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Papa Bouba Diop

Papa Bouba Diop (28 January 1978 – 29 November 2020) was a Senegalese professional footballer. His preferred position was as a defensive midfielder, but he could also play as a centre-back, where he played at Lens. Diop was considered a physically strong and aggressive player. His playing style, position, and ability drew comparisons to former France holding midfielder Patrick Vieira.[2]

Papa Bouba Diop
Papa Bouba Diop in 2014
Personal information
Full name Papa Bouba Diop[1]
Date of birth (1978-01-28)28 January 1978
Place of birth Rufisque, Senegal
Date of death 29 November 2020(2020-11-29) (aged 42)
Place of death Paris, France
Height 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
Position(s) Defensive midfielder, centre back
Youth career
1994–1995 Ndeffann Saltigue
1995–1996 ASC Diaraf
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–1999 ASC Diaraf
1999–2000 Vevey
2000–2001 Neuchâtel Xamax 19 (4)
2001–2002 Grasshoppers 29 (5)
2002–2004 Lens 47 (6)
2004–2007 Fulham 76 (8)
2007–2010 Portsmouth 53 (0)
2010–2011 AEK Athens 19 (1)
2011–2012 West Ham United 16 (1)
2012–2013 Birmingham City 2 (1)
Total 261 (26)
International career
2001–2008 Senegal 63 (11)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Diop spent much of his career in England, where fans nicknamed him "The Wardrobe" for his stature.[3] He played Premier League football for Fulham and Portsmouth, and won the FA Cup with the latter club in 2008. He also played top-flight football in Switzerland for Neuchâtel Xamax and Grasshoppers, in France for Lens and in Greece for AEK Athens.

Diop's second of a total of 11 international goals for Senegal came in a 1–0 victory over then-world champions France in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, in Senegal's first match at the FIFA World Cup. He also played at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, finishing as runners-up in 2002.

Club career edit

Early career edit

Diop was born in Rufisque, Dakar.[4] He began his football career with junior team Ndeffann Saltigue before joining ASC Diaraf of the Senegal Premier League in 1996.[5] He left Senegal for Switzerland, where he spent a few months with third-tier club Vevey before signing as a professional for Ligue Nationale A club Neuchâtel Xamax in the 2000 close season.[4][6] In December that same year, he joined fellow top-flight club Grasshoppers,[7] whom he helped win the championship title in his first half-season[8] and made his first appearance in UEFA competitions the next.[9] He moved to France in January 2002 to join Lens of Division 1 on a five-and-a-half-year contract.[10]

Fulham edit

After his impressive performances for Lens, Diop signed with Premier League team Fulham for £6 million, signing a four-year deal in July 2004.[11][12] Diop made his debut against Manchester City on 14 August 2004, playing the full 90 minutes.[13] Diop scored his first goal for Fulham against Chelsea, scoring Fulham's only goal in a 4–1 home defeat.[13] In his first season at Fulham, Diop made such an impressive display for the club that he was named Fulham's Opta player of the season award for 2004–05.[14]

Former Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez said that Diop had all the attributes to become one of the best midfielders in the Premiership. He said, "There's no reason why Bouba can't get himself up to being one of the best centre midfield players in the Premiership and that's where I see his long-term position. I've seen Diop play over the years and he has all the attributes to be a top-class midfielder".[15]

For his performances during the 2005–06 season, Diop was nominated for the Fulham "Player of the Year" award. Diop would then sign a new deal keeping him until 2009.[16] Diop then said that he made a right decision to sign a contract with Fulham.[17] Diop became a fans' favourite.[11]

An injury due to hamstring, foot, and back problems resulted in him missing part of the 2006–07 season and losing the captaincy to Danny Murphy. In January 2007 Wigan Athletic made a £5 million bid for the midfielder, but Diop decided against the move and stayed with Fulham, helping them to avoid relegation.[18][19]

After Diop's three years at Craven Cottage Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez allowed him to move on, and he transferred to Portsmouth on transfer deadline day.[20] Diop finished his Fulham career having played 84 matches for the side, scoring nine goals.[21]

Portsmouth edit

Diop signed a five-year deal with Portsmouth for a fee of £3.5 million.[11] He made his debut against Liverpool on 15 September 2007 in a 0–0 draw.[22] Diop was a key player in Portsmouth's victorious 2008 FA Cup campaign, playing a solid, defensive game and making some crucial tackles against Cardiff City.

