Yannick Djaló
Encyclopedia
Yannick dos Santos Djaló (born 5 May 1986) is a Guinea-Bissau
an-born Portuguese
footballer who plays for Sporting Clube de Portugal mainly as a forward (he can also operate as a winger). Djalo has agreed terms with Aston Villa, and shall be joining them in January 2012 on a free transfer.
, Djaló was brought up through Sporting Clube de Portugal's prolific youth system, and made his first division debut on 16 September 2006, playing the second half of a 0–1 home loss against F.C. Paços de Ferreira. He proved himself a quality player, often coming off the bench, and also appeared in Sporting's UEFA Champions League
campaign, renewing during the season his contract with Sporting until 2013.
On 6 April 2008, after a four-month absence due to injury, Djaló scored both goals in a 2–0 home win over Sporting de Braga, having also scored the previous week, off the bench, in a 4–1 away success over Associação Naval 1º de Maio
. He finished 2007–08 in good form, netting the only goal in a win at Paços de Ferreira, which proved crucial in helping the side to retain its second place in the league. In the season's Portuguese Cup
, he netted twice in a thrilling 5–3 semi-final win against city-rivals S.L. Benfica.
On 16 August 2008, Djaló scored both goals in Sporting's win against defending league champions F.C. Porto to claim the Portuguese Supercup for the second year in a row. During the 2009–10 season, Djaló was an everpresent offensive figure, up front or in the wings. On April 2, 2010, he scored his first career hat-trick
, at home against Rio Ave FC (5–0).
On 26 August 2010, Djaló scored in the 90th minute
to help the Lions defeat Brøndby IF
3–0 after losing 0–2 at home, thus qualifying for the UEFA Europa League's group stage.
, Djaló left Sporting, signing for OGC Nice
in the French
Ligue 1
for €
4.5 millions. On 7 September, FIFA
ruled that his transfer would be voided due to the move being completed following the closure of the transfer window. Nice officials announced that the club would appeal the ruling.
After FIFA failed to take any action regarding the club's appeal, on 28 September, Nice executive Julien Fournier announced that the club would take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
(CAS). Two weeks later, Nice's appeal was rejected, which meant Djaló would not be eligible to represent Nice until January 2012. On the following day after the CAS ruling, Fournier confirmed to Portuguese radio station Rádio Renascença
that the player would be returning to Sporting.
On 1st December 2011 it was reported by Djalo himself on 'Facebook that he had agreed a deal to join Aston Villa during the January transfer window (2012) on a free transfer
internationally, appearing in various youth levels. Twelve days after his 2008 Supercup exploits, he was called-up to the senior team by manager Carlos Queiroz
, but did not make his debut.
In late August 2010, Djaló was called for two UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers
, after Porto's Silvestre Varela
- his former Sporting teammate - suffered an injury; on 3 September, he finally made his debut, playing the last six minutes of the 4–4 home draw against minnows Cyprus
, replacing Hugo Almeida
.
, Djaló lived most of his life in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon
.
In May 2010, he married singer
and TV
-personality Luciana Abreu
, subsequently taking his wife's surname, and signing as "Yannick Abreu Djaló". The couple welcomed their first child, Lyonce Viktórya, early in the following year, having the player already fathered Christian Martim (born 2008) in a previous relationship. Djaló is best friends with Nani
and Miguel Veloso
(Christian's godfather), who played with him in Sporting for several years.
Guinea-Bissau
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Senegal to the north, and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west....
an-born Portuguese
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
footballer who plays for Sporting Clube de Portugal mainly as a forward (he can also operate as a winger). Djalo has agreed terms with Aston Villa, and shall be joining them in January 2012 on a free transfer.
Sporting
Born in BissauBissau
Bissau is the capital city of Guinea-Bissau. The city's borders are conterminous with the Bissau Autonomous Sector. In 2007, the city had an estimated population of 407,424 according to the Instituto Nacional de Estatística e Censos...
, Djaló was brought up through Sporting Clube de Portugal's prolific youth system, and made his first division debut on 16 September 2006, playing the second half of a 0–1 home loss against F.C. Paços de Ferreira. He proved himself a quality player, often coming off the bench, and also appeared in Sporting's UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
campaign, renewing during the season his contract with Sporting until 2013.
On 6 April 2008, after a four-month absence due to injury, Djaló scored both goals in a 2–0 home win over Sporting de Braga, having also scored the previous week, off the bench, in a 4–1 away success over Associação Naval 1º de Maio
Associação Naval 1º de Maio
Associação Naval 1º de Maio, commonly known as Naval, is a Portuguese football club based in Figueira da Foz, Coimbra District. Founded on 1 May 1893, it currently plays in the second division, holding home games at Estádio Municipal José Bento Pessoa, with a capacity for 12,630 spectators.Naval is...
. He finished 2007–08 in good form, netting the only goal in a win at Paços de Ferreira, which proved crucial in helping the side to retain its second place in the league. In the season's Portuguese Cup
Taça de Portugal
The Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
, he netted twice in a thrilling 5–3 semi-final win against city-rivals S.L. Benfica.
On 16 August 2008, Djaló scored both goals in Sporting's win against defending league champions F.C. Porto to claim the Portuguese Supercup for the second year in a row. During the 2009–10 season, Djaló was an everpresent offensive figure, up front or in the wings. On April 2, 2010, he scored his first career hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
, at home against Rio Ave FC (5–0).
