Johan Djourou facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Johan Djourou

Djourou with Switzerland in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Danon Issouf Johannes Djourou Gbadjere
Date of birth	(1987-01-18) 18 January 1987 (age 38)
Place of birth	Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Height	1.91 m
Playing position	Centre back
Youth career
1998–2003	Étoile Carouge
2003–2004	Arsenal
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2004–2014	Arsenal	86	(1)
2007–2008	→ Birmingham City (loan)	13	(0)
2013	→ Hannover 96 (loan)	14	(0)
2013–2014	→ Hamburger SV (loan)	24	(0)
2014–2017	Hamburger SV	74	(2)
2017–2018	Antalyaspor	18	(1)
2018–2019	SPAL	5	(0)
2020	Sion	2	(0)
2020	Neuchâtel Xamax	5	(0)
2020–2021	Nordsjælland	11	(0)
Total		252	(4)
National team
2001–2002	Switzerland U16	4	(0)
2002	Switzerland U17	4	(0)
2003–2004	Switzerland U19	8	(1)
2004–2005	Switzerland U20	9	(1)
2006	Switzerland U21	2	(0)
2006–2018	Switzerland	76	(2)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Johan Djourou (born January 18, 1987) is a Swiss former professional footballer. He was a strong centre back (a defender in the middle of the field). His former club, Arsenal, said he had "speed, strength, and full dedication." He could also play in different positions.

When he was young, he played as a defensive midfielder for Étoile Carouge. But at Arsenal, he became a central defender. He sometimes played as a full back or in central midfield.

Johan played for the Swiss national team from 2006 to 2018. He played in 76 games and represented Switzerland in three FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships.

Club Career Highlights

Early Football Days

Johan was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. When he was 17 months old, his family moved to Geneva, Switzerland. His father said Johan started playing football as a baby.

At age 13, he joined the Payerne Training Center. In 2002, at 15, Djourou joined Étoile Carouge, a local team. He then joined Arsenal on August 1, 2003.

Time at Arsenal

Djourou taking a throw-in for Arsenal

Johan Djourou made his first senior start for Arsenal in a League Cup match in October 2004. He played three more games that season. In January 2005, he signed a new two-year contract with the club.

In the 2005–06 season, he played his first full Premier League game for Arsenal. This was a big 7–0 win against Middlesbrough. He played as a centre-back. He made 12 appearances that season.

After the 2006 World Cup, Arsenal's manager, Arsène Wenger, planned to use Djourou more in the first team. He played in the first game at Arsenal's new stadium, Emirates Stadium. In November 2006, Djourou signed a long six-year contract. He played 30 games in the 2006–07 season.

Loan to Birmingham City

On August 10, 2007, Djourou joined Birmingham City on loan for five months. He played his first game two days later against Chelsea. He played regularly for Birmingham during his loan. He made 13 appearances before returning to Arsenal in December 2007.

Back at Arsenal

Djourou at the 2010 Emirates Cup

After returning, Djourou faced injuries. In May 2008, he hoped to play in midfield. Instead, he became a key backup in central defence. In September 2008, he signed another long-term contract with Arsenal. He played 29 games in the 2008–09 season.

The 2009–10 season was tough for Djourou. He suffered a serious knee injury while playing for Switzerland. This kept him out for most of the season. He only played one game that campaign.

In the 2010–11 season, Djourou got more chances to play due to other players' injuries. He became Arsenal's main centre-back in January 2011. He scored his first goal for Arsenal on February 5, 2011, in an exciting 4–4 draw against Newcastle United. He played in the 2011 Football League Cup Final but Arsenal lost 2–1. Later, he dislocated his shoulder, ending his season early. He played 37 games that season.

For the 2011–12 season, Djourou wanted to keep his place in the team. He helped Arsenal reach the UEFA Champions League group stage. However, he was part of the team that lost 8–2 to Manchester United. Arsenal then signed Per Mertesacker, which limited Djourou's chances at centre-back. He often played as a right-back instead. He made 27 appearances that season.

By the 2012–13 season, Djourou's playing time was very limited. He decided it was time to leave Arsenal to play more regularly.

Loan to Hannover

On January 3, 2013, Djourou joined German club Hannover 96 on loan. He wanted to play regularly. He quickly became a regular starter in central defence. He made 16 appearances for Hannover before returning to Arsenal.

