Alou Diarra

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Diarra began his career playing for clubs based in Seine-Saint-Denis, such as Aulnay and hometown club Villepinte. In 1997, he joined Louhans-Cuiseaux and made his professional debut with the club in the 1999–2000 season while the club was playing in the second division. In 2000, Diarra was recruited by German club Bayern Munich. He spent two years playing on the club's reserve team, Bayern Munich II. In 2002, he was signed by compatriot Gérard Houllier to play for English club Liverpool. Diarra's stint at the club was deemed a disappointment as he spent both years at the club on loan in France playing for Le Havre, Bastia and Lens. After a successful 2004–05 season with Lens, Diarra made a permanent return to France joining the club from Liverpool on a permanent deal. He spent two seasons at the club amassing over 70 appearances before signing with the then five-time defending champions Lyon. At Lyon, Diarra struggled for playing time and left the club to join Bordeaux after one year. He did not earn a winner's medal for the 2006–07 Ligue 1 title, as he joined Lyon after that season.

In Their Own Story

Diarra arrived at Lyon in 2006 as a proven Ligue 1 performer, having amassed over 70 appearances for Lens. However, the move to the five-time defending champions proved challenging. Despite the club's continued domestic success, Diarra found himself struggling for consistent playing time. He made enough appearances to earn a winner's medal as Lyon secured the 2006–07 Ligue 1 title, their sixth consecutive championship. After just one season, Diarra departed for Bordeaux, where he would later become a central figure under manager Laurent Blanc.

Reader's Guide

Diarra was described as a player who is 'strong, athletic and very powerful' and possesses a 'combative edge' similar to former French international Patrick Vieira. He was a prominent figure on the Bordeaux team that won the league and league cup double in the 2008–09 season. Diarra has also won two Trophée des champions while playing for the club.

Did You Know?

• Diarra made his senior international debut on 9 October 2004 in a World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
• He participated in both the 2006 and 2010 editions of the FIFA World Cup.
• In the 2006 World Cup, he appeared in a group stage match against Togo and the final match against Italy as a substitute.
• In the 2010 World Cup, Diarra captained France for the first time in the team's final group stage match against South Africa.
• Diarra was born in Villepinte to Malian parents and has three younger brothers and one sister.