Jacques FATY

The general public found out about Jacques Faty via the programme “Capital” on the French TV channel M6. Faty, aged 15, talked about his life as a promising young footballer, attracted by call from overseas. It wasn’t FC Bologna in Italy who got his signature in the end, however. Patrick Rampillon’s Stade Rennais had stepped in to sign the player under the noses of the competition in 1999. He was given his professional debut by Vahid Halilhodzic as a defensive midfielder, then went on to win the Gambardella Cup (French FA Youth Cup) in May 2003. Faty became a precious member of the squad, with his serious and rigorous approach, his versatility and his charisma. He progressively earned his place in the First Team squad, but unfortunately was unable to muscle his way into the starting line-up. With the pairing of John Mensah and Grégory Bourillon blocking his way in central defence, he left to join Marseille, where he was frequently on the bench, and was then transferred to Sochaux a year later. “Doudou” finally opted to represent Senegal in international football.