Playing for Hamburger SV

Djourou training with Hamburger SV in 2014

On July 1, 2013, Djourou joined Hamburger SV in Germany, first on loan. He was happy to join a big club. He faced some injuries early on but became a regular player. He helped Hamburg avoid being relegated (dropping to a lower league) by winning a play-off match. He played 26 games that season.

In April 2014, Hamburg signed Djourou permanently. He continued to be a key player. He even captained the team several times. He helped Hamburg avoid relegation again in the 2014–15 season. He played 36 games that season.

For the 2015–16 season, Djourou was named the new captain of Hamburger SV. He scored his first goal for the club in August 2015. He scored again in December. He played 26 games and scored two goals that season.

In the 2016–17 season, Djourou continued as captain but faced more injuries. He was later replaced as captain. His playing time became limited. He made 16 appearances that season. After the season, Hamburg released him from his contract. He thanked the club and fans for his time there.

Later Career Teams

In August 2017, Djourou joined Antalyaspor in Turkey. He made his debut later that month. He scored his first goal for the club in September 2017. He played 18 games and scored once.

In July 2018, Djourou signed with Italian club SPAL. He found it hard to get regular playing time due to competition and injuries. He played only six games before leaving in January 2019.

In January 2020, Djourou joined Sion in Switzerland. He played two games before suffering a muscle injury. He was later let go by the club during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He then moved to Neuchâtel Xamax in May 2020. He played as a sweeper (a type of defender). Injuries affected his time there, but he made seven appearances.

In October 2020, Djourou joined Nordsjælland in Denmark. He played nine games for them.

On June 4, 2021, Johan Djourou announced his retirement from football at age 34. He said his body was in pain from playing. He also wanted to focus on new business interests, like a football academy and a podcast.

International Career

Youth Teams

Djourou played for various Swiss youth national teams, including the Under-16, Under-17, Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 teams.

He was part of the Swiss Under-19 team that reached the semi-finals of the 2004 European Championships. He also played in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship for the Under-20 team.

Senior National Team

Djourou at Euro 2008 with Switzerland

Johan Djourou chose to play for Switzerland, even though he could have played for Ivory Coast. He made his senior debut for Switzerland in a friendly match against Scotland in March 2006.

He was chosen for Switzerland's 2006 FIFA World Cup squad. He said it would be special to play against Ivory Coast, his birth country. He played in two games at the World Cup.

In September 2007, he scored his first international goal against Japan. Djourou was also in the Swiss squad for UEFA Euro 2008, which Switzerland co-hosted.

After missing the 2010 World Cup due to injury, Djourou returned to the national team in November 2010. He helped Switzerland keep several clean sheets in important matches.

Djourou dribbling during a match between Switzerland and Austria in November 2015

He helped Switzerland qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He played in all four of Switzerland's games at the tournament.

In October 2015, Djourou scored his second international goal from a penalty kick in a 7–0 win against San Marino. This win helped Switzerland qualify for UEFA Euro 2016. He played in all four games at Euro 2016.

Djourou making his only FIFA World Cup's appearance in Russia, coming against Sweden in the last 16

Djourou was also part of Switzerland's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He played in one game, a loss to Sweden. He made his last international appearance in September 2018.

Personal Life

Johan Djourou's younger brother, Olivier, also played football. Johan is married to Emile, and they have three daughters.

He speaks German, French, and English. He learned English during his time playing in England. He is good friends with Fabrice Muamba, who was his teammate at Arsenal and Birmingham City.

Djourou has said he would like to become an actor after his football career. He feels proud of both his African and Swiss backgrounds. He believes he has the best of both cultures.

Career statistics

Club

Source:

International

Source:

Scores and results list Switzerland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Djourou goal.

List of international goals scored by Johan Djourou

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	11 September 2007	Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria	Japan	3–3	3–4	Friendly
2	9 October 2015	AFG Arena, St. Gallen, Switzerland	San Marino	4–0	7–0	UEFA Euro 2016 qualification

Honours

Arsenal

• Football League Cup runner-up: 2006–07, 2010–11

Individual

• Swiss Sports Awards: Best Newcomer 2006

Images for kids

• 

  Djourou about to tackle A.C. Milan's Clarence Seedorf

See also

In Spanish: Johan Djourou para niños