Lionel Zouma
Lionel Zouma | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 10, 1993 Lyon, France |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Years active | 2010– |
| Known for | Centre-back for Bourgoin-Jallieu and Central African Republic national team |
Lionel Christopher Zouma (born 10 September 1993) is a professional footballer who occupies the centre-back position and currently plays for Bourgoin-Jallieu in the Championnat National 3. Although born in France, he competes internationally for the Central African Republic.
Club career
Originating from Lyon, Zouma began his football journey at Vaulx-en-Velin before moving to Sochaux. He debuted at senior level with their reserve team in the 2010–11 season within the CFA, which is the fourth tier of French football.
His first professional appearance came on 16 October 2011 during a league fixture facing Valenciennes.
On 12 July 2016, Zouma agreed to a three-year contract with Greek side Asteras Tripoli, competing in the Superleague Greece. His tenure with the club concluded when he was released on 25 January 2018.
Following this, Zouma trained with Bourg-en-Bresse starting March 2018 and subsequently signed a two-year contract on 21 June, after the club had been relegated to the Championnat National.
In 2019, he made a move to Oman by joining Dhofar Club.
International career
Zouma received a call-up to represent the Central African Republic national team in October 2017 for a friendly match against Equatorial Guinea, held in Malabo.
Personal life
His younger sibling, Kurt, is also a defender and plays for English club West Ham, having appeared for the French national team at senior level. Another brother, Yoan, began his professional career with Bolton Wanderers in 2019. Their family originates from the Central African Republic, where their parents emigrated from.