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Sidney Govou

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Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou (born 27 July 1979) is a French former professional footballer who played primarily as a winger, but was occasionally deployed as a striker. He is most prominent for his lengthy playing career at Lyon where he won seven Ligue 1 titles.

Sidney Govou
Govou in 2018
Personal information
Full name Sidney Rodrigue Noukpo Govou[1]
Date of birth (1979-07-27) 27 July 1979 (age 45)[1]
Place of birth Le Puy-en-Velay, France
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[1]
Position(s) Striker / Winger
Youth career
1992–1996 Brives-Charensac
1996–1997 CO Le Puy
1997–2000 Lyon
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2010 Lyon 292 (49)
2010–2011 Panathinaikos 24 (3)
2011–2013 Évian 36 (1)
2013–2014 Lyon B 2 (0)
2014–2015 Monts d'Or Azergues 28 (0)
2015 FC Miami City 11 (3)
2015–2017 Limonest 24 (2)
Total 417 (58)
International career
2002–2010 France 49 (10)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  France
FIFA Confederations Cup
Winner 2003
FIFA World Cup
Runner-up 2006
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

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Lyon

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Staying at school to complete his studies to a comparatively late age for a footballer, Govou was a late-comer to the sporting world, joining Lyon's youth academy at the age of 17 in 1996. Loyal to his first club, until 2010, Govou had played at the Stade Gerland for his entire professional career. Govou broke onto the scene during the 2000–01 Ligue 1 season helping Lyon finish in second, just four points behind champions FC Nantes. Because of his great performances for the club, Govou won the 2001 Young Player of the Year Award in Ligue 1.[2]

During the 2004–05 season, Paul Le Guen handed Govou the captain's armband during the long absence of club captain Claudio Caçapa due to injury. Le Guen's decision was largely motivated by the loyalty displayed towards the club by Govou, in face of much speculation linking him with moves away from the club.[citation needed] Indeed, for the last three seasons, Govou had been regularly linked to possible transfers away from Lyon, much helped by Govou's admittance to finding the possibility of playing abroad an attractive one. On 24 May 2008, Govou scored the only goal of the game in added extra time, volleying home a cross, and was named "Man of the Match" as Lyon defeated PSG in the final of the Coupe de France, the club's first cup success since 1973.[3]

Govou and Lyon endured a difficult 2009–10 Ligue 1 campaign. He appeared in 30 league games for Lyon, starting 22, but managed just two goals and two assists as Lyon finished runners up to Olympique de Marseille. In November 2009, Lyon hosted Marseille at the Stade Gerland in what would become an epic encounter. Govou scored a memorable goal in the 14th minute, making a sensational run with the ball from beyond midfield and then slotting it past Steve Mandanda to give the hosts a 2–1 lead.[4] The game would go back and forth for the rest of the match, with Lyon leading 5–4 in the 90th minute until an own goal from teammate Jérémy Toulalan meant that the points would be shared.[5] Lyon eventually finished in second spot, securing an automatic place in the group stage of the Champions League.[6]

Panathinaikos

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On 2 July 2010, Govou signed a three-year contract with Panathinaikos in Greece, with the playmaker reportedly earning €1.5 million a year.[7][8] On 14 September 2010, he scored against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou to give Panathinaikos the lead, although they eventually lost the game 5–1.[9] On 2 July 2011, it was announced by Panathinaikos that Govou had been released from the club by mutual consent.[10] The player was partly released because of Panathinaikos' financial problems, and it was reported that other French players Djibril Cissé and Jean-Alain Boumsong would exit to free up the cheque book.[8] During his time at the club, he was punished twice for inappropriate behavior related to "late night activities."[11] Govou appeared in 24 games and scored three goals in all competitions for Panathinaikos.

