the 1980s, winning all of their 5 national championship during the decade. They have also won the national cup 5 times...
. He made several strong appearances that earned him a selection to The Indomitable Lions for the World Cup in 1994.
Liverpool (1998-2000)
Following his Italian experience with Serie A side Salernitana, Rigobert Song transferred at Anfield in January 1999 for £2.7 million. He also holds the record as youngest player ever to be sent off in a World Cup, aged 17. Having been frozen out by the Italians, the Cameroonian defender made a good impression during a trial spell at Anfield. Before he arrived, Song already had the distinction of playing in two World Cup Finals for his country.The first Cameroonian player to play for the Reds, Song made his League debut against Coventry City at Highfield Road. He early earned the support of Liverpool's fans, who appreciated his strength, all action style and effort. His natural position was centre half but during his time at Anfield, Song operated at right back and became a figure for Liverpool's fans, who used to affectionately sing "We've only got one Song"! He had a mixed 1999-2000 campaign, missing three months of the season due to international matches with the Indomitable Lions, captaining them to victory in the 2000 African Nations Cup and scoring the decisive penalty in the final game against Nigeria.
Earlier in the season Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier
Gérard Houllier
Gérard Houllier, OBE , is a French football manager, who was last manager of Premier League club Aston Villa. He stepped down on 1 June 2011, following hospitalisation over heart problems towards the end of the 2010-2011 season....
refused to release Song for the Olympics
2000 Summer Olympics
The Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games or the Millennium Games/Games of the New Millennium, officially known as the Games of the XXVII Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was celebrated between 15 September and 1 October 2000 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia...
but Song as a loyal captain insisted,Cameroon eventually won the gold medal with him.
Song was not able to find a spot on the starting eleven in the 2000-2001 season and played just four games. His last appearance for Liverpool was a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield on September 23, 2000. He made a total of 38 appearances for the Reds . He left Anfield to sign for West Ham United on Tuesday, November 28, 2000, in a deal, which saw Liverpool capture young Finnish striker Daniel Sjolund
Daniel Sjölund
Henrik Daniel "Daja" Sjölund is a Finnish footballer who currently plays for Djurgårdens IF in the Swedish Allsvenskan....
.
West Ham, Köln and Lens (2000-2004)
Song signed for West Ham UnitedWest 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...
for £2.5 million. The club identified the 24-year-old defender as a possible replacement for Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand
Rio Gavin Ferdinand is an English footballer. He plays at centre back for Manchester United in the Premier League and for the England national football team...
, who was transferred to Leeds United for £18m. In his first days, Song insisted that he did not want to be compared to Ferdinand, as he believed it was derogatory to his own talent.
Galatasaray (2004-2008)
Song then signed for Galatasaray in 2004. He became an instant fan favourite after his transfer to Galatasaray and formed a strong defensive partnership with Stjepan TomasStjepan Tomas
Stjepan Tomas is a Croatian football defender. He is currently a free agent following his release from Turkish side Bucaspor in November 2010....
at the heart of defence.
During the 2006–07 season, he struggled to find a place in the team after an argument with then Galatasaray manager Eric Gerets during a league game. Although Song apologized for the incident both publicly and privately, Gerets did not take a back step and the player remained punished. With the arrival of new coach Karl-Heinz Feldkamp
Karl-Heinz Feldkamp
Karl-Heinz Feldkamp is a German football manager and former player.Feldkamp has been coaching football since 1968. In Germany, he has coached Borussia Dortmund, Kaiserslautern, and Eintracht Frankfurt, among others. He previously coached Galatasaray in 1992–93, and also coached another Istanbul...
in the 2007/2008 season, Song once again become a vital member of the squad and new club captain . However upon his return from the African Cup of Nations
African Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations, also referred to as the African Cup of Nations or African Nations Cup, officially CAN , is the main international association football competition in Africa. It is sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football , and was first held in 1957. Since 1968, it has been...
with Cameroon National Football Team
Cameroon
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon , is a country in west Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the...
