Sidney Govou

Sidney Govou (born July 27, 1979 in Le Puy-en-Velay) is a football (soccer) player from France of Beninese descent. He plays for Olympique Lyonnais and France national football team. Govou is a naturally attacking player but rarely plays as a striker; he is more commonly deployed as an attacking midfielder, winger or in the 'second striker' role.

Clubs

- 1999 – present: Olympique Lyonnais (France)

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 Olympique Lyon's youth academy at the age of 17 in 1996. Loyal to his first and only club Sidney has, up until this point, played at the Stade Gerland for his entire professional career.

Govou made his debut for Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1 on January 15, 2000. He first became a household name during the 2000/2001 season, largely thanks to his performance against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League when he scored twice.

Govou has often been criticised for his lack of composure in front of goal, especially in high-pressure situations, which partly explains why he now occupies a deeper role, often in wide positions, rather than playing as the focal point of the team's attack. His offensive role, however, does not prevent him from often playing an important role in recovering possession for his team, due largely to his great athletic capabilities and high levels of fitness. These attributes help mask deficiencies such as his heading ability.

During the 2004/2005 season, Paul Le Guen (his club manager at the time) 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. Indeed, for the last three seasons Govou has 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. However, up until now Govou has continued to prolong his career in Lyon. Indeed, last year Sidney extended his contract with Lyon until 2010.

National team

He has 28 cap (football) with the France national football team (5 goals).

He was not selected initially for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but he joined the French team to replace Djibril Cissé, injured a few days before the start of the competition.

Sidney scored two goals in France's 3-1 win over world champions Italy national football team 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, just 67 seconds into the game. His second came in the 55th minute.

Honours

- Ligue 1 in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 with Olympique Lyonnais.
- Trophée Des Champions in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 with Olympique Lyonnais.
- Coupe de la Ligue (French League Cup) in 2001 with Olympique Lyonnais
- Confederation Cup in 2003 with France national football team
- FIFA World Cup finalist in 2006 FIFA World Cup with France national football team

Personal

He and his wife Pascale have a daughter named Naomy (born February 11, 2005).