He’s a midfielder who made his way into the spotlight long before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2011, but that move certainly solidified his status in the football world. He had already become a member of the French national team back in 2010, showing early promise on the international stage. One of the defining moments of his career came when he won the World Cup with France in 2018—a dream achievement for any player. Before all the fame and accolades, though, his journey began at just six years old, when he first started playing football. He made his professional debut with Troyes in 2004, marking the start of what would become an impressive career. Born in Toulouse, France, he grew up as one of four siblings, raised by his Angolan father, Faria, and Congolese mother, Elise. His background and early dedication helped shape the player he’d eventually become—driven, skilled, and a key figure in modern French football.
He played a total of 132 matches for Saint-Etienne during his time there from 2007 to 2011.