{"id":279370,"first_name":"Moussa","last_name":"Sissoko","short_name":"M. Sissoko","common_name":"Moussa Sissoko","place_of_birth":"Le Blanc-Mesnil","gender":"male","height":187,"weight":83,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T11:55:24.423Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T13:50:25.599Z","locale":"en","age":35,"stb_id":"moussa-sissoko","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Moussa Sissoko","top_position":null,"introduction":"Moussa Sissoko, born on August 16, 1989, is a notable French professional footballer known for his versatility on the field. He currently plays as a midfielder and captains Watford in the EFL Championship. Sissoko's journey in football is marked by his adaptability to various midfield roles, from a defensive to an attacking position, and even serving as a right-back at times. His career has seen significant achievements, most notably with Toulouse, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, where he was part of the squad that reached the 2019 UEFA Champions League final and finished runner-up.","early_life_and_career":"\n## Early Years\nMoussa Sissoko was born in Le Blanc-Mesnil, a suburb of Paris, to Malian parents. His father worked as a construction worker, while his mother was a housewife. Growing up as the eldest of four children with three younger sisters, Sissoko was drawn to football at an early age, believing it could provide a better life. His early football journey began at the age of six when he joined the youth academy of Espérance Aulnay in northeastern Paris, where he trained rigorously under the guidance of coach Adama Dieye, whom he credits as a key mentor.\n\n## Youth Career\nSissoko's early football development was profoundly shaped by his experiences at several youth clubs in the Île-de-France region. Initially, he played for Espérance Aulnay before moving to Red Star in 1999, where he honed his skills for two years alongside future talents like Yannis Salibur. In 2001, Moussa returned to Aulnay, continuing his growth for another two years before advancing to professional training environments in pursuit of a higher footballing career.","professional_career_and_highlights":"\n## Club Career\n### Toulouse\nSissoko's professional trajectory began in 2003 when he joined Toulouse's youth academy and quickly advanced, making his professional debut in the 2007–08 season. He showcased his burgeoning talent in the subsequent season, aiding Toulouse's qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Notably, his tenure at Toulouse drew attention from prominent clubs, but he chose to develop further at the club, making 40 appearances and scoring five goals in the 2008–09 season alone.\n\n### Newcastle United\nIn January 2013, Sissoko moved to Newcastle United on a long-term contract. He made an immediate impact, contributing a decisive performance against Chelsea by scoring twice in one match. His time at Newcastle was marked by pivotal contributions, including key goals that helped secure the club's league position.\n\n### Tottenham Hotspur\nSissoko's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in 2016 for a £30 million fee marked a significant phase in his career. He became integral to the team's success, notably participating in the UEFA Champions League final in 2019. Although Tottenham lost, his performance throughout the tournament was exemplary, earning him a place in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.\n\n### Watford and Nantes\nIn 2021, Sissoko joined Watford, facing the challenge of a relegation battle. His subsequent move to Nantes in 2022 marked a return to French football, bringing his leadership qualities and midfield prowess back to Ligue 1.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nMoussa Sissoko's international journey commenced with the French youth teams, debuting at the Under-16 level and progressing through to the Under-21s. His notable contributions included a goal against England and representing France in critical European tournament qualifiers.\n\n### Senior National Team\nSissoko debuted for France's senior team in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier. He was part of the squad that reached the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and played a crucial role in France's runner-up finish at the UEFA Euro 2016, earning praise for his performance in the final against Portugal.","playing_style_and_skills":"\n## Player Characteristics\nMoussa Sissoko is celebrated for his versatility and adaptability on the field. Primarily a box-to-box midfielder, he possesses the ability to play in various roles, including as a holding midfielder and an attacking winger. Known for his physicality, pace, and stamina, Sissoko's play is characterized by his ability to transition quickly from defense to attack, leveraging his robust tackling and dynamic presence on the field.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his club career, Sissoko has been a vital contributor, with significant appearances and a commendable tally of goals. His role in the French national team has been equally influential, marked by critical performances in key international tournaments.\n\n## Records\nSissoko's career is highlighted by personal accolades, including appearances in UEFA's prestigious squads and vital roles in finals and runner-up finishes at major tournaments.","notable_achievements":"\n## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2018–19 with Tottenham Hotspur\n- UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2016 with France\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2018–19\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nSissoko's career has seen him receive notable honors, such as the Tottenham Hotspur Legends' Player of the Season in 2019, demonstrating his significant impact on the team's success during that period.","impact_on_sport":"\n## Career Overview\nMoussa Sissoko's career is a testament to his adaptability and tactical intelligence on the field. With influential performances across leading European leagues, he has secured a legacy as a versatile and reliable midfielder.\n\n## Off the Field\nBeyond his football achievements, Sissoko remains grounded in his faith, and his ability to converse fluently in both French and English underscores his adaptability off the field.\n\n## Personal Life\nMoussa Sissoko's personal life is characterized by strong family ties and a commitment to maintaining his cultural heritage. His public image is augmented by his professionalism and dedication both on and off the field.","stb_internal_id":"0193067a-afce-7e51-9026-b8537b866c88","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"central-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Moussa Sissoko, born on August 16, 1989, is a notable French professional footballer known for his versatility on the field. He currently plays as a midfielder and captains Watford in the EFL Championship. Sissoko's journey in football is marked by his adaptability to various midfield roles, from a defensive to an attacking position, and even serving as a right-back at times. His career has seen significant achievements, most notably with Toulouse, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, where he was part of the squad that reached the 2019 UEFA Champions League final and finished runner-up.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Moussa Sissoko was born in Le Blanc-Mesnil, a suburb of Paris, to Malian parents. His father worked as a construction worker, while his mother was a housewife. Growing up as the eldest of four children with three younger sisters, Sissoko was drawn to football at an early age, believing it could provide a better life. His early football journey began at the age of six when he joined the youth academy of Espérance Aulnay in northeastern Paris, where he trained rigorously under the guidance of coach Adama Dieye, whom he credits as a key mentor.

