Ligue 1 Legend: Bafétimbi Gomis retires
Legends
The former Lyon, Saint-Étienne, and Marseille strike recently hung up his boots, and now dreams of a life by the sea in Brittany.
Bafétimbi Gomis officially retired on the 10th November 2024, a poignant date which coincided with the derby between his former clubs Olympique Lyonnais and Saint-Étienne. From 2004 to 2009, Gomes made 142 appearances for Les Verts before making a controversial move to arch rivals Lyon. He became just the sixth player in French football history to transfer directly from ASSE to OL.
With Les Gones, Gomis would make his European debut and then record the fastest Champions League hat-trick ever scored. He went on to score 40 times for Lyon before making a move to Premier League side Swansea. In an interview with Ouest-France, Gomis reflects on his storied career and shares his post-retirement dreams.
Football, far and wide
He reflected on his time in Japan and Turkey, but admitted it was good to come home after he finished his playing career. “I’m incredibly proud of these experiences,” he said, noting the importance of immersing himself in diverse cultures. In Turkey, for example, Gomis thrived at Galatasaray, where he experienced the intense fervour of the club’s fanbase. “The pressure is constant,” he recounted, “but that’s what I needed at that stage in my career—those electrifying stadiums and passionate supporters.”
Gomis could have joined Rennes
Now, Gomis is back in France, hoping to one day live by the Breton seaside. But he recounted a time he almost joined Stade Rennais. "I'd almost come because I'd already spoken to Olivier Létang (Rennes president between 2017 and 2020), and also Florian Maurice (2020-2024). I really like Stade Rennais."
"We feel that the club is more aggressive, taking risks by buying players, selling them and training players like Désiré Doué. Many great players are trained in Brittany and go on to have great careers. It's a stronghold of French football."
Brittany was a current theme for Gomes, who admits he wants to live by the sea. "At the moment, I live in Lyon - I've become a father to three kids, a husband, and I love football now more than ever."
READ MORE:
