Papiss Cissé
Who was Papiss Cissé?
Striker known for his prolific goal-scoring record, particularly during his time at Newcastle United where he scored 44 goals in 91 appearances.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Papiss Cissé (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Papiss Demba Cissé (born 3 June 1985 in Dakar, Senegal) is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a forward. Known for his sharp finishing and power in front of goal, Cissé had a career across top European leagues in France, Germany, England, and China, earning recognition as one of the most prolific African strikers of his time.
Cissé started his European career in France before moving to Germany, where he made a big impact early on. At SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga, he became a sensation during the 2010–11 season, scoring 22 goals and setting the record for the most goals by an African player in a single Bundesliga season. This outstanding performance caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
In January 2012, Newcastle United signed Cissé from Freiburg. He quickly made his mark in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals in just 14 league appearances after joining mid-season. Among these goals was a memorable long-range strike against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in May 2012, considered one of the greatest in Premier League history. During his time at Newcastle, Cissé scored 44 goals in 91 appearances, becoming a fan favorite at St. James' Park. He stayed with the club until 2016 before moving to the Chinese Super League team Shandong Luneng.
Internationally, Cissé played for Senegal from 2009 to 2015. He took part in the Africa Cup of Nations in both 2012 and 2015, contributing to Senegal's efforts in continental competitions. While his international career didn't include a major tournament win, he was an important attacking player for his national team for several years.
After playing in China, Cissé continued in various leagues, eventually joining the Cheshire Veterans Football League with Wythenshawe Vets Over-35s. His journey from Dakar to the heights of the Bundesliga and Premier League and into veterans football shows a long and productive life in the sport.
Before Fame
Papiss Cissé was born in Dakar, Senegal, in 1985, growing up in a country where football is a big part of everyday life. Senegal gained international football recognition in the early 2000s, especially with an unexpected run to the quarter-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which inspired many young Senegalese players to take the sport seriously.
Cissé's rise to fame in Europe wasn't overnight. He played football in Senegal and France before getting chances in the professional game. His move to SC Freiburg in Germany was the turning point that got him noticed, as his consistent performances in the Bundesliga highlighted the goal-scoring talent that defined his career.
Key Achievements
- Set the Bundesliga record for most goals scored by an African player in a single season with 22 goals for SC Freiburg in 2010–11.
- Scored 44 goals in 91 appearances for Newcastle United in the Premier League.
- Scored one of the most celebrated goals in Premier League history against Chelsea in May 2012.
- Represented Senegal as a full international from 2009 to 2015, including appearances at the 2012 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Scored 13 Premier League goals in just 14 appearances following his January 2012 move to Newcastle United.
Did You Know?
- 01.His 22 Bundesliga goals in the 2010–11 season set the record for the most goals scored by an African player in a single Bundesliga campaign.
- 02.His curling long-range goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 2 May 2012 was voted one of the greatest goals ever seen in the Premier League.
- 03.He scored 13 Premier League goals in just 14 appearances during the second half of the 2011–12 season after joining Newcastle United in January.
- 04.After retiring from elite football, Cissé went on to play in the Cheshire Veterans Football League for Wythenshawe Vets Over-35s.
- 05.Cissé was part of the Senegal squad at both the 2012 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, representing his country across two separate tournaments.