Abdoulaye Faye

Early career

Faye was born in Dakar, Senegal and began his career at ASEC Ndiambour, before leaving the then top-three team to go to Jeanne d'Arc. He then went on to join Lens in July 2002, integrating into a squad which at that time included fellow Senegalese Papa Bouba Diop.

Bolton Wanderers

Faye signed for English side Bolton Wanderers in July 2005 on loan. Faye made his debut for Bolton against Newcastle United where he enjoyed a memorable debut in a 2–0 home win in which, he aerially out-muscled Alan Shearer. He came on as a substitute for the injured Radhi Jaïdi and never looked back after a dominant display. Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce praised the form of Faye early into his Bolton career. In December 2005 Faye signed a permanent contract with Bolton. Following this Faye expressed his delight at staying in England.

"I like the English better than the French, they are more pleasant and nicer people. I am having a great time. In France you are almost treated too strictly. Here you work hard, you do your job but are given a little bit more freedom to enjoy life." In the 2006–07 season Faye operated almost exclusively as a central defender following the departures of Bruno Ngotty and Jaïdi to Birmingham City. Over the course of the season he developed a formidable partnership with Ivorian Abdoulaye Méïté, ensuring that Bolton had a strong home defensive record before the new year. Soon after they fell away in the second half of the season only just…

Club

International

Source:

Stoke City

FA Cup runner-up: 2010–11 Hull City

Football League Championship runner-up: 2012–13 Senegal

Africa Cup of Nations fourth place: 2006 Individual

Stoke City Player of the Year: 2008–09