Ibrahim Tall
Ibrahim Tall | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 23, 1981 Aubervilliers, Paris, France |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Known for | Defensive versatility as right back and centre back; representing Senegal internationally |
Ibrahim Tall (born 23 June 1981) is a professional footballer representing Senegal at the international level, currently signed with FC Meyrin. He is known for his defensive versatility, effectively covering both the roles of right back and centre back.
Early career
Tall was born in Aubervilliers, Paris, and began his football journey with CS Louhans-Cuiseaux. In 2002, he moved to FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, where he became a consistent member of the squad. During his tenure at Montbéliard, he made over 70 appearances and played a part in securing the 2004 Coupe de la Ligue title. Additionally, he participated in Sochaux’s campaigns reaching the quarter-finals of the 2004 UEFA Cup and the final of the 2003 Coupe de la Ligue.
Heart of Midlothian
In August 2005, Tall transferred to Hearts amid some controversy, as it was reported that club owner Vladimir Romanov signed him contrary to the preferences of then-head coach George Burley, who described the situation as "not ideal." Despite reportedly earning a weekly wage of £8,000, Tall spent much of his initial seven months on the sidelines.
Tall's first competitive appearance arrived on 15 April 2006 after an injury sidelined José Gonçalves and due to Andy Webster being unavailable because of contractual disagreements. Following this, Tall formed a reliable defensive partnership with captain Steven Pressley, which contributed to Hearts winning the Scottish Cup in 2006.
On 26 July, during Hearts’ UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Tall scored his debut goal for the club, helping secure a 3–0 aggregate victory over Bosnian side NK Široki Brijeg. He left Hearts on 15 May 2008.
Return to France
Tall returned to French football on 10 June 2008 by signing a two-year contract with newly promoted Ligue 1 team FC Nantes.
Later career
On 31 July 2010, Tall agreed to a two-year contract with Greek outfit Larissa. After spending eighteen months there, he departed on a free transfer and joined Swiss club FC Lausanne-Sport in February 2012. During the 2012–13 season, he made 22 appearances (including one as a substitute) but was released before the start of the following season.
International career
Although born and raised in France, Tall qualified to represent Senegal internationally through his heritage and earned more than twenty caps for the Senegal national football team.
Honours
- Coupe de la Ligue: 2003–04
- Scottish Cup: 2005–06