Following Portsmouth's relegation, Diop was considered likely to be released. Portsmouth's administrator, Andrew Andronikou, stated that Diop would only be leaving for a fee of £1 million,[23] but Portsmouth eventually agreed to an undisclosed fee (reported as around £750,000) to transfer Diop to AEK Athens in July 2010.[24] He played 72 games for Portsmouth without scoring.[21]

AEK Athens edit

On 13 July 2010, Diop agreed terms with AEK Athens signing a two-year deal earning €900,000 per season,[25] despite interest from Fulham, Celtic and Paris Saint-Germain.[26]

Diop made his debut for AEK Athens against Dundee United on 19 August 2010 in a Europa League play-off first-leg game.[27] Diop appeared as a substitute at the 81st minute of the 1–0 victory.[28] Diop scored his first Super League goal against PAOK on 3 June 2011, the match finished 4–0 to AEK.[29][30] Diop finished the season having played in only 19 league games.[29] On 30 April 2011, Diop won the Greek Cup with AEK in a 3–0 win against Atromitos.[31][32] Diop also scored two goals against PAOK in the Superleague Greece play-offs giving AEK the 3–0 lead.[33]

West Ham United edit

On 30 August 2011, West Ham announced the signing of Diop on a one-year deal. He joined on a free transfer after leaving AEK Athens. The deal included an option to sign for a further year.[11] He made his debut for West Ham on 1 October 2011 in a 2–2 away draw with Crystal Palace.[34] He scored his first and only goal for West Ham, against Barnsley on 17 December 2011. His goal proved to be the winner in a 1–0 win.[35] He made 16 appearances for West Ham in the league and was a popular member of the squad. Although not a team member on the day, Diop celebrated on the pitch with the team as they won promotion to the Premier League via the 2012 Football League Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium on 19 May 2012.[36] On 30 June 2012, Diop was released by West Ham on expiry of his contract.[37]

Birmingham City edit

In October 2012, he agreed terms to join former teammate Lee Clark's Birmingham City on a short-term contract, subject to successful application for a working visa, and the deal was completed on 19 October.[38] He then signed for a further month,[39] and finally made his Birmingham debut as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 draw away to Blackpool on 27 November. He was booked within minutes of entering the game.[40] With Hayden Mullins suspended and Jonathan Spector injured for the visit of Crystal Palace on 15 December,[41] Diop made his first start for Birmingham, alongside League debutant Callum Reilly in central midfield. He scored the equalising goal, a powerful header from Rob Hall's corner, as Birmingham came back from 2–0 down to draw,[42] and was rewarded with another month's contract.[43] He injured a hamstring soon afterwards, and despite his imminent return to fitness, the club's financial difficulties meant they could not offer him a further contract extension. He left the club in January 2013.[44]

International career edit

Bouba Diop received his first call-up to the Senegal national squad in 1999, at the age of 21, while playing for Neuchâtel Xamax in the Swiss Super League. He was part of their squad that finished runners-up at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali, and scored the opening goal of a 2–1 win over Nigeria in the semi-finals.[45]

He is perhaps best known for scoring the first goal of 2002 FIFA World Cup against France, which resulted in the 1–0 defeat of the defending world champions and, ultimately, their early elimination from the tournament, in which Senegal reached the quarter-finals.[11] He ended as his team's best scorer of the tournament with three goals, having also scored twice against Uruguay.[11] Diop celebrated his goal against France by running to the corner of the pitch, laying his shirt on the floor, and having his teammates dance around it.[46][47][48]

Diop played at three more Africa Cup of Nations tournaments: in 2004 he scored in a 3–0 group win over Kenya in Tunisia,[49] and in 2006 he netted in a 3–2 victory against Guinea in the quarter-finals.[50] His last appearances were in a group-stage elimination in Ghana in 2008, in which Senegal manager Henryk Kasperczak resigned during the tournament due to the team's ill discipline.[51] Diop played 63 times for Senegal, scoring 11 goals.[52]

During the 2022 World Cup, Senegal dedicated their win over Ecuador to Diop on the second anniversary of his death.[53]

Style of play edit

His manager at Fulham, Chris Coleman, described him as a player with "great feet, scores goals, defends well, tackles, has got good pace", and that his "stature and ability" were unique in the Premier League at the time, similar to that of Patrick Vieira.[54] Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes described him as one of the most "awkward" players he had played against, and noted that "you get involved physically with him and you're wasting your time".[55] During his playing career in England, Diop was nicknamed "The Wardrobe" for his stature (he was 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) in height).[3]

Death edit

Diop died in Paris on 29 November 2020[56] following a long illness.[3][57] It was reported by L'Équipe that he had ALS.[58]

Diop's funeral was held in Dakar on 4 December before burial in his hometown. In attendance were his widow Marie Aude, their son and daughter, President of Senegal Macky Sall and teammates from the 2002 World Cup.[59]

