Moussa Sissoko was born on 16 August 1989 and is a French professional footballer who plays as midfielder for Ligue 1 club Nantes and the France national team.
43 Facts About Moussa Sissoko
2.
Moussa Sissoko plays as a box-to-box midfielder in the centre of the pitch, and is capable of playing in either a holding midfield role, or even as an attacking midfielder, right winger or right back.
3.
Moussa Sissoko played in the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
4.
Moussa Sissoko eventually joined Newcastle United in the Premier League in 2013, before moving on to Tottenham Hotspur in 2016 after Newcastle's relegation from the top flight.
5.
Moussa Sissoko was a French youth international and played at all levels he was eligible for.
6.
Moussa Sissoko made his first international start four days later in a qualifier against Austria.
7.
Moussa Sissoko was a member of the France side that lost the UEFA Euro 2016 Final.
8.
Moussa Sissoko was born in Le Blanc-Mesnil, a Parisian suburb, to Malian parents.
9.
Moussa Sissoko's father is a construction worker and his mother is a housewife.
10.
Moussa Sissoko is the eldest of four children, with three younger sisters.
11.
Moussa Sissoko was attracted to football at a very young age, stating, "I quickly realised that football could lead me to have a better life".
12.
At the age of six, Moussa Sissoko joined the youth academy of Esperance Aulnay, based in nearby Aulnay-sous-Bois, a suburb in northeastern Paris.
13.
Moussa Sissoko trained three times a week at the club under the supervision of trainer Adama Dieye, who now serves as a correspondent for the club's futsal team.
14.
Moussa Sissoko describes Dieye as an important mentor in his development stating "I am here today because of him".
15.
In July 1999, Moussa Sissoko moved to Saint-Ouen to join AS Red Star 93.
16.
Moussa Sissoko spent two years at the club and was teammates with former France youth international Yannis Salibur.
17.
In July 2003, Moussa Sissoko made the trek down south to the Haute-Garonne department to sign with professional club Toulouse FC.
18.
Moussa Sissoko signed an aspirant contract and was placed in the club's under-14 team.
19.
Moussa Sissoko appeared in 18 matches during the amateur season, quickly becoming one of the club's most sought after prospects.
20.
Moussa Sissoko was promoted to the club's senior team in the ensuing summer and assigned the number 22 shirt by manager Elie Baup.
21.
Moussa Sissoko replaced Albin Ebondo in the 83rd minute and received a yellow card in the final minute.
22.
On 6 January 2008, Moussa Sissoko scored his second goal of the season against Paris in the Coupe de France.
23.
The move allowed Moussa Sissoko to retain his defensive duties, but showcase his attacking skills.
24.
Moussa Sissoko scored goals in victories over Derby de la Garonne rivals Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain.
25.
On 1 October 2009, Moussa Sissoko scored his first career European goal in a UEFA Europa League group stage match against Belgian club Brugge.
26.
Moussa Sissoko was a regular in the team for the rest of the season, but Toulouse failed to keep pace with the league leaders and finished a disappointing 14th.
27.
On 13 April 2015, Moussa Sissoko was sent off in an away match at Liverpool, receiving a second yellow card from referee Lee Mason, after a dangerous tackle to Lucas Leiva.
28.
Moussa Sissoko won plaudits from former players and fans alike.
29.
Moussa Sissoko won the inaugural Tottenham Hotspur Legends' Player of the Season award in May 2019.
30.
On 27 August 2021, Moussa Sissoko joined Watford on a two-year contract.
31.
On 1 July 2022, Moussa Sissoko returned to France and signed with Nantes.
32.
Moussa Sissoko has been active with France at youth level having represented France at all levels for which he was eligible.
33.
Moussa Sissoko made his debut as a substitute on 2 November 2005 in the team's opening competitive match against England.
34.
On 26 February 2006, Moussa Sissoko scored his first youth international goal in the team's second group stage match of the Algarve Cup against the Netherlands.
35.
Moussa Sissoko earned his first call up to the under-21 team for their friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 9 September 2008.
36.
Moussa Sissoko featured with the team frequently as they were attempting to qualify for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship.
37.
On 3 August 2009, Moussa Sissoko earned his first call up to the senior team for a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match against the Faroe Islands.
38.
Moussa Sissoko earned his first cap in the match against the Faroe Islands appearing as a substitute for Jeremy Toulalan in the second half.
39.
On 13 May 2014, Moussa Sissoko was named in Didier Deschamps' squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
40.
Moussa Sissoko was involved in France's run to the final of the 2016 UEFA European Championship, making four starts in the tournament.
41.
Moussa Sissoko usually plays as a box-to-box midfielder in the centre, although he is capable of playing in a holding midfield role, or even as an attacking midfielder or right winger, due to his pace and offensive capabilities.
42.
Moussa Sissoko has played on the left flank, as a second striker, or as an attacking full-back or wing-back on occasion.
43.
Moussa Sissoko is known for his striking ability from distance and on the run with his right foot, as well as his eye for goal from midfield.