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 (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s)	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)
International career
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)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Johan Djourou (born January 18, 1987) is a former professional footballer from Switzerland. He was known for playing as a centre back. People often described him as fast, strong, and very dedicated to the game. He could also play in different positions on the field.

When he was younger, Djourou played as a defensive midfielder. But when he joined Arsenal, he became a central defender. Sometimes, he even played as a full-back or in central midfield. He played for many clubs during his career, including Hamburger SV in Germany, Antalyaspor in Turkey, and SPAL in Italy.

Djourou also played for the Swiss national team from 2006 to 2018. He played in three FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships. He retired from football in 2021.

Club Career Highlights

Early Football Days

Johan Djourou was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. His parents were Ivorian. When he was 17 months old, he moved to Geneva, Switzerland, with his father's first wife, Danièle, who adopted him. He often said he had two mothers in his life.

Johan started playing football very early. When he was 13, he joined a training center. In 2002, at age 15, he joined a local team called Étoile Carouge. He played as a midfielder there. On August 1, 2003, he joined Arsenal.

Time at Arsenal

Djourou taking a throw-in against Reading

Djourou played his first senior game for Arsenal in the League Cup in October 2004. Arsenal won that game 3-1 against Everton. In January 2005, he signed a new contract with the club.

In the 2005–06 season, he made his first Premier League start for Arsenal. This was in a big 7-0 win against Middlesbrough in January 2006. He played as a centre-back in that game. By the end of that season, he had played 12 games.

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

Loan to Birmingham City

On August 10, 2007, Djourou joined Birmingham City on a five-month loan. He made his debut two days later against Chelsea. He played regularly for Birmingham during his loan. He returned to Arsenal in December 2007. He played 13 games for Birmingham City.

Back at Arsenal

Djourou at the 2010 Emirates Cup

After his loan, Djourou returned to Arsenal. He had some injuries but still played a few games. In May 2008, he said he wanted to play in midfield. However, he mostly played as a central defender. In September 2008, he signed another long-term contract. He played 29 games in the 2008–09 season.

In the 2009–10 season, Djourou had a serious knee injury. This kept him out for most of the season. He only played one game that year.

Djourou about to chase the ball while playing for Arsenal in 2012

The 2010–11 season was a big one for Djourou. He got more chances to play because of other players' injuries. He became a key centre-back for Arsenal. He even scored his first goal for Arsenal in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Newcastle United in February 2011. He played in the 2011 Football League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, which Arsenal lost 2-1. He played 37 games that season.

In the 2011–12 season, Djourou helped Arsenal reach the UEFA Champions League group stage. However, Arsenal had a very tough 8-2 loss against Manchester United in August 2011. After this, Arsenal signed another defender, Per Mertesacker. Djourou then often played as a right-back. He played 27 games that season.

By the 2012–13 season, Djourou's playing time at Arsenal became limited. He decided it was time to move on to play more regularly.

Loan to Hannover

On January 3, 2013, Djourou joined Bundesliga club Hannover 96 on loan. He wanted to play more often. He quickly became a regular player for Hannover 96 as a centre-back. He played 16 games for them before returning to Arsenal.

Playing for Hamburger SV

Djourou training prior to a Hamburger SV's match in 2014

On July 1, 2013, Djourou joined Hamburger SV in Germany, first on loan. He was happy to join a big club like Hamburg. He had some injuries at the start but soon became a regular player. He helped Hamburg avoid being relegated from the Bundesliga. He played 26 games that season.

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

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 another goal in December 2015. 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 played 16 games that season. After the season, Hamburg decided not to renew his contract. Djourou thanked the club and fans for his time there.

Later Career Clubs

Antalyaspor

On August 7, 2017, Djourou moved to Antalyaspor in Turkey. He signed a two-year contract. He made his debut later that month. He scored his first goal for the club in September 2017. He played 18 games and scored one goal for Antalyaspor.

SPAL

On July 21, 2018, Djourou signed with Serie A club SPAL in Italy. He played his first game in September 2018. However, he had limited chances to play due to competition and injuries. He only made six appearances before leaving the club in January 2019.

Sion and Neuchâtel Xamax

On January 23, 2020, Djourou joined Sion in the Swiss Super League. He played two games for them. However, he was one of several players who left the club in March 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic due to a pay cut dispute.

He then moved to Neuchâtel Xamax in May 2020. He played five games for them but was again affected by injuries.

FC Nordsjælland and Retirement

On October 5, 2020, Djourou joined Nordsjælland in Denmark. He played nine games for the club.

On June 4, 2021, Johan Djourou announced his retirement from football at age 34. He mentioned physical pain from playing and his interest in new business ventures, like a football academy and a podcast.

International Career

Djourou at Euro 2008 with Switzerland

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 FIFA World Youth Championship for the Under-20 team.

Senior National Team

Djourou chose to play for Switzerland even though he could have played for Ivory Coast. He made his senior international debut on March 1, 2006, in a friendly game against Scotland.

Djourou dribbling during Switzerland and Austria's match in November 2015

He was called up for the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, which was special because he was born in Ivory Coast. He played in two games at the World Cup.

On September 11, 2007, he scored his first international goal against Japan. Djourou was also part of 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 continued to play regularly for Switzerland.

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

On October 9, 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 match against Sweden. He made his last international appearance in September 2018. Overall, he played 76 games for Switzerland and scored two goals.

Personal Life

Johan Djourou has a younger brother, Olivier, who also played football. He also has two sisters. 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. Djourou is good friends with Fabrice Muamba, a former teammate.

Djourou once said he would like to become an actor after his football career. He feels connected to both his African and Swiss backgrounds. He said he is "100 percent African" in his culture and "100 percent Swiss" in being punctual and disciplined.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances

Source:

International Appearances

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

Awards and Achievements

Arsenal

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

Individual

• Swiss Sports Awards: Best Newcomer 2006

See also

In Spanish: Johan Djourou para niños