Youth Career

Sissoko's early football development was profoundly shaped by his experiences at several youth clubs in the Île-de-France region. Initially, he played for Espérance Aulnay before moving to Red Star in 1999, where he honed his skills for two years alongside future talents like Yannis Salibur. In 2001, Moussa returned to Aulnay, continuing his growth for another two years before advancing to professional training environments in pursuit of a higher footballing career.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Toulouse

Sissoko's professional trajectory began in 2003 when he joined Toulouse's youth academy and quickly advanced, making his professional debut in the 2007–08 season. He showcased his burgeoning talent in the subsequent season, aiding Toulouse's qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Notably, his tenure at Toulouse drew attention from prominent clubs, but he chose to develop further at the club, making 40 appearances and scoring five goals in the 2008–09 season alone.

Newcastle United

In January 2013, Sissoko moved to Newcastle United on a long-term contract. He made an immediate impact, contributing a decisive performance against Chelsea by scoring twice in one match. His time at Newcastle was marked by pivotal contributions, including key goals that helped secure the club's league position.

Tottenham Hotspur

Sissoko's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in 2016 for a £30 million fee marked a significant phase in his career. He became integral to the team's success, notably participating in the UEFA Champions League final in 2019. Although Tottenham lost, his performance throughout the tournament was exemplary, earning him a place in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.

Watford and Nantes

In 2021, Sissoko joined Watford, facing the challenge of a relegation battle. His subsequent move to Nantes in 2022 marked a return to French football, bringing his leadership qualities and midfield prowess back to Ligue 1.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Moussa Sissoko's international journey commenced with the French youth teams, debuting at the Under-16 level and progressing through to the Under-21s. His notable contributions included a goal against England and representing France in critical European tournament qualifiers.

Senior National Team

Sissoko debuted for France's senior team in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier. He was part of the squad that reached the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and played a crucial role in France's runner-up finish at the UEFA Euro 2016, earning praise for his performance in the final against Portugal.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Moussa Sissoko is celebrated for his versatility and adaptability on the field. Primarily a box-to-box midfielder, he possesses the ability to play in various roles, including as a holding midfielder and an attacking winger. Known for his physicality, pace, and stamina, Sissoko's play is characterized by his ability to transition quickly from defense to attack, leveraging his robust tackling and dynamic presence on the field.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his club career, Sissoko has been a vital contributor, with significant appearances and a commendable tally of goals. His role in the French national team has been equally influential, marked by critical performances in key international tournaments.

Records

Sissoko's career is highlighted by personal accolades, including appearances in UEFA's prestigious squads and vital roles in finals and runner-up finishes at major tournaments.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2018–19 with Tottenham Hotspur
UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2016 with France

Individual Achievements

UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2018–19

Awards and Recognition

Sissoko's career has seen him receive notable honors, such as the Tottenham Hotspur Legends' Player of the Season in 2019, demonstrating his significant impact on the team's success during that period.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Moussa Sissoko's career is a testament to his adaptability and tactical intelligence on the field. With influential performances across leading European leagues, he has secured a legacy as a versatile and reliable midfielder.

Off the Field

Beyond his football achievements, Sissoko remains grounded in his faith, and his ability to converse fluently in both French and English underscores his adaptability off the field.

Personal Life

Moussa Sissoko's personal life is characterized by strong family ties and a commitment to maintaining his cultural heritage. His public image is augmented by his professionalism and dedication both on and off the field.

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Moussa Sissoko: Profile