Bernard Lama

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Lama left Guiana in 1981 to come to metropolitan France, without his father's consent but determined to become a professional footballer, where he was first signed by Division 1 club Lille. He spent one year in Metz, and then took part in Brest's last season in the first division. He then spent one year with Lens, where his performances attracted the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, which offered him a five-year contract. In Paris, Lama had to replace the iconic Joël Bats. He won the Coupe de France twice in 1993 and 1995, and in 1996, the European Cup Winners' Cup. Despite an interest from Barcelona, Lama decided to stay in Paris, but a serious knee injury in September 1996 and a two-month ban for cannabis consumption in February 1997 led PSG to look for a new goalkeeper. During the winter transfer window of the 1997–98 season, he signed a short-term contract with West Ham United. After six months in England, he returned to Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two more seasons. He then played for Rennes for one season before announcing the end of his career.

In Their Own Story

In September 1996, Bernard Lama was enjoying an exceptional start to his campaign at Paris Saint-Germain. He had not conceded a single goal when he faced Cannes in a match that would define his trajectory. During the game, he saved a penalty kick, showcasing his sharp reflexes and shot-stopping capabilities. However, shortly after this display of skill, he suffered a serious knee injury that ended his immediate momentum. The recovery process was complicated by an off-field incident; in February 1997, he received a two-month ban for the consumption of cannabis. While suspended, PSG management decided to move on from him, informing Lama during the summer of 1997 that Christophe Revault would take over as the starting goalkeeper for the next season. This decision forced the French international to leave the club he had represented so proudly, marking a sudden and difficult transition in his career.

Reader's Guide

Lama was a goalkeeper who possessed excellent reflexes and shot-stopping capabilities, and was known for his ability to pull off spectacular saves. He is considered to be one of the best French goalkeepers in history, being named the greatest French goalkeeper of all time in IFFHS' Century elections. In 2006, Lama briefly coached the Kenya national team, his only professional managerial experience.

Did You Know?

• Lama scored a penalty kick during an 8–0 win over Laval on 31 May 1989.
• He won 44 caps for France, playing in Euro 1996 and being a substitute at Euro 2000.
• Lama was a substitute for Fabien Barthez during the 1998 FIFA World Cup but did not play a single match.
• He quit as Kenya coach after two months, citing the lack of professionalism of the Kenya Football Federation.