Jean Djorkaeff


Jean Djorkaeff is a French former football player and manager who played as a defender.

Early life

Djorkaeff was born in the French commune of Charvieu, located in the département of Isère. He was born to a Kalmyk father and Polish mother.

Club career

Djorkaeff made his debut as a professional footballer playing for Lyon in a match against Limoges on 28 December 1958. Though he started out as a striker, he was famous for his work as central defender and appeared in over 500 matches in the French football league. He spent a total of 16 seasons with the league, during which he played with only three clubs. He won the Coupe de France twice, the first time with Lyons in 1964 and the second with Marseille in 1969.

International career

At international level, Djorkaeff also played for France on 48 occasions between 1964 and 1972, scoring 3 goals. He represented his nation at the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

After retirement

Today Jean Djorkaeff serves as the director of the Coupe de France commission.

Personal life

Jean's sons Youri and Micha Djorkaeff, and grandson Oan Djorkaeff, were also footballers. Youri played for France in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, and at UEFA Euro 1996 and UEFA Euro 2000.