Biography
Who is Philippe Troussier?
Playing career and early management
Philippe started his professional life as a defender in the French leagues. He played for second-tier clubs such as Angoulême Charente FC and FC Rouen. His final professional stint as a player was with Stade de Reims, where he remained until 1983. After his playing days concluded, he acquired his coaching licenses and moved into management.
His first position was managing the Institut National du Football de Vichy, a team associated with the French Football Federation. He guided them through the 1983-84 league season, earning a second-place group finish. Later, he spent three seasons coaching CS Alençon in the French fourth division. He returned to Red Star F.C. During the 1987-88 season. Under his leadership, the club secured promotion to the second division. He also served as a caretaker manager for the club Créteil in 1989.
International coaching in Africa
His career expanded significantly when he moved to Ivory Coast to lead the top division club ASEC Mimosas. He enjoyed immediate success there, winning multiple league championships. This tenure led to him obtaining citizenship in the country. Following his club success, he managed the Ivory Coast national team. He then coached the Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa and Fath Union Sport in Morocco, where he won the 1995 Coupe du Trône.
Philippe later took charge of the Nigerian national team, leading them through part of their campaign to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. His next role was with Burkina Faso, where he helped them reach the semi-finals of the 1998 African Cup of Nations. This performance was the best finish in the history of the national team at that time. He then managed South Africa at the 1998 World Cup, earning the nickname White Witch Doctor for his impact on the African football scene.
Success and challenges in Asia
Philippe Troussier made a major impact in Asia during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He took over the Japan national team to prepare for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He also led the under-20 team to second place at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship and coached the under-23 squad at the 2000 Summer Olympics. His most well-known achievement with Japan was winning the 2000 AFC Asian Cup.
At the 2002 World Cup, he guided Japan to the final 16, which was their best result at that time. Later, he managed the Qatar national team but left after failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup. He returned to French club management with Olympique de Marseille in 2004. He also had a brief period leading the Morocco national team. In 2008, he returned to Japan to coach FC Ryūkyū. In 2010, he signed a three-year contract with the Chinese club Shenzhen Ruby F.C., where he focused on a youthful team selection.
Personal life and achievements
Philippe Troussier has a brother named Ludovic. He received the title of Knight of the National Order of Merit for his contributions. Around 2006, reports confirmed that he had converted to Islam. Throughout his career, he has moved between club and national team management roles across several continents.
Birthday and age
Philippe Troussier was born on March 21, 1955, which makes Philippe 71 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Philippe shares the date with 55 other famous people.
Explore more