Career statistics edit

Club edit

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Neuchâtel Xamax 2000–01[29] Ligue Nationale A 19 4 19 4
Grasshoppers 2000–01[29] Ligue Nationale A 11 1 11 1
2001–02[9][29] Ligue Nationale A 18 4 7[a] 0 25 4
Total 29 5 7 0 36 5
Lens 2001–02[60] Ligue 1 5 0 0 0 5 0
2002–03[60] Ligue 1 16 3 0 0 0 0 4[b] 0 20 3
2003–04[60] Ligue 1 26 3 0 0 2 0 6[c] 2 34 5
Total 47 6 0 0 2 0 10 2 59 8
Fulham 2004–05[13] Premier League 29 6 3 1 3 0 35 7
2005–06[61] Premier League 22 2 0 0 1 0 23 2
2006–07[62] Premier League 23 0 1 0 0 0 24 0
2007–08[22] Premier League 2 0 0 0 2 0
Total 76 8 4 1 4 0 84 9
Portsmouth 2007–08[22] Premier League 25 0 5 0 2 0 32 0
2008–09[63] Premier League 16 0 0 0 0 0 4[c] 0 1[d] 0 21 0
2009–10[64] Premier League 12 0 7 0 0 0 19 0
Total 53 0 12 0 2 0 4 0 1 0 72 0
AEK Athens 2010–11[29][65][66] Superleague Greece 19 1 6 0 5[e] 2 7[f] 1 37 4
West Ham United 2011–12[67] Championship 16 1 0 0 0 0 16 1
Birmingham City 2012–13[68] Championship 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1
Career total 261 26 22 1 8 0 26 4 8 1 325 32
  1. ^ 2 appearances in UEFA Champions League, 5 in UEFA Cup
  2. ^ Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  3. ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ Appearance in FA Community Shield
  5. ^ Appearances in qualification play-offs
  6. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League

International edit

Appearances and goals by national team and year[52]
National team Year Apps Goals
Senegal 2001 5 1
2002 14 5
2003 7 1
2004 14 3
2005 5 0
2006 11 1
2007 4 0
2008 3 0
Total 63 11
Scores and results list Senegal's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Diop goal.[69]
List of international goals scored by Papa Bouba Diop
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 8 November 2001 Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju, South Korea   South Korea 1–0 1–0 Friendly
2 2 February 2002 Stade Modibo Kéïta, Bamako, Mali   Nigeria 1–0 2–1 2002 Africa Cup of Nations
3 27 March 2002 Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar, Senegal   Bolivia 1–0 2–1 Friendly
4 31 May 2002 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea   France 1–0 1–0 2002 FIFA World Cup
5 11 June 2002 Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon, South Korea   Uruguay 2–0 3–3 2002 FIFA World Cup
6 3–0
7 10 September 2003 Denka Big Swan Stadium, Niigata, Japan   Japan 1–0 1–0 2003 Kirin Challenge Cup
8 30 January 2004 Stade 15 Octobre, Bizerte, Tunisia   Kenya 2–0 3–0 2004 Africa Cup of Nations
9 20 June 2004 Stade de Kégué, Lomé, Togo   Togo 1–2 1–3 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
10 10 October 2004 Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Monrovia, Liberia   Liberia 1–0 3–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
11 3 February 2006 Harras El Hodoud Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt   Guinea 1–1 3–2 2006 Africa Cup of Nations

