Laurent Pokou: A Legend of Ivorian Football

Laurent Pokou was a prolific striker and one of the greatest football players to come out of the Ivory Coast. He was born on August 8, 1947, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Pokou started his football career in his hometown, playing for the local team ASEC Mimosas. His talent was immediately noticed, and he was soon playing for the national team.

The Early Years of Laurent Pokou

Laurent Pokou’s journey to becoming one of Ivory Coast’s greatest football legends started in his teenage years. He was a gifted player, and his talent was quickly recognized. He joined the ASEC Mimosas youth team, where he honed his skills and developed his unique playing style.

In 1966, Pokou was called up to the Ivory Coast national team for the first time. He made an immediate impact, scoring four goals in his first game. He went on to become a regular member of the national team, helping Ivory Coast qualify for their first African Cup of Nations in 1968.

The Peak of Pokou’s Career

Laurent Pokou’s peak years as a football player were in the 1970s. He was a key member of the Ivory Coast team that won their first African Cup of Nations in 1970. He scored 6 goals in the tournament, including two in the final against Ghana. His performance in the tournament earned him the Golden Boot award, as well as the nickname “The Divine One”.

Pokou continued to excel for both club and country in the following years. He scored 6 goals for his club team ASEC Mimosas in the 1970 African Cup Winners’ Cup, helping them win the tournament. He also helped Ivory Coast qualify for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where he scored two goals in the tournament.

The Legacy of Laurent Pokou

Laurent Pokou’s legacy as one of the greatest Ivorian football players of all time is undeniable. He scored 14 goals in 38 appearances for the national team, making him the team’s all-time top scorer for many years. He also won the African Cup of Nations twice with Ivory Coast and was named the best player of the tournament in 1970.

In his club career, Pokou played for several teams, including ASEC Mimosas, Rennes, Nancy, and Marseille. He scored a total of 119 goals in 183 appearances for ASEC Mimosas, making him the club’s all-time top scorer.

Pokou’s Impact on Ivorian Football

Laurent Pokou’s impact on Ivorian football cannot be overstated. He was a pioneer and role model for young players in the country. He helped put Ivorian football on the map and paved the way for future generations of talented Ivorian players.

Today, many young Ivorian players look up to Pokou and strive to emulate his success on the pitch. His legacy will continue to inspire young football players in the

future. His remarkable skills and achievements have made him a legend of Ivorian football, and his memory lives on in the hearts of football fans all over the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laurent Pokou

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Entities Mentioned in This Article

Ivory Coast national team

African Cup of Nations

ASEC Mimosas

Rennes

Marseille