THE FAMILY
I was born in Bamako, Mali, but I lived in Abidjan. We didn’t have much money so with my parents, we moved to Côte d’Ivoire so that they could do business. My father worked at the port of Saga and my mother sold food.
I have two brothers and three sisters but not from the same mother. My brothers moved to the United States when I was very young. I didn’t really know them. I lived with my sisters and it was going very well. »
THE CHILD
“I had a happy childhood in Abidjan. My school was just behind the house but I often played hooky to play football. When my father retired, life became a little complicated financially. I couldn’t go to college because we couldn’t afford it anymore. I understood the situation very well and told my father that I was going to devote myself to football, that I had talent and that he shouldn’t worry. I was 10 years old. »
A DREAM THAT BECOMES A REALITY
“I was immersed in football thanks to my father who supported the Ivorian ASEC Mimosas team. I have always loved this sport. The first time I walked was with a balloon. My father handed it to me so I could walk towards him and it worked! The next night, I slept with it.
I really started playing ball in Abidjan when I was 8 years old. I used to play with my friends a lot. A big man from our neighbourhood had taken us under his wing and allowed us to play small neighbourhood tournaments. I had the chance to join a small training centre in the neighbourhood. I used to practice three times a week.
(Photo Doucouré at the bottom left, Jean-marc Guillou at the bottom left)
We participated in a tournament at the Jean-Marc Guillou Academy in Mali. I was spotted but I was told that I was a little short and that I had to come back later. I’ve been practicing, I’ve been working. I was under a lot of pressure but at the same time I thought I would give it all I had to make sure I didn’t regret it. Some time later, I was able to take my chance but this time at the Ghana Academy. I took a test and passed. Then I had to go to the Academy of Mali to do one last test. I stayed there for 7 years. I learned to become a man and to be a good player on the field. I have improved and I have progressed a lot. At 16, I joined the partner team: Real de Bamako and then I made my first appearances with the Malian national teams.
While I was participating in the U17 World Cup, Frédéric Martin, the director of the Academy, talked about me to Eric Roy with whom he played in Nice. That’s how I was spotted and signed at RC Lens. »
(Doucouré photos second from right, Frederic Martin in the center)
IN THE BIG BATH
“I already knew Racing thanks to Aruna Dindane. The club is well known in Côte d’Ivoire. I was so happy to come to this great club! I had to take this opportunity and adapt successfully. I wasn’t afraid at all despite the distance. On the contrary, I ran to get here! »
(Photo Aruna Dindane at RC Lens)
BELIEVE YOU
“I really didn’t think I’d become a professional player. It was watching games on television that made me want to watch them. Yaya Touré inspired me a lot. This is my example, whether in life or in the field. He’s too strong. It is simple and gives a lot on and off the field. He has a healthy lifestyle. Her lifestyle is similar to mine. For me it is a dream come true that I share with my parents who are proud of me. Unfortunately, they have not yet had the opportunity to come and see me. They watch the games on television. »
YOUR CHARACTER
“I am a calm, respectful, very humble and courageous person. I am reserved and discreet. On the other hand, I like to dance. I even do it in front of others, in the cloakroom, etc… It’s innate in me. As soon as I hear music, I can’t help myself. »
RELIGION
“I am Muslim and very religious. Religion brings me a lot. Before a game, I ask God to help me to play a very good game, to protect me from injury. »
A SECOND FAMILY
“My friends warned me: when you come to Europe, it’s difficult, you’re not welcome. But for me, that was not the case. The people were very kind. I have a real family here! If I have to name people I care about, I would say Kassim Sidibé[Editor’s note, National 2 player]. He really guided me and showed me the places and things to avoid. There is also Christopher Boussemart. In the professional group, I am close to Souleymane Diarra, Cyrille Bayala, Yannick Gomis, Arial Mendy… It was a big advantage for me to have an older brother like Souleymane whom I already knew since we were in the same JMG Academy. He helped me a lot and gave me confidence. »
YOUR FUTURE
“I want to play at the highest level, play in a Champions League and an African Cup or even a World Cup with Mali. More personally, I want to start a beautiful family and have children. »
