Fodé Fofana Explained

Fodé Fofana
Birth Date:26 October 2002
Birth Place:Groningen, Netherlands
Height:1.87m
Position:Forward
Currentclub:PSV
Youthyears1:2010–2013
Youthclubs1:GVAV-Rapiditas
Youthyears2:2013–2015
Youthclubs2:Barcelona
Youthyears3:2015–2020
Youthclubs3:PSV
Years1:2020–
Clubs1:Jong PSV
Caps1:35
Goals1:14
Years2:2021–
Clubs2:PSV
Caps2:1
Goals2:0
Years3:2023–2024
Clubs3:Vitesse (loan)
Caps3:3
Goals3:0
Nationalyears1:2021
Nationalteam1:Netherlands U21
Nationalcaps1:1
Nationalgoals1:0
Club-Update:30 June 2024

Fodé Fofana (born 26 October 2002) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a forward for Eredivisie club PSV.

Club career

Fofana started his career by playing youth football for several amateur clubs in Groningen including GVAV-Rapiditas. During his family's summer vacation in 2012, Fofana played a street football tournament at Lyon where a scout of Barcelona was present.[1] He was impressed by Fofana's style of play and recommended him to the club. Fofana joined Barcelona following year after two internships at the club.[2] However, he was forced to leave the club after two years as FIFA imposed a sanction on Barcelona for buying players aged under 18.[3] He returned to Netherlands after leaving Barcelona and joined PSV later.[4]

On 2 August 2019, PSV announced that three 16-year-olds from their youth academy including Fofana have signed their first professional contract with the club.[5] He signed a three-year contract through to the summer of 2022.[6] He made his professional debut for Jong PSV on 6 November 2020 in a 2–1 league win against Den Bosch.[7] He played whole 90 minutes in the match and scored his team's both goals.[7]

On 7 July 2021, Fofana made his first appearance for PSV by scoring a hat-trick in 10–1 friendly win against Delbrücker SC.[8] After being an unused substitute in 2021 Johan Cruyff Shield win against Ajax, he made his official debut for PSV on 10 August in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Midtjylland.[9]

On 20 August 2021, Fofana extended his contract with PSV until June 2025.[10]

On 2 September 2023, Fofana joined Vitesse on a season long loan deal.[11]

International career

Fofana is a Dutch youth international. On 27 August 2021, he received maiden call-up to Netherlands under-21 team for 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification matches.[12] On 7 September, he made his Dutch youth team debut by coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute for Brian Brobbey in 3–0 win against Moldova.[13]

Personal life

Fofana was born in Groningen to Uljana and Abdoul Fofana.[1] [3] His mother is from Russia and father is from Guinea.[2]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueCupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Jong PSV2020–21Eerste Divisie208208
2021–22Eerste Divisie6464
2022–23Eerste Divisie9292
Total35140000003514
PSV2021–22Eredivisie0010100020
2022–23Eredivisie1000000010
Total1010100030
Vitesse (loan)2023–24Eredivisie300030
Career total39141010004114

Honours

PSV

Notes and References

  1. Web site: HENK VELDMATE ZIET FODÉ FOFANA (10) NAAR FC BARCELONA VERTREKKEN. 12 January 2021.
  2. Web site: Het opmerkelijke verhaal van PSV'er Fodé Fofana die als tienjarige gescout werd door FC Barcelona. 12 January 2021.
  3. Web site: Fode Fofana's mother speaks to SPORT about FIFA's punishment. 12 January 2021.
  4. Web site: PSV neemt weggestuurd talent (12) over van Barcelona. 12 January 2021.
  5. Web site: THREE YOUNGSTERS SIGN FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT. 12 January 2021.
  6. Web site: Fodé Fofana tekent profcontract bij PSV. 12 January 2021.
  7. Web site: Former Barcelona Talent Has Dream Jong PSV Debut. 12 January 2021.
  8. Web site: PSV HIT TEN GOALS AGAINST DELBRÜCKER SC. 8 July 2021. 11 August 2021.
  9. Web site: Bruma fires PSV to late win over Midtjylland. 10 August 2021. 11 August 2021.
  10. Web site: PSV verlengt contract Fodé Fofana definitief tot medio 2025. 20 August 2021. 24 August 2021.
  11. Web site: Goedkeuring van Zeist: Vitesse huurt Fofana met koopoptie van PSV. 2 September 2023. 3 September 2023.
  12. Web site: VIJFTIEN DEBUTANTEN IN SELECTIE JONG ORANJE VOOR BEGIN EK-KWALIFICATIE. 27 August 2021. 8 September 2021.
  13. Web site: Fodé Fofana debuteert als invaller bij Jong Oranje. 7 September 2021. 8 September 2021.
  14. Web site: 30 April 2023 . PSV wint na strafschoppen van Ajax in bekerfinale vol irritaties en opstootjes . PSV beats Ajax after penalty kicks in cup final full off irritations and fights . 10 May 2023 . Dutch.