Yoann Gourcuff

Yoann Gourcuff is an attacking midfielder at the football club Lyon. He was born on 11 July 1986 in a French commune Ploemeur.

Yoann’s youth career started in 1992 when he joined the youth team of the club Lorient where played until 2001. In 2001 he was given a tryout by Rennes and joined the club the same year. Yoann was attending the new club’s academy until 2003 when his professional career began.

In 2003 the young midfielder signed his first professional contract with Rennes. It was a three-year contract that was valid until 2006. Gourcuff participated in many matches over the period he featured for the club. For three years Yoann played 66 matches and scored 6 goals.

In 2006 Milan got interested in the footballer and made the decision to sign the midfielder to a three-year professional contract. However there was no regular place for the Frenchman in the Italian club, thus he periodically appeared as a substitute. Gourcuff managed to score one goal in 36 matches.

In 2008 the Italian club’s management decided to loan the midfielder to Bordeaux. Yoann featured for the club in the 2008/09 season, and scored 12 goals in 37 matches.

In 2009 when the loan period ended Bordeaux made the decision to acquire the footballer from Milan. After all arrangements had been made Yoann signed a contract and officially joined the club. The next season Gourcuff was again trusted the midfield position by the coach. Nevertheless in the 2009/10 season Yoann scored 6 goals and appeared in 32 matches.

His play attracted the attention of Lyon, one of the strongest clubs in France. Yoann’s transfer became one of the most expensive in the club’s history, amounting to €22 million. Gourcuff signed a five-year contract with Lyon. In the first season he appeared almost in all matches.

Yoann played 79 matches for national youth teams from 17 to 21 years. Gourcuff has been periodically given calls up to the France national team since 2008.