Bacary Sagna, a former defender for the French national team and prominent European clubs, has had a distinguished career. Originally from Senegal, he narrowly missed representing the Lions of Teranga.
Ultimately proud to have played for Les Bleus, he hasn’t shied away from criticizing the federation that had previously snubbed him.
In France, he remains one of the most discreet yet respected players for his career achievements. Now 41 years old, Bacary Sagna made his mark. Turning professional in 2004 after years of training at FC Sens (his hometown club from 1992 to 1997) and later at Auxerre (1997-2004), the defender, born to a Senegalese father, impressed in Auxerre’s first team.
After 121 matches over three seasons, he moved to the Premier League, notably with Arsenal. Under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, Sagna showcased his skills in 285 matches (scoring 5 goals) between 2007 and 2014.
Considered one of the best players of his time, Bacary Sagna then moved to Manchester City. Facing tougher competition at City, he stayed for three years, playing around 86 matches. He later ended his career at FC Montreal in Canada in 2019, with a brief stint in Italy at Benevento. During his peak, the former forward turned defender was a mainstay on the right side of France’s defense.
Between 2007 and 2016, Bacary Sagna was a fixture in the French national team, making 65 appearances. He participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and was a finalist in Euro 2016 against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, who is still active in Euro 2024. Like Patrice Evra, who is proud of his African heritage, Sagna considered representing Senegal in his international career.
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