On 26 August 2010, Djaló scored in the 90th minute
Last-minute goal
The term "last-minute goal" is used in sport, primarily association football, to describe a goal scored very late in a game. It may not necessarily refer to a goal scored in the actual final minute...
to help the Lions defeat Brøndby IF
Brøndby IF
Brøndby IF is a Danish professional football club based in Brøndbyvester, Brøndby, on the western outskirts of Copenhagen and is the biggest football club in Denmark with almost 2000 members. The club is also known as Brøndbyernes Idrætsforening, or Brøndby and BIF for short...
3–0 after losing 0–2 at home, thus qualifying for the UEFA Europa League's group stage.
Failed transfer to Nice
On 31 August 2011, the very last day of the summer transfer windowTransfer window
The transfer window is the period during the year in which a football club can transfer players from other countries into their playing staff. Such a transfer is completed by registering the player into the new club through FIFA...
, Djaló left Sporting, signing for OGC Nice
OGC Nice
Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur is a French association football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top-tier of French football. Nice plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal du Ray located within the city. In 2013, the club is...
in the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
for €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
4.5 millions. On 7 September, FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
ruled that his transfer would be voided due to the move being completed following the closure of the transfer window. Nice officials announced that the club would appeal the ruling.
After FIFA failed to take any action regarding the club's appeal, on 28 September, Nice executive Julien Fournier announced that the club would take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
Court of Arbitration for Sport
The Court of Arbitration for Sport is an international arbitration body set up to settle disputes related to sport. Its headquarters are in Lausanne and its courts are located in New York, Sydney and Lausanne, Switzerland...
(CAS). Two weeks later, Nice's appeal was rejected, which meant Djaló would not be eligible to represent Nice until January 2012. On the following day after the CAS ruling, Fournier confirmed to Portuguese radio station Rádio Renascença
Rádio Renascença
Rádio Renascença, also known as 'RR' or just 'Renascença', is a private, commercial, Portuguese radio station owned by various organizations within the Portuguese Catholic Church, such as Patriarcado de Lisboa. It was founded in 1934 and started broadcasting in 1936...
that the player would be returning to Sporting.
On 1st December 2011 it was reported by Djalo himself on 'Facebook that he had agreed a deal to join Aston Villa during the January transfer window (2012) on a free transfer
International career
Djaló chose to represent PortugalPortugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
internationally, appearing in various youth levels. Twelve days after his 2008 Supercup exploits, he was called-up to the senior team by manager Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Manuel Brito Leal Queiroz ComIH is a Portuguese football manager. He is currently the manager of the Iran national football team. A former manager of Real Madrid, and Portugal national football team, he has also twice been Alex Ferguson's assistant manager at English club Manchester...
, but did not make his debut.
In late August 2010, Djaló was called for two UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
The qualifying competition for UEFA Euro 2012 is a series of parallel association football competitions held over 2010 and 2011 to decide the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2012, to be held in Poland and Ukraine...
, after Porto's Silvestre Varela
Silvestre Varela
Silvestre Manuel Gonçalves Varela is a Portuguese footballer who plays for F.C. Porto in the Portuguese first division, as a winger.-Club career:...
- his former Sporting teammate - suffered an injury; on 3 September, he finally made his debut, playing the last six minutes of the 4–4 home draw against minnows Cyprus
Cyprus national football team
The Cyprus national football team represents Cyprus in association football and is controlled by the Cyprus Football Association, the governing body for football in Cyprus. Cyprus' home ground is the GSP Stadium in Nicosia and the current coach is Nikos Nioplias...
, replacing Hugo Almeida
Hugo Almeida
Hugo Miguel Pereira de Almeida is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Beşiktaş J.K. in Turkey, as a centre forward.After failing to establish himself at F.C...
.
Club
- Portuguese CupTaça de PortugalThe Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
: 2006–07, 2007–08 - Portuguese Supercup: 2007, 2008
- Portuguese League Cup: Runner-up 2007–08, 2008–09
Individual
- Portuguese League: Young Player of the Month March 2007
Personal
Born in Guinea-BissauGuinea-Bissau
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Senegal to the north, and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west....
, Djaló lived most of his life in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban...
.
In May 2010, he married singer
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
and TV
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
-personality Luciana Abreu
Luciana Abreu
Luciana Abreu Sodré Costa Real is a Portuguese singer, actress and Television host. Abreu is known for her participation in Idolos, for representing Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 as part of the pop-duo 2B, for her personage in Floribella, Flor Valente, and for her TV Show.-Early...
, subsequently taking his wife's surname, and signing as "Yannick Abreu Djaló". The couple welcomed their first child, Lyonce Viktórya, early in the following year, having the player already fathered Christian Martim (born 2008) in a previous relationship. Djaló is best friends with Nani
Nani (footballer)
Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha , commonly known as Nani, is a Portuguese footballer currently playing as a winger for English club Manchester United in the Premier League and the Portugal national team...
and Miguel Veloso
Miguel Veloso
Miguel Luís Pinto Veloso is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Genoa C.F.C. and the Portuguese national team.Mainly a defensive midfielder, he can also operate as an offensive left back.-Sporting:...
(Christian's godfather), who played with him in Sporting for several years.