Honours edit

Grasshoppers

Portsmouth

AEK Athens

Senegal

References edit

  1. ^ Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Mainstream. p. 119. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
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  3. ^ a b c d e Kemble, Jamie (29 November 2020). "Former Fulham and West Ham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop dies aged 42". Football.London. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
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  36. ^ "Papa Bouba Diop – 1978-2020 | West Ham United". www.whufc.com.
  37. ^ "Six players depart West Ham". Sky Sports. 23 May 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  38. ^ "Papa Boupa Diop has signed for Birmingham until 17 November". Sky Sports. 19 October 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
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  40. ^ Tattum, Colin (28 November 2012). "Blues battle for a point at Blackpool". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  41. ^ Evans, Gregg (14 December 2012). "Birmingham City v Crystal Palace: Team news". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  42. ^ "Blues 2 Palace 2". Birmingham City F.C. 15 December 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  43. ^ "Birmingham City: Papa Bouba Diop signs one-month contract". BBC Sport. 18 December 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  44. ^ . Birmingham City F.C. 17 January 2013. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  45. ^ Copnall, James (8 February 2002). "Three off as Senegal triumph". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  46. ^ Lewis, Danny (16 May 2019). "The day Senegal embarrassed France, the defending champions, at the World Cup". These Football Times. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  47. ^ "Coca-Cola Memorable Celebrations 14: Papa Bouba Diop Does The Senegal Shirt Dance". Goal. 28 May 2010. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  48. ^ Wilson, Jonathan (6 December 2020). "Papa Bouba Diop's winner against France was Senegal's Maradona moment". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
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  50. ^ "Senegal hit back to defeat Guinea". CNN. 3 February 2006. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  51. ^ Doyle, Paul (1 February 2008). "Diouf and co miss the real party". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  52. ^ a b "Papa Bouba Diop". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  53. ^ "Senegal dedicate Ecuador win to Papa Bouba Diop on two-year anniversary of death". The Athletic. 29 November 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  54. ^ "Diop compared to Vieira". BBC Sport. 18 December 2005. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  55. ^ Fay, Richard (12 May 2020). "Manchester United legend Paul Scholes picks surprise name as trickiest opponent". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  56. ^ "Papa Bouba Diop: Former Senegal, Fulham & Portsmouth midfielder dies aged 42". BBC Sport. 29 November 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  57. ^ "Ex-Fulham, Portsmouth and Senegal midfielder Diop dies aged 42". www.goal.com.
  58. ^ "L'ancien international sénégalais Papa Bouba Diop est mort à 42 ans" [Former Senegalese international Papa Bouba Diop dies aged 42]. L'Équipe (in French). 29 November 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  59. ^ "Obsèques nationales de Pape Bouba Diop : Sa veuve Marie Aude et leurs enfants Aron et Awa aux côtés du président Macky Sall" [Papa Bouba Diop's national funeral: His widow Marie Aude and their children Aron and Awa next to President Macky Sall] (in French). Dakar Actu. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  60. ^ a b c "Papa Bouba Diop". sitercl.com. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  61. ^ "Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  62. ^ "Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  63. ^ "Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  64. ^ "Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  65. ^ Superleague Greece. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012. Select season and competition via dropdown menu.
  66. ^ . UEFA. Archived from the original on 21 February 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  67. ^ "Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  68. ^ "Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  69. ^ "Pape "Papa" Bouba Diop – International Appearances". RSSSF. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  70. ^ Bamako, James Copnall in (11 February 2002). "Cameroon 0 – 0 Senegal (aet: Cameroon won 3 – 2 on penalties)". The Guardian.

External links edit

  • Papa Bouba Diop at Soccerbase  
  • Papa Bouba Diop at National-Football-Teams.com
  • Profile, stats and pictures of Bouba Diop