he found himself on the bench due to injury with the emergence of Emre Güngör
Emre Güngör
Fehmi Emre Güngör is a Turkish footballer. Güngör plays as a defender for Gaziantepspor and Turkey. He was part of the Turkey squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008.-Honours:With Galatasaray*Turkish League:**Winner – 2007–08...
who partnered Servet Çetin
Servet Çetin
Servet Çetin , is a Turkish footballer who is playing for Galatasaray in the centre back position. He received the nickname Ayıboğan which literally means; a man who could choke a bear, due to his height and strength....
at the heart of the defence in Galatasaray
Galatasaray
Galatasaray Spor Kulübü is a Turkish sports club based in Istanbul, most notable for its football section, also known as Galatasaray S.K.. It also fields teams in Athletics, Basketball, Wheelchair basketball, Volleyball, Water polo, Swimming, Rowing, Sailing, Judo, Bridge, Equestrian, Handball,...
's run for their 16th league title with Galatasaray
Galatasaray
Galatasaray Spor Kulübü is a Turkish sports club based in Istanbul, most notable for its football section, also known as Galatasaray S.K.. It also fields teams in Athletics, Basketball, Wheelchair basketball, Volleyball, Water polo, Swimming, Rowing, Sailing, Judo, Bridge, Equestrian, Handball,...
.With a better offer Song decided to leave at the end of the 2007/08 season.
Trabzonspor (2008-2010)
Prior to joining Trabzonspor in 2008, Song played for MetzFC 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...
, Salernitana, 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...
, 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...
, Cologne
1. FC Köln
1. FC Köln is a German association football club based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It was formed in 1948 as a merger of the clubs Kölner Ballspiel-Club 1901 and SpVgg Sülz 07....
, 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...
, and Galatasaray.
After a successful start to 2008–2009 season, Song became fan-favorite in Trabzon, played 28 games in Süper Lig without any yellow/red cards or goals. After Ersun Yanal
Ersun Yanal
Ersun Yanal is a Turkish football coach and former coach of the Turkish national football team.-Early years:...
resigned he lost his place in the starting lineup. However, he became Trabzonspor's new captain on December 1, 2009 after Şenol Güneş
Senol Günes
Şenol Güneş is a former Turkish footballer, manager and philosopher. His biggest accomplishment to date is coaching the Turkey that won the bronze medal in the 2002 World Cup. Güneş is married and has two children.-Career:...
taking place as manager.
International career
Considered a key player for CameroonCameroon 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...
for over a decade, Song played in the 1994
1994 FIFA World Cup
The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988...
, 1998
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...
, 2002
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
, and 2010 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...
. He made his international debut on September 22, 1993, in a game against Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
.
At only 17 years old, Song was given a surprise call-up to Henri Michel
Henri Michel
-External links:...
’s Cameroon squad for the 1994 World Cup
1994 FIFA World Cup
The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988...
and played two games at the finals. The defender played in the group matches games against Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
and Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
. He received a red card in the match against Brazil, becoming the youngest player ever to be sent off in a World Cup, aged 17. Led by ageless striker Roger Milla
Roger Milla
Roger Milla is a retired Cameroonian footballer who played as a striker. He was one of the first African players to be a major star on the international stage...
, the Indomitable Lions were knocked out in the group stages. The 24 years and 42 days age gap between Milla (42 years and 35 days) and 17-year-old future captain Song (17 years and 358 days) became (and remains) the largest between two team-mates in World Cup history.
The defender then participated at 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...
. Led by Song, Patrick Mboma and 17 year old young striker Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o Fils is a Cameroonian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Russian team Anzhi Makhachkala. He is also the current captain of the Cameroon national team.Eto'o trained at Kadji Sports Academy...
, Cameroon were eliminated in the group stage, following a draw with Austria
Austria national football team
The Austria national football team is the association football team that represents the country of Austria in international competition and is controlled by the Austrian Football Association ....
(1-1), a loss to Italy
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...
(3-0) and another draw with Chile
Chile national football team
The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federación de Fútbol de Chile which was established in 1895. They have appeared in eight World Cup tournaments and were hosts of the 1962 FIFA World Cup finishing in...
