Bernard Lama

French goalkeeper who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, and starred for Paris Saint-Germain.

Bernard Pascal Maurice Lama (born 7 April 1963) is a French former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. As a member of the France national team, he won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. Lama most notably played in the French Division 1 for Lille, Metz, Brest, Lens, Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes, and in the Premier League for West Ham United.

Quick Facts

Full name: Bernard Pascal Maurice Lama
Born: 7 April 1963
Height: 1.83 m / 6 ft
Position: Goalkeeper
Total caps: 533

Lore & Background

Lama was born in Indre-et-Loire, a commune that merged into the neighboring Tours in 1964. He left Guiana in 1981 to come to metropolitan France without his father's consent. He won the Coupe de France twice in 1993 and 1995, and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1996. In 1997, he received a two-month ban for consumption of cannabis. He briefly coached the Kenya national team in 2006.

Reader's Guide

Lama is remembered as a goalkeeper with excellent reflexes and shot-stopping capabilities, known for spectacular saves. He is considered one of the best French goalkeepers in history, named the greatest French goalkeeper of all time in IFFHS' Century elections.

Did You Know?

Lama scored a penalty kick during an 8–0 win over Laval on 31 May 1989.
He kept a clean sheet on his Premier League debut for West Ham against Arsenal on 2 March 1998.
Lama won 44 caps for France and was a substitute in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
He quit as Kenya coach after two months, citing lack of professionalism by the Kenya Football Federation.