papa, bouba, diop, confused, with, papakouli, diop, january, 1978, november, 2020, senegalese, professional, footballer, preferred, position, defensive, midfielder, could, also, play, centre, back, where, played, lens, diop, considered, physically, strong, agg. Not to be confused with Papakouli Diop Papa Bouba Diop 28 January 1978 29 November 2020 was a Senegalese professional footballer His preferred position was as a defensive midfielder but he could also play as a centre back where he played at Lens Diop was considered a physically strong and aggressive player His playing style position and ability drew comparisons to former France holding midfielder Patrick Vieira 2 Papa Bouba DiopPapa Bouba Diop in 2014Personal informationFull namePapa Bouba Diop 1 Date of birth 1978 01 28 28 January 1978Place of birthRufisque SenegalDate of death29 November 2020 2020 11 29 aged 42 Place of deathParis FranceHeight1 95 m 6 ft 5 in Position s Defensive midfielder centre backYouth career1994 1995Ndeffann Saltigue1995 1996ASC DiarafSenior career YearsTeamApps Gls 1996 1999ASC Diaraf1999 2000Vevey2000 2001Neuchatel Xamax19 4 2001 2002Grasshoppers29 5 2002 2004Lens47 6 2004 2007Fulham76 8 2007 2010Portsmouth53 0 2010 2011AEK Athens19 1 2011 2012West Ham United16 1 2012 2013Birmingham City2 1 Total261 26 International career2001 2008Senegal63 11 Club domestic league appearances and goalsDiop spent much of his career in England where fans nicknamed him The Wardrobe for his stature 3 He played Premier League football for Fulham and Portsmouth and won the FA Cup with the latter club in 2008 He also played top flight football in Switzerland for Neuchatel Xamax and Grasshoppers in France for Lens and in Greece for AEK Athens Diop s second of a total of 11 international goals for Senegal came in a 1 0 victory over then world champions France in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Senegal s first match at the FIFA World Cup He also played at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments finishing as runners up in 2002 Contents 1 Club career 1 1 Early career 1 2 Fulham 1 3 Portsmouth 1 4 AEK Athens 1 5 West Ham United 1 6 Birmingham City 2 International career 3 Style of play 4 Death 5 Career statistics 5 1 Club 5 2 International 6 Honours 7 References 8 External linksClub career editEarly career edit Diop was born in Rufisque Dakar 4 He began his football career with junior team Ndeffann Saltigue before joining ASC Diaraf of the Senegal Premier League in 1996 5 He left Senegal for Switzerland where he spent a few months with third tier club Vevey before signing as a professional for Ligue Nationale A club Neuchatel Xamax in the 2000 close season 4 6 In December that same year he joined fellow top flight club Grasshoppers 7 whom he helped win the championship title in his first half season 8 and made his first appearance in UEFA competitions the next 9 He moved to France in January 2002 to join Lens of Division 1 on a five and a half year contract 10 Fulham edit After his impressive performances for Lens Diop signed with Premier League team Fulham for 6 million signing a four year deal in July 2004 11 12 Diop made his debut against Manchester City on 14 August 2004 playing the full 90 minutes 13 Diop scored his first goal for Fulham against Chelsea scoring Fulham s only goal in a 4 1 home defeat 13 In his first season at Fulham Diop made such an impressive display for the club that he was named Fulham s Opta player of the season award for 2004 05 14 Former Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez said that Diop had all the attributes to become one of the best midfielders in the Premiership He said There s no reason why Bouba can t get himself up to being one of the best centre midfield players in the Premiership and that s where I see his long term position I ve seen Diop play over the years and he has all the attributes to be a top class midfielder 15 For his performances during the 2005 06 season Diop was nominated for the Fulham Player of the Year award Diop would then sign a new deal keeping him until 2009 16 Diop then said that he made a right decision to sign a contract with Fulham 17 Diop became a fans favourite 11 An injury due to hamstring foot and back problems resulted in him missing part of the 2006 07 season and losing the captaincy to Danny Murphy In January 2007 Wigan Athletic made a 5 million bid for the midfielder but Diop decided against the move and stayed with Fulham helping them to avoid relegation 18 19 After Diop s three years at Craven Cottage Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez allowed him to move on and he transferred to Portsmouth on transfer deadline day 20 Diop finished his Fulham career having played 84 matches for the side scoring nine goals 21 Portsmouth edit Diop signed a five year deal with Portsmouth for a fee of 3 5 million 11 He made his debut against Liverpool on 15 September 2007 in a 0 0 draw 22 Diop was a key player in Portsmouth s victorious 2008 FA Cup campaign playing a solid defensive game and making some crucial tackles against Cardiff City Following Portsmouth s relegation Diop was considered likely to be released Portsmouth s administrator Andrew Andronikou stated that Diop would only be leaving for a fee of 1 million 23 but Portsmouth eventually