. After receiving a red card in the last game against La Roja, Song broke another record as he became the first player ever to be sent off at two different World Cups. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Yazid Zidane is a retired French footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Zidane was a leading figure of a generation of French players that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship...
, who was also sent off at this World Cup, has since achieved this feat as well. Zidane received his second red card in the final of the 2006 tournament
2006 FIFA World Cup Final
The 2006 FIFA World Cup Final was a football match that took place on 9 July 2006 at the Olympiastadion, Berlin to determine the winner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Italy beat France on penalties after the match finished 1–1 after extra time...
.
Song was a part of the squads that won the 2000
2000 African Cup of Nations
The 2000 African Cup of Nations was the 22nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the association football championship of Africa . It was co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria, who jointly replaced Zimbabwe as host. Just like in 1998, the field of sixteen teams was split into four groups of four...
and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations. After winning the 23rd edition of the football championship of Africa, The Indomitable Lions featured in the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
, but were again eliminated in the group stage, following a 1-1 draw with 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....
, a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia national football team
Saudi Arabia national football team is the national team of Saudi Arabia and is controlled by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation...
and a 2-0 defeat to Germany
Germany national football team
The Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
.
2003 FIFA Confederations Cup
The 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup football tournament was the sixth FIFA Confederations Cup, held in France in June 2003. France retained the title they had won in 2001, but the tournament was overshadowed by the death of Cameroon player Marc-Vivien Foé, who died of heart failure in his side's...
. The Indomitable Lions qualified for the semifinals, after wins against Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
(0-1) and Turkey
Turkey national football team
The Turkey national football team represents Turkey in association football and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Turkey. They are affiliated with UEFA...
(1-0) and a draw with the United States. The defender then led his team against Colombia
Colombia national football team
The Colombian national football team represents Colombia in international football competitions and is controlled by the Colombian Football Federation. It is a member of the CONMEBOL...
in the knockout stage. In the 72nd minute of the game, Song's longtime friend, Marc-Vivien Foé
Marc-Vivien Foé
Marc-Vivien Foé was a Cameroonian international footballer, who played in midfield for both club and country. With success in the French League, and stints in the English Premier League, his sudden death, while in the middle of an international competitive fixture, came as a shock to the worldwide...
, collapsed in the centre circle, with no other players near him. Foé died the same day due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease of the myocardium in which a portion of the myocardium is hypertrophied without any obvious cause...
, a hereditary condition known to increase the risk of sudden death during physical exercise. Cameroon eventually won the game 1-0, but lost to France
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...
in the finals after extra time.
Although Cameroon did not manage to qualify for the 2006 World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
finals, the team participated in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. In the tournament, Song became the most capped
Cap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
player in Cameroon history. After three wins over Angola
Angola national football team
The Angola national football team, nicknamed Palancas Negras , is the national team of Angola and is controlled by the Federação Angolana de Futebol. Angola reached 45th in the FIFA Rankings in July 2002...
(3-1), Togo
Togo national football team
The Togo national football team, nicknamed Les Eperviers The Togo national football team, nicknamed Les Eperviers The Togo national football team, nicknamed Les Eperviers (The Sparrow Hawks, is controlled by the Fédération Togolaise de Football.They played at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Their team bus...
(2-0) and Congo DR
Congo DR national football team
The Congo DR national football team is the national team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is controlled by the Fédération Congolaise de Football-Association , and are nicknamed The Leopards.Congo have been ranked as high as 51 in the FIFA Rankings...
(2-0) in the group stage, the Indomitable Lions were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire national football team
The Côte d'Ivoire National Football Team or Ivory Coast National Football Team, nicknamed Les Éléphants , represents Côte d'Ivoire in international football and is controlled by the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football...
, following a 24-shot shoot-out in which Cameroon was defeated 12-11.
Rigobert Song was also part of the Cameroon squad for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. After a 4-2 loss to Egypt in the Group C opening match, the veteran defender led his team to wins against Zambia
Zambia national football team
The Zambia national football team represents the country of Zambia in the sport of association football and is governed by the Football Association of Zambia. Before independence they were known as the Northern Rhodesia national football team. The side is nicknamed Chipolopolo as copper is one of...
