Moussa Niakhaté’s vow to his late father and rise as OL leader | OneFootball

After a mixed first season, Moussa Niakhaté has become an indispensable OL leader, shaped by early hardship. As reported by L'Équipe, the loss of his father sits at the heart of that story.

In July 2005 in Senegal, his father Cheikh died suddenly. Aged nine, he vowed to turn professional for him, saying it remains his father’s greatest pride.

He followed older brother Mamadou at Comines near Lille, and a youth tournament propelled him. A five-year-old Moussa scored in a semi-final against Wasquehal and never left the team.

After two years at Comines he joined LOSC, staying until 15 before being released. The amateur game rekindled his joy at Wasquehal, then came Boulogne-sur-Mer, three seasons at Valenciennes and a Ligue 1 breakthrough at Metz.

He moved to Mainz after one season, persuaded by coach Sandro Schwarz, and became captain at 23 in 2021-2022. He says the decision, given his age, Franco-Senegalese roots and Muslim faith, was contested, yet he won people over and left in 2022 for Nottingham Forrest.

Service matters to him, echoing his father’s example in education and charity. Family and colleagues note invitations for children to matches, support for youngsters in Senegal and mentorship in Lyon’s academy.

Now vice-captain, he relishes responsibility while accepting mistakes happen. This season the club-record €32m signing has been among Lyon’s standout performers.

Source: L'Équipe