agreed to an undisclosed fee reported as around 750 000 to transfer Diop to AEK Athens in July 2010 24 He played 72 games for Portsmouth without scoring 21 AEK Athens edit On 13 July 2010 Diop agreed terms with AEK Athens signing a two year deal earning 900 000 per season 25 despite interest from Fulham Celtic and Paris Saint Germain 26 Diop made his debut for AEK Athens against Dundee United on 19 August 2010 in a Europa League play off first leg game 27 Diop appeared as a substitute at the 81st minute of the 1 0 victory 28 Diop scored his first Super League goal against PAOK on 3 June 2011 the match finished 4 0 to AEK 29 30 Diop finished the season having played in only 19 league games 29 On 30 April 2011 Diop won the Greek Cup with AEK in a 3 0 win against Atromitos 31 32 Diop also scored two goals against PAOK in the Superleague Greece play offs giving AEK the 3 0 lead 33 West Ham United edit On 30 August 2011 West Ham announced the signing of Diop on a one year deal He joined on a free transfer after leaving AEK Athens The deal included an option to sign for a further year 11 He made his debut for West Ham on 1 October 2011 in a 2 2 away draw with Crystal Palace 34 He scored his first and only goal for West Ham against Barnsley on 17 December 2011 His goal proved to be the winner in a 1 0 win 35 He made 16 appearances for West Ham in the league and was a popular member of the squad Although not a team member on the day Diop celebrated on the pitch with the team as they won promotion to the Premier League via the 2012 Football League Championship play off final at Wembley Stadium on 19 May 2012 36 On 30 June 2012 Diop was released by West Ham on expiry of his contract 37 Birmingham City edit In October 2012 he agreed terms to join former teammate Lee Clark s Birmingham City on a short term contract subject to successful application for a working visa and the deal was completed on 19 October 38 He then signed for a further month 39 and finally made his Birmingham debut as a second half substitute in a 1 1 draw away to Blackpool on 27 November He was booked within minutes of entering the game 40 With Hayden Mullins suspended and Jonathan Spector injured for the visit of Crystal Palace on 15 December 41 Diop made his first start for Birmingham alongside League debutant Callum Reilly in central midfield He scored the equalising goal a powerful header from Rob Hall s corner as Birmingham came back from 2 0 down to draw 42 and was rewarded with another month s contract 43 He injured a hamstring soon afterwards and despite his imminent return to fitness the club s financial difficulties meant they could not offer him a further contract extension He left the club in January 2013 44 International career editBouba Diop received his first call up to the Senegal national squad in 1999 at the age of 21 while playing for Neuchatel Xamax in the Swiss Super League He was part of their squad that finished runners up at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali and scored the opening goal of a 2 1 win over Nigeria in the semi finals 45 He is perhaps best known for scoring the first goal of 2002 FIFA World Cup against France which resulted in the 1 0 defeat of the defending world champions and ultimately their early elimination from the tournament in which Senegal reached the quarter finals 11 He ended as his team s best scorer of the tournament with three goals having also scored twice against Uruguay 11 Diop celebrated his goal against France by running to the corner of the pitch laying his shirt on the floor and having his teammates dance around it 46 47 48 Diop played at three more Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2004 he scored in a 3 0 group win over Kenya in Tunisia 49 and in 2006 he netted in a 3 2 victory against Guinea in the quarter finals 50 His last appearances were in a group stage elimination in Ghana in 2008 in which Senegal manager Henryk Kasperczak resigned during the tournament due to the team s ill discipline 51 Diop played 63 times for Senegal scoring 11 goals 52 During the 2022 World Cup Senegal dedicated their win over Ecuador to Diop on the second anniversary of his death 53 Style of play editHis manager at Fulham Chris Coleman described him as a player with great feet scores goals defends well tackles has got good pace and that his stature and ability were unique in the Premier League at the time similar to that of Patrick Vieira 54 Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes described him as one of the most awkward players he had played against and noted that you get involved physically with him and you re wasting your time 55 During his playing career in England Diop was nicknamed The Wardrobe for his stature he was 6 feet 5 inches 1 96 m in height 3 Death editDiop died in Paris on 29 November 2020 56 following a long illness 3 57 It was reported by L Equipe that he had ALS 58 Diop s funeral was held in Dakar on 4 December before burial in his hometown In attendance were his widow Marie Aude their son and daughter President of Senegal Macky Sall and teammates from the 2002 World Cup 59 Career statistics editClub edit Appearances and goals by club season and competition Club Season League National cup League cup Europe Other TotalDivision Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps GoalsNeuchatel Xamax 2000 01 29 Ligue Nationale A 19 4 19 4Grasshoppers 2000 01 29 Ligue Nationale A 11 1 11 12001 02 9 29 Ligue Nationale A 18 4 7 a 0 25 4Total 29 5 7 0 36 5Lens 2001 02 60 Ligue 1 5 0 0 0 5 02002 03 60 Ligue 1 16 3 0 0 0 0 4 b 0 20 32003 04 60 Ligue 1 26 3 0 0 2 0 6 c 2 34 5Total 47 6 0 0 2 0 10 2 59 8Fulham 2004 05 13 Premier League 29 6 3 1 3 0 35 72005 06 61 Premier League 22 2 0 0 1 0 23 22006 07 62 Premier League 23 0 1 0 0 0 24 02007 08 22 Premier League 2 0 0 0 2 0Total 76 8 4 1 4 0 84 9Portsmouth 2007 08 22 Premier League 25 0 5 0 2 0 32 02008 09 63 Premier League 16 0 0 0 0 0 4 c 0 1 d 0 21 02009 10 64 Premier League 12 0 7 0 0 0 19 0Total 53 0 12 0 2 0 4 0 1 0 72 0AEK Athens 2010 11 29 65 66 Superleague Greece 19 1 6 0 5 e 2 7 f 1 37 4West Ham United 2011 12 67 Championship 16 1 0 0 0 0 16 1Birmingham City 2012 13 68 Championship 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1Career total 261 26 22 1 8 0 26 4 8 1 325 32 2 appearances in UEFA Champions League 5 in UEFA Cup Appearance s in UEFA Champions League a b Appearance s in UEFA Cup Appearance in FA Community Shield Appearances in qualification play offs Appearances in UEFA Europa League International edit Appearances and goals by national team and year 52 National team Year Apps GoalsSenegal 2001 5 12002 14 52003 7 12004 14 32005 5 02006 11 12007 4 02008 3 0Total 63 11Scores and results list Senegal s goal tally first score column indicates score after each Diop goal 69 List of international goals scored by Papa Bouba Diop No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition1 8 November 2001 Jeonju World Cup Stadium Jeonju South Korea nbsp South Korea 1 0 1 0 Friendly2 2 February 2002 Stade Modibo Keita Bamako Mali nbsp Nigeria 1 0 2 1 2002 Africa Cup of Nations3 27 March 2002 Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor Dakar Senegal nbsp Bolivia 1 0 2 1 Friendly4 31 May 2002 Seoul World Cup Stadium Seoul South Korea nbsp France 1 0 1 0 2002 FIFA World Cup5 11 June 2002 Suwon World Cup Stadium Suwon South Korea nbsp Uruguay 2 0 3 3 2002 FIFA World Cup6 3 07 10 September 2003 Denka Big Swan Stadium Niigata Japan nbsp Japan 1 0 1 0 2003 Kirin Challenge Cup8 30 January 2004 Stade 15 Octobre Bizerte Tunisia nbsp Kenya 2 0 3 0 2004 Africa Cup of Nations9 20 June 2004 Stade de Kegue Lome Togo nbsp Togo 1 2 1 3 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification10 10 October 2004 Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex Monrovia Liberia nbsp Liberia 1 0 3 0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification11 3 February 2006 Harras El Hodoud Stadium Alexandria Egypt nbsp Guinea 1 1 3 2 2006 Africa Cup of NationsHonours editGrasshoppers Swiss Super League 2000 01 3 Portsmouth FA Cup 2007 08 3 AEK Athens Greek Cup 2010 11 31 Senegal Africa Cup of Nations runner up 2002 70 References edit Hugman Barry J ed 2009 The PFA Footballers Who s Who 2009 10 Mainstream p 119 ISBN 978 1 84596 474 0 Diop compared to Vieira BBC SPORT 18 December 2005 Retrieved 12 July 2023 a b c d e Kemble Jamie 29 November 2020 Former Fulham and West Ham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop dies aged 42 Football London Retrieved 29 November 2020 a b Odiet Olivier 9 September 2000 Bouba Diop Notre salut passe par la solidarite Bouba Diop Our salvation comes through solidarity L Impartial in French La Chaux de Fonds p 21 Papa Bouba Diop The Early Years 1983 1999 Autobiography Icons Worldwide Archived from the original on 5 July 2010 Poli Raffaele 4 July 2009 Un procede courant A common method L Express in French Neuchatel p 22 Berdat Jean Francois 9 December 2000 Diop a Grasshopper Diop to Grasshopper L Express in French Neuchatel p 23 Zea Antonio Stokkermans Karel Garin Erik 7 September 2006 Switzerland 2000 01 Rec Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation RSSSF Retrieved 19 December 2012 a b UEFA Champions League Grasshopper Club UEFA Archived from the original on 20 July 2014 Retrieved 10 October 2012 UEFA Europa League Grasshopper Club UEFA Retrieved 10 October 2012 Senegalese international Bouba Diop signs for Lens Soccerway Perform Group Archived from the original on 20 April 2016 Retrieved 19 December 2012 a b c d e f Hammers snap up Papa West Ham United Retrieved 30 August 2011 Bouba Diop Signs Fulham F C 27 July 2004 Retrieved 13 April 2014 a b c Games played by Papa Bouba Diop in 2004 2005 Soccerbase Centurycomm Retrieved 31 August 2011 OPTA Player of the Season Fulham F C 24 May 2005 Retrieved 13 April 2014 Diop tipped for the top Fulham Football Club News from football co uk 31 August 2010 Retrieved 31 August 2011 Diop signs new deal Fulham F C 7 April 2006 Retrieved 13 April 2014 Papa Bouba Diop Fulham F C 12 June 2006 Retrieved 13 April 2014 Papa Bouba Diop Bio Stats News ESPN FC 28 January 1978 Retrieved 31 August 2011 Coleman s Diop Hope Fulham F C 19 January 2007 Retrieved 13 April 2014 Portsmouth land Diop from Fulham BBC Sport 31 August 2007 Retrieved 24 August 2020 a b Papa Bouba Diop at Soccerbase a b c Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2007 2008 Soccerbase Centurycomm Retrieved 19 December 2012 Pompey warn AEK over Diop Sky Sports 23 June 2010 Retrieved 31 August 2011 Dimond Alex Papa Bouba Diop Completes Move From Portsmouth To