A speedy French international winger-cum-striker, Sidney Govou was involved in all seven of Olympique Lyonnais's consecutive title triumphs during the first decade of the 21st century and scored the winning goal in the 2008 French Cup final that completed the club's first double.

• Joined Lyon's youth system at the relatively late age of 17, making his league debut in January 2000.

• Captured nationwide attention with two goals in 3-0 win against FC Bayern München in 2000/01 UEFA Champions League; won first of his seven Ligue 1 titles the following season, scoring ten goals (a seasonal haul he has never since matched or bettered).

• Made debut for France in October 2002, scoring first international goal two months later – against Slovenia (5-0); won FIFA Confederations Cup in 2003 but made no appearances at UEFA EURO 2004 and used as substitute only (four times) at 2006 FIFA World Cup before making first two major tournament starts at UEFA EURO 2008.

• Enjoyed impressive 2006/07 campaign that began with memorable two-goal salvo in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifier with Italy (3-1). Scored extra-time winner against Paris Saint-Germain in final of Coupe de France at end of following season.

• Missed most of 2008/09 with ruptured Achilles tendon but handed Lyon captaincy at start of 2009/10 campaign and led team through to knockout phase of UEFA Champions League, scoring his tenth goal of the competition in 4-0 win at Debreceni VSC.

Did you know?
Govou received late call-ups for both UEFA EURO 2004 and the 2006 World Cup after eleventh-hour injuries to, respectively, Ludovic Giuly and Djibril Cissé.