19 Interesting Facts About Wesley Fofana You Should Probably Know
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Discover 19 interesting facts about Wesley Fofana, the French professional footballer who plays for Chelsea and the France national team. Learn about his early life, professional career, personal interests, and more. This article provides a comprehensive insight into Fofana’s life on and off the pitch.
Wesley Fofana’s Profile
Full Name | Date of Birth | Place of Birth | Height | Position | Current Team |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wesley Tidjan Fofana | 17 December 2000 | Marseille, France | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | Centre-back | Chelsea |
Wesley Fofana, a name that resonates with football enthusiasts around the globe. A French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Chelsea and the France national team. Born in Marseille, France, Fofana has carved a niche for himself in the world of football. Here are 19 interesting facts about this talented player that you should probably know.
19 Interesting Facts About Wesley Fofana
1. Birth and Early Life
Wesley Fofana was born on December 17, 2000, in Marseille, France. He is the fourth child out of six children born to his parents. He started playing football at the age of six with Repos Vitrolles. His family background is middle-class, and he has always been into football for sheer passion and not financial gains.
2. Religion
Fofana is a devout Muslim. He has been known to observe the Islamic practice of fasting during the month of Ramadan.
3. Professional Career
Fofana started his youth career at a series of small clubs around France before joining the ranks of top-flight club Saint-Etienne in 2015, aged 14. He signed his first professional contract with Saint-Étienne on May 15, 2018. He then joined English Premier League club Leicester City on October 2, 2020. On August 31, 2022, he moved to Chelsea FC.
4. Saint-Étienne
Wesley Fofana’s professional career took off at Saint-Étienne, a football club based in Saint-Étienne, France. Known as “Les Verts” (The Greens), this club has a rich history and is one of the most successful clubs in French football. Fofana joined the club’s youth academy and quickly rose through the ranks due to his talent and hard work. He signed his first professional contract with Saint-Étienne on May 15, 2018. During his time at the club, Fofana showcased his skills and potential, which eventually led to his transfer to Leicester City in 2020.
5. Achievements
Fofana has had a successful career so far. He was part of the Leicester team that won the English FA Cup in 2021. He was also named Leicester City’s Young Player of the Season in 2020/21.
6. Injury and Comeback
Fofana suffered a broken leg in August 2021 during a pre-season friendly against Villarreal. He returned from injury on February 18, 2023, in a home defeat against Southampton. Unfortunately, on July 18, 2023, Chelsea revealed that Fofana had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) and had undergone surgery.
7. Personal Interests
Fofana is known for his intuitive reading of the game and ability to predict the runs of opposing forwards. He is also a supporter of the Palestinians and showed his support by waving a large Palestinian flag after winning the 2021 English FA Cup Final.
8. Ranking
In the 2022/2023 season, Fofana had an average rating of 6.74 in the Premier League, ranking him 131st out of 191 players.
9. Nickname
Although there seems to be some confusion with a rugby player of the same name who is nicknamed ‘The Cheetah’, there is no widely recognized nickname for Wesley Fofana, the footballer.
10. Gear
Fofana’s gear, including jerseys and shirts, can be found on various sports merchandise websites.
11. Devotion
Fofana is known for his devotion to the game. He has the physical and mental stamina to stay alert and composed in the dying moments of matches.
12. Net Worth
Wesley Fofana’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $4 million. He owns a personal luxury automobile and a luxurious villa.
13. Awards
Fofana was named Leicester City’s Young Player of the Season in 2020/21.
14. Transfer History
Fofana started his youth career at a series of small clubs around France before joining the ranks of top-flight club Saint-Etienne in 2015. He signed his first professional contract with Saint-Étienne on May 15, 2018. He then joined English Premier League club Leicester City on October 2, 2020. On August 31, 2022, he moved to Chelsea FC.
15. Goals
Fofana has scored 1 goal in 17 matches so far in the Premier League 2022/2023 season.
16. France National Team
Fofana has represented France Under-21s five times. He is still eligible to represent the Ivory Coast, through his father, as well as France in international football.
17. Charity Work
Fofana is known for his support for the Palestinians. After winning the 2021 English FA Cup Final, he waved a large Palestinian flag during their team celebrations.
18. Stats
Here are some of Fofana’s career stats:
Competition | Appearances | Goals |
---|---|---|
Premier League | 52 | 1 |
Ligue 1 | 20 | 1 |
Europa League | 8 | 0 |
Coupe de France | 6 | 1 |
Champions League | 5 | 1 |
FA Cup | 4 | 0 |
19. Contracts
Fofana signed a 7-year contract with Chelsea FC, with an annual average salary of £10,400,000.
Conclusion
Wesley Fofana is not just a footballer, but a symbol of determination and resilience. His journey from the streets of Marseille to the Premier League is a testament to his hard work and dedication. As he continues to make his mark in the world of football, these 19 facts offer a glimpse into the life of this remarkable player. Whether you’re a football enthusiast or just getting to know the sport, Wesley Fofana is a name you should remember.