AEK Athens www goal com Retrieved 29 November 2020 AEK Athens Snap Up Papa Bouba Diop Insidefutbol com 12 July 2010 Retrieved 31 August 2011 H symfwnia me Portsmoy8 Aek365 gr 10 July 2010 Retrieved 31 August 2011 Games played by Papa Bouba Diop in 2010 2011 Soccerbase Centurycomm Retrieved 31 August 2011 Spence Jim 19 August 2010 Dundee Utd 0 1 AEK Athens BBC Sport a b c d e f Papa Bouba Diop at Soccerway Retrieved 19 December 2012 AEK Athens vs PAOK 6 March 2011 Soccerway Soccerway Retrieved 29 November 2020 a b Dove Ed 29 November 2020 Senegal World Cup hero Diop dies at 42 ESPN com Retrieved 29 November 2020 Atromitos vs AEK Athens 30 April 201 Soccerway Retrieved 29 November 2020 AEK Athens vs PAOK 15 May 2011 Soccerway Retrieved 29 November 2020 Mail Simon Arsenal goalkeeper makes West Ham debut at Crystal Palace thisislocallondon co uk Archived from the original on 5 January 2019 Retrieved 3 October 2011 West Ham 1 0 Barnsley BBC 17 December 2011 Retrieved 23 March 2012 Papa Bouba Diop 1978 2020 West Ham United www whufc com Six players depart West Ham Sky Sports 23 May 2012 Retrieved 23 May 2012 Papa Boupa Diop has signed for Birmingham until 17 November Sky Sports 19 October 2012 Retrieved 28 November 2012 Birmingham City Papa Bouba Diop extends Blues deal BBC Sport 20 November 2012 Retrieved 28 November 2012 Tattum Colin 28 November 2012 Blues battle for a point at Blackpool Birmingham Mail Retrieved 28 November 2012 Evans Gregg 14 December 2012 Birmingham City v Crystal Palace Team news Birmingham Mail Retrieved 16 December 2012 Blues 2 Palace 2 Birmingham City F C 15 December 2012 Retrieved 16 December 2012 Birmingham City Papa Bouba Diop signs one month contract BBC Sport 18 December 2012 Retrieved 18 December 2012 Papa exits Blues Birmingham City F C 17 January 2013 Archived from the original on 3 February 2013 Retrieved 17 January 2013 Copnall James 8 February 2002 Three off as Senegal triumph The Guardian Retrieved 7 December 2020 Lewis Danny 16 May 2019 The day Senegal embarrassed France the defending champions at the World Cup These Football Times Retrieved 7 December 2020 Coca Cola Memorable Celebrations 14 Papa Bouba Diop Does The Senegal Shirt Dance Goal 28 May 2010 Retrieved 7 December 2020 Wilson Jonathan 6 December 2020 Papa Bouba Diop s winner against France was Senegal s Maradona moment The Guardian Retrieved 7 December 2020 Senegal brush past Kenya BBC Sport 30 January 2004 Retrieved 7 December 2020 Senegal hit back to defeat Guinea CNN 3 February 2006 Retrieved 7 December 2020 Doyle Paul 1 February 2008 Diouf and co miss the real party The Guardian Retrieved 7 December 2020 a b Papa Bouba Diop National Football Teams Benjamin Strack Zimmermann Retrieved 18 December 2012 Senegal dedicate Ecuador win to Papa Bouba Diop on two year anniversary of death The Athletic 29 November 2022 Retrieved 11 December 2022 Diop compared to Vieira BBC Sport 18 December 2005 Retrieved 29 November 2020 Fay Richard 12 May 2020 Manchester United legend Paul Scholes picks surprise name as trickiest opponent Manchester Evening News Retrieved 29 November 2020 Papa Bouba Diop Former Senegal Fulham amp Portsmouth midfielder dies aged 42 BBC Sport 29 November 2020 Retrieved 29 November 2020 Ex Fulham Portsmouth and Senegal midfielder Diop dies aged 42 www goal com L ancien international senegalais Papa Bouba Diop est mort a 42 ans Former Senegalese international Papa Bouba Diop dies aged 42 L Equipe in French 29 November 2020 Retrieved 29 November 2020 Obseques nationales de Pape Bouba Diop Sa veuve Marie Aude et leurs enfants Aron et Awa aux cotes du president Macky Sall Papa Bouba Diop s national funeral His widow Marie Aude and their children Aron and Awa next to President Macky Sall in French Dakar Actu 4 December 2020 Retrieved 7 December 2020 a b c Papa Bouba Diop sitercl com Retrieved 19 December 2012 Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2005 2006 Soccerbase Centurycomm Retrieved 19 December 2012 Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2006 2007 Soccerbase Centurycomm Retrieved 19 December 2012 Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2008 2009 Soccerbase Centurycomm Retrieved 19 December 2012 Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2009 2010 Soccerbase Centurycomm Retrieved 19 December 2012 A E K Superleague Greece Archived from the original on 30 September 2012 Retrieved 10 October 2012 Select season and competition via dropdown menu 2010 11 UEFA Europa League AEK Athens FC UEFA Archived from the original on 21 February 2018 Retrieved 10 October 2012 Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2009 2010 Soccerbase Centurycomm Retrieved 19 December 2012 Games played by Pape Bouba Diop in 2012 2013 Soccerbase Centurycomm Retrieved 19 December 2012 Pape Papa Bouba Diop International Appearances RSSSF Retrieved 4 January 2019 Bamako James Copnall in 11 February 2002 Cameroon 0 0 Senegal aet Cameroon won 3 2 on penalties The Guardian External links editPapa Bouba Diop at Soccerbase nbsp Papa Bouba Diop at National Football Teams com Profile stats and pictures of Bouba Diop Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Papa Bouba Diop amp oldid 1215396502, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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