18 Facts About Bernard Lama

Bernard Pascal Maurice Lama was born on 7 April 1963 and is a French former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

In 2006, Bernard Lama briefly coached the Kenya national team, his only professional managerial experience.

Bernard Pascal Maurice Lama was born on 7 April 1963 in Saint-Symphorien, Indre-et-Loire, a commune that merged into the neighboring Tours in 1964.

Bernard Lama left Guiana in 1981 to come to metropolitan France, without his father's consent but determined to become a professional footballer, where he was first signed by Division 1 club Lille.

Bernard Lama was loaned to Abbeville in 1982, where he failed to make a single appearance, and he returned to Lille after just one year, only to be loaned again to Besancon.

Bernard Lama did get some play time that year, and his performances were convincing enough for Lille to agree to keep him for the following season.

Bernard Lama spent one year in Metz, and then took part in Brest's last season in first division.

Bernard Lama actually played every single league game during those two seasons.

Bernard Lama then spent one year with Lens, where his performances attracted the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, who offered him a five-year contract.

In Paris, Bernard Lama had to replace the iconic Joel Bats, and his impressive performances quickly showed he was up for the task.

Bernard Lama's career took a new dimension when he took part in European competitions, and even got called up for the France national team.

Bernard Lama won the Coupe de France twice in 1993 and 1995, and in 1996, his most prestigious trophy yet, the European Cup Winners' Cup.

Bernard Lama played in the FA Cup against Arsenal in a tie that went to a penalty shootout after a replay, however Arsenal won the shootout to eliminate West Ham.

Bernard Lama's performances were good enough to interest West Ham in making him a permanent signing, but they were unable to retain the player after the World Cup and he re-signed with Paris Saint-Germain.

Bernard Lama quickly found a new club, Rennes, where he spent a very good season, at the end of which he expressed his desire to fulfill his childhood's dream and play for a Brazilian club.

Bernard Lama played in the Euro 1996 finals, and was a substitute at the Euro 2000 finals.

Bernard Lama won the 1998 FIFA World Cup as a substitute of Fabien Barthez but did not play a single match.

On 21 July 2006, Bernard Lama was appointed coach of the Kenya national team.