Évian

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Govou playing for Evian in 2011

On 5 July 2011, Govou signed a two-year contract with newly promoted Ligue 1 side Évian.[12][13] He made his debut for the club in their first ever Ligue 1 game away to Stade Brest. Govou played the full 90 minutes and helped his new squad to a 2–2 draw, earning their first ever point in the French top flight.[14]

Govou recorded his first goal for Évian in a 3–2 defeat to Stade Rennais on 7 February 2012,[15] a result which eliminated his side from the Coupe de France in the Round of 16. His first league goal came 11 days later when he netted a 90th-minute equalizer to prevent Stade Malherbe Caen from getting all three points.[16]

Govou made his first appearance of the 2012–13 Ligue 1 season on 24 August 2012, replacing Daniel Wass in the 90th minute of a 1–1 draw with former club Lyon.[17] On 10 November, Govou provided the assist from which Youssef Adnane scored the game-winning goal for Evian, a 2–1 defeat of Reims.[18]

Return to Lyon

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In October 2013, Govou signed with his former club Lyon on an amateur contract, restricting him to play only with the club's reserve team.[19]

Monts d'Or Azergues

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On 27 January 2014, Govou signed with fourth division side Monts d'Or Azergues, partnering up with former International Ludovic Giuly. 21 February, rumours surfaced Govou had been fired by the club for participating in the viral Internet drinking game Neknomination.[20] However, the club denied taking any action against the player the following day.[21]

FC Miami City

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On 1 June 2015, Govou signed with FC Miami City Champions[22] in the USL Premier Development League (PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division.

International career

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Govou was not selected initially for the Euro 2004 or 2006 World Cup competitions, but was called up to join the French squads to replace players Ludovic Giuly and Djibril Cissé, respectively, both suffering injuries shortly before the start of the competitions.[23]

Govou scored two goals in France's 3–1 win over world champions Italy in a Euro 2008 qualifier. The game was the first meeting between the two teams since Italy beat France in the 2006 World Cup Final. Govou scored his first goal by heading, just 67 seconds into the game. His second came in the 55th minute.

Govou also represented his country at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.[24] Govou appeared in all three group games for France, as Les Bleus finished last in Group A and managed just one goal. Govou started against Uruguay and Mexico and came on as a late substitute against South Africa.[25][26][27]

Personal life

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Govou was born in France, and is of Beninese descent.[28] He married Clémence Catherin on 18 June 2011 at Replonges (Ain, France). To date, they have two children: a son named Marley, born 25 February 2009, and a daughter named Jude, born on 20 February 2014. He has also, with his ex-girlfriend Pascale, an elder daughter named Naomy, born on 11 February 2005.[29]

On 18 April 2010, it was first reported by French television service M6 that four members of the France national team were being investigated for their roles as clients of a prostitution ring that was being operated inside of a Paris nightclub with some of the women possibly being underage. The report also stated that two of the players were already questioned as witnesses by judge André Dando and a group of magistrates. The report described the two players as being one who "is a major player in a big foreign club" and that the other "plays in the championship of France Ligue 1".[30] Later that day, the players were discovered to be Govou, Karim Benzema and Franck Ribéry.[31] On 29 April, the country's Secretary of State for Sports Rama Yade, after refusing to publicly comment on the case in its infancy, declared that any player placed under investigation should not represent the France national team.[32] The following day, a judicial source confirmed that the players would not be placed under official investigation, if at all, before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[33] On 20 July, they were questioned by Paris police and, following questioning, was indicted by judge Dando on the charge of "solicitation of a minor prostitute".[34][35][36] In November 2011 prosecutors asked for the cases against them to be dropped, saying that the players were not aware that the escort, identified as Zahia Dehar, was 16 years old when they had paid to have sex with her.[37]

Career statistics

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International

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International goals

Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 12 October 2002 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France   Slovenia
5 – 0
5 – 0
 UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
2. 20 June 2003 Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne, France   Japan
2 – 1
2 – 1
 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup
3. 18 February 2004 King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium   Belgium
1 – 0
2 – 0
 Friendly
4. 6 September 2006 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France   Italy
1 – 0
3 – 1
 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
5.
3 – 1
6. 16 November 2007 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France   Morocco
1 – 1
2 – 2
 Friendly
7. 21 November 2007 Olimpiysky, Kyiv, Ukraine   Ukraine
2 – 1
2 – 2
 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
8. 20 August 2008 Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden   Sweden
2 – 1
3 – 2
 Friendly
9.
3 – 1
10. 6 September 2008 Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna, Austria   Austria
1 – 2
1 – 3
 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