(5-1) and Sudan
Sudan national football team
The Sudan national football team represents Sudan in association football and is controlled by the Sudan Football Association, the governing body for football in Sudan. Sudan's home ground is Al Merreikh Stadium in Omdurman and their head coach is Mohammed Abdullah Mazda...
(3-0). In the first game against The Pharaohs, Song's nephew Alex made his international debut for Cameroon, joining Rigobert on the pitch at half time. The captain then carried the Indomitable Lions to the knockout stage, in which they defeated Tunisia
Tunisia national football team
The Tunisia national football team , nicknamed Les Aigles de Carthage , is the national team of Tunisia and is controlled by the Fédération Tunisienne de Football. They have qualified for four FIFA World Cups, the first one in 1978, but have yet to make it out of the first round...
(2-3) and 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...
(0-1) before being eliminated in the finals by Egypt 1-0. The only goal, made by Mohamed Aboutrika, came after a mistake by Song, who covered his face with his shirt during the opponent's celebration.
On 31 May 2008, Song got the first goal for Cameroon after nine minutes of a 2-0 home win against Cape Verde
Cape Verde national football team
The Cape Verde national football team, nicknamed either the Tubarões Azuis or Crioulos , is the national team of Cape Verde and is controlled by the Federação Caboverdiana de Futebol.-Overview:...
. With this win, the Indomitable Lions took an early lead in Group 1 of the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
In 2009 Song was dropped as captain of the Cameroonian national team, from the World Cup/ African Nations Cup qualifiers by new coach 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...
, but still remained the player that defined the image of the national team. Le Guen eventually appointed Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o
Samuel Eto'o Fils is a Cameroonian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Russian team Anzhi Makhachkala. He is also the current captain of the Cameroon national team.Eto'o trained at Kadji Sports Academy...
as the new captain. On August 12, 2009, Cameroon's most-capped player was left out of the starting eleven for the first time in 10 years in a friendly game against Austria
Austria national football team
The Austria national football team is the association football team that represents the country of Austria in international competition and is controlled by the Austrian Football Association ....
. In 16 years with the national team, he has been to the African Nations cup, a record eight times (serving as Captain in five competitions excerpt in South Africa 1996, Burkina Faso in 1998 and Angola 2010). Song holds the record of most consecutive games played in the African Nations Cup- with 35 first team games. Song won the nations cup twice in Nigeria 2000 and Mali 2002 and losing to Egypt in the finals of Ghana 2008. In 2010 Cameroon was featured in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, but failed to win the tournament. On January 13, 2010, the Lions lost in a 1–0 group-stage upset against Gabon
Gabon national football team
The Gabon national football team, nicknamed Azingo Nationale, is the national team of Gabon and is controlled by the Fédération Gabonaise de Football...
but won a match against Zambia
Zambia national football team
The Zambia national football team represents the country of Zambia in the sport of association football and is governed by the Football Association of Zambia. Before independence they were known as the Northern Rhodesia national football team. The side is nicknamed Chipolopolo as copper is one of...
four days later with the score of 3-2. Despite being considered as an experienced player, some of Song's mistakes in the tournament were called "self-destructive": in the first game against Gabon, a defensive error by the veteran defender allowed Daniel Cousin
Daniel Cousin
Daniel Michel Cousin is a Gabonese footballer who plays as a striker. He last played for Larissa and represents Gabon, for whom he is captain. Previously he has played for , Martigues, , Le Mans Union Club 72, RC Lens and Hull City....
