He had a successful stint at R.C. Lens, where his performances caught the attention of top clubs.
During his time at Stade Brestois 29, Lama played every league game, showcasing his reliability as a goalkeeper.
Bernard Lama is a celebrated French footballer born in 1963, known for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper.
Biography
Early Life
Bernard Pascal Maurice Lama was born on April 7, 1963, in Saint-Symphorien, Indre-et-Loire, France. He grew up with a passion for football, which led him to leave French Guiana in 1981 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Despite not having his father's consent, Lama was determined to succeed in the sport.
Career
Lama's professional career began when he signed with Lille OSC in 1982. His early years were marked by loans to SC Abbeville and Besançon R.C., where he gradually gained experience and confidence. After returning to Lille, he became a regular player and even scored a goal during a match in 1989. His career took a significant turn when he joined FC Metz for a year before moving to Stade Brestois 29, where he played every league game.
In the 1990s, Lama's career flourished as he joined R.C. Lens and then Paris Saint-Germain FC, where he replaced the legendary Joël Bats. His time at PSG was marked by impressive performances, winning the Coupe de France twice and the prestigious European Cup Winners' Cup in 1996. Lama also had a brief stint in the Premier League with West Ham United.
On the international stage, Lama made his debut for the France national team on February 17, 1993, and earned 44 caps. He was part of the squad that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000, although he did not play in the final matches.
Legacy
Bernard Lama is celebrated as one of the best French goalkeepers in history, known for his excellent reflexes and shot-stopping abilities. He was recognized as the greatest French goalkeeper of all time in the IFFHS' Century elections and was honored as a Knight of the Legion of Honour for his contributions to football.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Early years
Lama left Guiana in 1981 to come to metropolitan France, without his father's consent but determined to become a professional footballer, where he was first signed by Division 1 club Lille. In 1982, he was loaned to Abbeville, where he did not make any appearances. After a year, he returned to Lille, only to be loaned again to Besançon. He did get some play time that year, and his performances were convincing enough for Lille to agree to keep him for the following season. From then on, Lama played regularly, and even scored a goal (a penalty kick during the 8–0 win over Laval on 31 May 1989), but was never the indisputable number 1 keeper he aspired to be, and so he decided to leave. He spent one year in Metz, and then took part in Brest's last season in the first division. Lama actually played every single league game during those two seasons. He then spent one year with Lens, where his performances attracted the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, which offered him a five-year contract.
The golden years
In Paris, Lama had to replace the iconic Joël Bats, and his impressive performances quickly showed he was up for the task. His career took a new dimension when he took part in European competitions, and even got called up for the France national team. He won the Coupe de France twice in 1993 and 1995, and in 1996, his most prestigious trophy yet, the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Downfall
Despite an interest from La Liga giants Barcelona,…
Lama's debut with the France national team was on 17 February 1993 against Israel in a 4–0 victory, and he would go on to win 44 caps for his nation. Lama played in the Euro 1996 finals, and was a substitute at the Euro 2000 finals. He also won the 1998 FIFA World Cup as a substitute of Fabien Barthez but did not play a single match.
Lama was a goalkeeper who possessed excellent reflexes and shot-stopping capabilities, and was known for his ability to pull off spectacular saves. He is considered to be one of the best French goalkeepers in history, being named the greatest French goalkeeper of all time in IFFHS' Century elections.
- Club
- FC Metz (1989–1990)
- Club
- Lille OSC (1982–1989)
- Club
- West Ham United F.C. (1998–1998)
- Club
- Besançon R.C. (1983–1984)
- Club
- SC Abbeville (1982–1983)
- Club
- West Ham United F.C. (1997–1998)
- League
- Premier League
- National team
- France
- Club
- R.C. Lens (1991–1992)
- Club
- France men's national association football team (1993–2000)
- Club
- Stade Rennais F.C. (2000–2001)
- Club
- Paris Saint-Germain FC (1992–1998)
- Club
- Stade Brestois 29 (1990–1991)
- Club
- Paris Saint-Germain FC (1998–2000)
Trophies & Awards
- Award
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
Personal
Bernard Pascal Maurice Lama was born on 7 April 1963 in Saint-Symphorien, Indre-et-Loire, a commune that merged into the neighboring Tours in 1964.
Clubs
- Lille OSC1982–1989
- SC Abbeville1982–1983
- Besançon R.C.1983–1984
- FC Metz1989–1990
- Stade Brestois 291990–1991
- R.C. Lens1991–1992
- Paris Saint-Germain FC1992–1998
- France men's national association football team1993–2000
- West Ham United F.C.1997–1998
- Paris Saint-Germain FC1998–2000
- West Ham United F.C.1998–1998
- Stade Rennais F.C.2000–2001
Played together with
Aaron CresswellWest Ham United F.C. · 2014
Aaron Wan-BissakaWest Ham United F.C. · 2024
Abdelaziz BarradaParis Saint-Germain FC · 2007–2010
Abdelaziz Ben TifourFrance men's national association football team · 1952–1957- Abdelhakim OmraniR.C. Lens · 2008–2012
- Abdelilah FahmiLille OSC · 1999–2003
- Abdelkader Ben BoualiFrance men's national association football team · 1937–1937
Abdelkrim MerryFC Metz · 1982–1983- Abdelkrim MerryLille OSC · 1980–1981
- Abdellah LiegeonBesançon R.C. · 1975–1981
Abdellah ZoubirR.C. Lens · 2016–2018
Abdelmajid OulmersBesançon R.C. · 1998–1999
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Bernard Pascal Maurice Lama is a French former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. As a member of the France national team, he won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. Lama most notably played in the French Division 1 for Lille, Metz, Brest, Lens, Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes, and in the Premier League for West Ham United.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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