Jean-Alain Boumsong

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Boumsong's move to Lyon came from Juventus, where he had helped the club return to Serie A after their relegation. At Lyon, he quickly integrated into a side that had just won the 2007–08 Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France double. His debut came in a convincing 4–1 victory over Sochaux on 8 February 2008. The following season, on 4 April 2009, he scored his first goal for the club against Le Mans. Boumsong remained with Lyon until 30 July 2010, when he transferred to Panathinaikos for a fee that could rise up to €750,000.

In Their Own Story

When Boumsong arrived at Lyon in January 2008, he was determined to secure a place in France's squad for EURO 2008. His debut on 8 February 2008 at Stade de Gerland saw Lyon beat Sochaux 4–1, a strong start for the defender. Over the next two and a half seasons, he became a reliable presence in the backline. His first Lyon goal came on 4 April 2009 against Le Mans, a milestone in his time at the club. Though his stay was shorter than some fans might have hoped, he left with two major honors: the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France, both won in the 2007–08 season.

Reader's Guide

Jean-Alain Boumsong's time at Olympique Lyonnais spanned from January 2008 to July 2010. He joined from Juventus, where he had played a key role in their Serie B title win and promotion back to Serie A. At Lyon, he made his debut on 8 February 2008 in a 4–1 win over Sochaux. His first goal for the club came on 4 April 2009 against Le Mans. During his tenure, Lyon won Ligue 1 in 2007–08 and the Coupe de France in 2007–08. Boumsong left Lyon on 30 July 2010 to join Greek champions Panathinaikos, signing a three-year contract worth €1.9 million annually.

Did You Know?

• Boumsong scored his first Lyon goal against Le Mans on 4 April 2009.
• He joined Lyon on 24 January 2008, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.
• Boumsong made his Lyon debut in a 4–1 win over Sochaux at Stade de Gerland on 8 February 2008.
• He stated he moved to Lyon to increase his chances of making Raymond Domenech's EURO 2008 squad.
• During his time at Lyon, the club won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France in the 2007–08 season.