's goal, and against Zambia in the second he headed a cross towards his own goal. The team still qualified for the quarter finals with 4 points after a draw with Tunisia
Tunisia national football team
The Tunisia national football team , nicknamed Les Aigles de Carthage , is the national team of Tunisia and is controlled by the Fédération Tunisienne de Football. They have qualified for four FIFA World Cups, the first one in 1978, but have yet to make it out of the first round...
on January 21, in which Song came in as a substitute. Two days later Cameroon was eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations, following a 3-1 loss (after extra time) to Egypt. In the match, Aurelien Chedjou
Aurélien Chedjou
Aurélien Bayard Chedjou Fongang is a Cameroonian footballer who currently plays for Lille and the Cameroon national team.On 21 October 2010, he scored the only goal against Levski Sofia after a Stéphane Dumont assist to help his team to a 1:0 win in a UEFA Europa League game.-External links:...
was preferred to Song, ending the former captain's run of 36 successive Africa Cup of Nations matches (a total of 3201 minutes). After such events, Song was relegated to the role of backup player for a string of games as Le Guen often preferred him younger players such as Sebastien Bassong
Sébastien Bassong
Sébastien Aymar Bassong Nguena is a French-born Cameroonian football defender who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the Cameroon national football team.-Early career:...
and Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Benoît Assou-Ekotto
Benoît Pierre David Assou-Ekotto is a French-born Cameroonian footballer who plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur as a left back.-RC Lens:...
. In June 2011 Song transferred in Kosovo for 2 year contract 4$ in Kosovar superliga .
Although he had handed the captain’s armband over to Samuel Eto'o, Song was still selected for the 2010 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...
squad, making him the only player to play in the 1994 and 2010 World Cup finals. He was also the most experienced player to be featured in South Africa 2010 with 136 caps for his National team.
The veteran defender did not play in Cameroon's opening game of the 2010 World Cup against Japan
Japan national football team
The Japan national football team represents Japan in association football and is operated by the Japan Football Association, the governing body for association football in Japan...
in South Africa. The Samurai Blue won the game with the score of 1-0, with a goal from Keisuke Honda
Keisuke Honda
is a Japanese footballer who currently plays for Russian CSKA Moscow and the Japan national football team. His current position is as a deep-lying playmaker, but he can equally play as an attacking midfielder or second striker. He is also a very skilled free kick taker scoring one in the FIFA World...
. After the match, Song and some senior players claimed that Cameroon's youngsters were not up to standard and asked coach Le Guen to reconsider his line for the next step against Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
. However, Song was also omitted in the next game with Denmark, which Cameroon lost 2-1. With the loss, they became the first team to be mathematically eliminated in the 2010 World Cup. The former captain was eventually featured in the last game against the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
, his 4th World Cup participation. Song entered the match as a substitute for Nicolas N'Koulou
Nicolas N'Koulou
Nicolas Alexis Julio N'Koulou N'Doubena , commonly referred to as Nicolas N'Koulou, is a Cameroonian footballer currently playing for Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille.-Club career:...
in the 73rd minute of the second half. The Indomitable Lions went out of the tournament with a 1-2 loss.
Song retired from international duty on 1 August 2010 after 137 appearances.
Personal life
Song's father, Paul Song, died when he was young. As such, he never really knew his father but nevertheless dedicates all his success to him, as his absence was a strong motivational force for him. Song is married to Esther Song, and has four children (two sons and two daughters): Ronny, Bryan, Yohanna Bernadette and Hillary Veronique Liliane. They currently live in Istanbul. Rigobert is also a national ambassador for CameroonHis cousin Alex Song plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League side 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...
. Although many reports state that Rigobert is Alexander's uncle, the former in an interview with www.mtnfootball.live stated that their fathers were brothers, thus making both players cousins. Rigobert has mentored Alexander as a father figure
Father Figure
"Father Figure" is the U.S. number-one song written and performed by George Michael and released on Columbia Records in 1988 as the third single from the album Faith.-History:...
. About the relationship with Rigobert, Alexandre said: "I speak to him all the time and always call on him for advice. He's a good person to talk to because of his experience in England and I can ask him anything, depending on situations."
Controversy
According to his 2008 biography, Carra, Song's former Liverpool teammate Jamie CarragherJamie Carragher
James Lee Duncan "Jamie" Carragher is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Premier League side Liverpool...
claimed he launched a deliberate hard tackle in a practice session against the Cameroonian player because of the latter's perceived mockery of Carragher's defending. "Song walked on to the training pitch with a smile on his face. He was limping off it with a grimace an hour later. The first chance I got, I did him. Never have I hunted down a 50–50 tackle with greater appetite. 'You're not fucking laughing now, are you, you soft cunt?' I said as he hobbled away."
Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| 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... |
1994–95 | 24 | 2 | ||||||||
| 24 | 2 | ||||||||||
| 1995–96 | 37 | 0 | |||||||||
| 37 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 1996–97 | 34 | 0 | |||||||||
| 34 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 1997–98 | 28 | 1 | |||||||||
| 28 | 1 | ||||||||||
| Total | 123 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 123 | 3 | |
| Salernitana Salernitana Calcio 1919 Salerno Calcio, or simply Salerno is an Italian association football club from Salerno, Campania.The club is not the legitimate heir of the former Salernitana Calcio 1919, but there is however a sports continuity between the two companies thanks to Article 52 NOIF of FIGC, and the fact that they... |
1998–99 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||
| 4 | 1 | ||||||||||
| Total | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | |
| 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... |
1998–99 | 13 | 0 | ||||||||
| 13 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 1999-00 | 17 | 0 | |||||||||
| 17 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2000–01 | 3 | 0 | |||||||||
| 3 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Total | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 0 | |
| West Ham United 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... |
2000–01 | 19 | 0 | ||||||||
| 19 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2001–02 | 5 | 0 | |||||||||
| 5 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Total | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| Köln 1. FC Köln 1. FC Köln is a German association football club based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It was formed in 1948 as a merger of the clubs Kölner Ballspiel-Club 1901 and SpVgg Sülz 07.... |
2001–02 | 16 | 0 | ||||||||
| 16 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Total | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | |
| 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... |
2002–03 | 35 | 3 | ||||||||
| 35 | 3 | ||||||||||
| 2003–04 | 28 | 0 | |||||||||
| 28 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Total | 63 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 63 | 3 | |
| Galatasaray Galatasaray S.K. (football team) Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups.... |
2004–05 | 32 | 2 | ||||||||
| 32 | 2 | ||||||||||
| 2005–06 | 29 | 1 | |||||||||
| 29 | 1 | ||||||||||
| 2006–07 | 25 | 1 | |||||||||
| 25 | 1 | ||||||||||
| 2007–08 | 22 | 0 | |||||||||
| 22 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Total | 108 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 108 | 4 | |
| Trabzonspor Trabzonspor Trabzonspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Trabzon, Turkey. Formed in 1967 through a merger of several local clubs, Trabzonspor won six championships in Turkish Super League. The Club won their first Championship title in 1975 which is also the Club's initiation year... |
2008–09 | 28 | 0 | ||||||||
| 28 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2009–10 | 18 | 0 | |||||||||
| 18 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Total | 46 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 0 | |
| Career total | 417 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 417 | 11 | |
International goals
| Goal | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 June 2004 | Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé Yaoundé -Transportation:Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport is a major civilian hub, while nearby Yaoundé Airport is used by the military. Railway lines run west to the port city of Douala and north to N'Gaoundéré. Many bus companies operate from the city; particularly in the Nsam and Mvan neighborhoods... , Cameroon Cameroon Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon , is a country in west Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the... |
2–1 | Win | 2006 World Cup qualifying 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... |
|
| 2 | 4 June 2005 | Stade de l'Amitié, 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 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... |
1–4 | Win | 2006 World Cup qualifying 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... |
|
| 3 | 31 May 2008 | Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé Yaoundé -Transportation:Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport is a major civilian hub, while nearby Yaoundé Airport is used by the military. Railway lines run west to the port city of Douala and north to N'Gaoundéré. Many bus companies operate from the city; particularly in the Nsam and Mvan neighborhoods... , Cameroon Cameroon Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon , is a country in west Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the... |
2–0 | Win | 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... |
Galatasaray
- Süper Lig: 2005–06, 2007–08
- Türkiye Kupası: 2004–05
International
- Africa Cup of Nations: 20002000 African Cup of NationsThe 2000 African Cup of Nations was the 22nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the association football championship of Africa . It was co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria, who jointly replaced Zimbabwe as host. Just like in 1998, the field of sixteen teams was split into four groups of four...
, 2002