Marc-Vivien Foé
The Indomitable Lion who fell on the pitch in Lyon
Born in 1975 · Died in 2003
Related city : Yaoundé
Who are they?
A defensive midfielder born in Yaoundé in 1975, who came through Union de Garoua and Canon Yaoundé. He played in France and England, for Lens, West Ham, Lyon and Manchester City.
What made them famous
On 26 June 2003, during the Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia at the Stade de Gerland in Lyon, he collapsed alone in the centre circle in the 72nd minute. He died the same day of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a hereditary heart condition. His death shocked the football world.
Key facts
- French champion with Lens in 1998, then with Lyon in 2002.
- African Cup of Nations winner in 2000 and 2002 with the Indomitable Lions.
- Manchester City retired his number 23 shirt; he had scored the club's last goal at its old Maine Road stadium.
- Since 2009, the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, awarded by RFI and France 24, has honoured the best African player in the French league each year.