Yahia Fofana (born 21 August 2000) is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Süper Lig club ÃÂaykur Rizespor. Born in France, he plays for the Ivory Coast national team.
A product of Le Havre's academy, Fofana signed his first professional contract on 4 July 2019, with the deal lasting until 2022. His debut came not long after, as he started a Coupe de la Ligue match against Clermont on 13 August. The match ended in a 4âÂÂ3 victory for Clermont on penalties after a 1âÂÂ1 draw.
Fofana's Coupe de France debut came on 19 January 2021, as his side lost to Paris FC by a score of 1âÂÂ0. On 30 January, he played his first match in Ligue 2, coming on as a substitute after Mathieu Gorgelin had been handed a red card in a 0âÂÂ0 draw away to Chamois Niortais. In the 2021âÂÂ22 season with Le Havre, he broke into the first team as the starting goalkeeper, surpassing Gorgelin in the pecking order.
On 30 May 2022, Fofana signed a four-year contract with Ligue 1 side Angers, joining the club upon the expiration of his Le Havre contract.
While his contract with the Norman club was set to expire in June 2022 and he was being monitored by several French and foreign clubs, Fofana committed to Angers in January, signing a four-year contract effective from July 1, 2022. Arriving in Anjou as the first-choice goalkeeper, he was ultimately superseded by Paul Bernardoni after the summer preseason and started the 2022âÂÂ23 season on the bench, with Bernardoni starting in goal against FC Nantes on matchday one, which ended 0âÂÂ0.
Born in France, Fofana is of Ivorian descent. He has represented France at U16, U17, U18, and U19 level over the years.
Fofana was called up to the Ivory Coast national team for a set of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches in September 2023. He debuted in a 1âÂÂ0 win over Lesotho on 9 September 2023.
In December 2023, Fofana was named to the Ivory Coast's squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He played in all matches but the opening one. Ivory Coast ended up winning the tournament.
Fofana is included in the list of Ivorian players selected by head coach Emerse Faé to participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ivory Coast