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Lyon

France

Individual

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010: List of Players: France" (PDF). FIFA. 12 June 2010. p. 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 October 2019.
  2. ^ ABI. "Palmares Trophées UNFP - Oscars du football - Meilleur espoir de Ligue 1 ( > Football > Trophées > Trophées UNFP - Oscars du foot) sur SportPalmares, tous les palmares du sport se trouvent ici !!". Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  3. ^ "Lyon 1-0 PSG". ESPNFC. 24 May 2008. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  4. ^ "Lyon vs. Marseille - Football Match Report - November 8, 2009 - ESPN". Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  5. ^ "Olympique Lyon 5-5 Marseille: OM And OL Share Ten Goals In All-Time Classic". Goal.com. 8 November 2009. Archived from the original on 17 November 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  6. ^ "Didier Deschamps hails Marseille's 'extraordinary' Ligue 1 title win". The Guardian. 6 May 2010. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  7. ^ L'Équipe
  8. ^ a b "Govou leaves Panathinaikos - SuperSport - Football". www.supersport.com. Archived from the original on 1 October 2012.
  9. ^ staff, Telegraph (14 September 2010). "Barcelona 5 Panathinaikos 1: match report". Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  10. ^ "Govou leaves Panathinaikos". 3 July 2011. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  11. ^ https://news.yahoo.com/govou-leaves-panathinaikos-175256001.html [dead link]
  12. ^ "Govou, la grosse affaire". Évian TGFC (in French). 5 July 2011. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  13. ^ "Govou: 'I didn't hesitate'". Ligue1.com. 16 August 2011. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
  14. ^ "Brest vs. Evian Thonon Gaillard - Football Match Report - August 6, 2011 - ESPN". Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  15. ^ "Stade Rennes vs. Evian Thonon Gaillard - Football Match Summary - February 7, 2012 - ESPN". Archived from the original on 15 July 2012.
  16. ^ "Caen vs. Evian Thonon Gaillard - Football Match Report - February 18, 2012 - ESPN".
  17. ^ "Evian Thonon Gaillard 1 – 1 Lyon". ESPNFC. 24 August 2012.[dead link]
  18. ^ "Reims 1 – 2 Evian Thonon". ESPNFC. 10 November 2012. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013.
  19. ^ NDTVSports.com. "Despite winning seven league titles, Sidney Govou re-signs for Lyon as an amateur! – NDTV Sports". Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  20. ^ mag, Lyon (21 February 2014). "Neknomination : Sidney Govou porte plainte contre un site internet". Archived from the original on 25 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  21. ^ "MDA FOOT Chasselay - Communiqué de MDA FOOT". Archived from the original on 27 February 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  22. ^ "Sidney Govou en pige à Miami". 1 June 2015. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  23. ^ "France replace Cisse with Govou". BBC News. 8 June 2006. Archived from the original on 25 March 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  24. ^ "France 2010 World Cup Squad - Sportslens". 14 May 2010. Archived from the original on 12 March 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  25. ^ "Uruguay vs. France - Football Match Report - June 11, 2010 - ESPN".
  26. ^ "France vs. Mexico - Football Match Report - June 17, 2010 - ESPN".
  27. ^ "France vs. South Africa - Football Match Report - June 22, 2010 - ESPN".
  28. ^ "Bénin : Sidney Govou au service du sport béninois ! - Bénin Football". 22 February 2017. Archived from the original on 22 March 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  29. ^ "French international footballers Franck Ribery and Sidney Govou in prostitute scandal". The Telegraph. 19 April 2010. Archived from the original on 9 December 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  30. ^ "Quatre Bleus impliqués dans une affaire de moeurs?" (in French). RMC. 18 April 2010. Archived from the original on 16 August 2011. Retrieved 20 April 2010.
  31. ^ "Ribéry parmi les témoins entendus" (in French). L'Equipe. 18 April 2010. Archived from the original on 21 April 2010. Retrieved 20 April 2010.
  32. ^ Pugmire, Jerome (22 April 2010). "Prostitution scandal hits French football players". USA Today. Archived from the original on 11 May 2010. Retrieved 30 April 2010.
  33. ^ "Ribery won't face questioning before World Cup". Reuters. 30 April 2010. Archived from the original on 13 January 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2010.
  34. ^ Davies, Lizzy (20 July 2010). "Franck Ribéry and Karim Benzema held in prostitution investigation". The Guardian. UK. Archived from the original on 15 September 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  35. ^ "Ribéry mis en examen" (in French). L'Equipe. 20 July 2010. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  36. ^ Pierrette, Jean-Claude; Foulkes, Mathieu (21 July 2010). "Footballer Ribery charged with sex with underage prostitute". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  37. ^ "French prosecutors accept that Ribery did not know prostitute was a minor". France 24. 19 November 2011. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
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