Charles LEA EYOUM
Presentation
Retired

Born | Jan 16, 1951 Douala, CAMEROON | |||||||
Age | 74 years old | |||||||
Size | 1.82 m | |||||||
Position | Forward | |||||||
Arrival(s) |
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Departure(s) |
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Selections | Cameroun A | |||||||
Career |
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Cameroon-born Charles Léa Eyoum started his career with the standout clubs of his native country in 1968, playing for the likes Diamant Yaoundé and Canon Yaoundé, with whom he would notably win the African Champions League Cup. He was also a Cameroon international from 1969-1972, obtaining 50-odd caps in that time. Striker and outstanding dribbler, he was scouted by Toulouse, who would sign him in 1972. Eyoum would stay there for a season in the Second Division, before heading off to Quevilly in the Third Division the following season. He would study for his coaching badges whilst still playing, and was in the same classes as Roger Lemerre and Jean-Michel Larqué. In 1974, he signed for Stade Rennais in the First Division; where he became the first Cameroon player to play for the Red and Blacks. He made a promising start to his career at Rennes scoring twice in his first two appearances for the club. After an initial spell where he was regularly in the starting line-up on the left side of the attack, he would progressively lose his place as first-choice, and didn't appear again until matchdays 20,21 and 22. Alas a serious knee injury would tarnish the end of his season. Despite having a contract tying him to the club until 1976, he would never be seen in a Rennes shirt for the next year and a half. Eyoum left Rennes in 1976, joining Lucé, who had recently been promoted to the Second Division. He would only make the odd appearance though, much the same as would happen at Caen the following season. He finished his playing days with Villemomble Sports in the Fourth Division, and it was here that he would begin his managerial career. He subsequently returned to Africa, initially managing a club in the Ivory Coast, then several teams in Cameroon. He then decided to pursue a university course in accountancy, and was given some responsibilities with the Cameroon PFA, and the Cameroon Football Federation. Charles Léa Eyoum also happens to be the uncle of James Léa Siliki, who also played for Rennes.