Background and career
Yves Bissouma (born 30 August 1996) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Eredivisie club Ajax. Born in the Ivory Coast, he represents the Mali national team.
Having begun his senior career at Real Bamako, he signed his first professional contract at French Ligue 1 club Lille in 2016. Two years later he signed for Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee. After four seasons as a Premier League regular, he transferred to Tottenham Hotspur for £30 million in 2022, where he won the UEFA Europa League in 2025.
Bissouma made his senior international debut for Mali in 2016, and was chosen for four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He was named in the CAF Team of the Year in 2024.
