Rigobert Song: From the most capped player to the manager of Indomitable Lions
Known for his defensive skills, Song usually played as a centre-back, but could also operate at right-back. With 137 appearances, Song holds the record of the most capped player in the history of the Cameroon national team and has played in four World Cups, in 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010.
Song played at eight AFCON tournaments, winning two and, interestingly, he is one of only two players to be sent off at two World Cups – the other being Zinedine Zidane.
On 28 February 2022, it was announced that Song had replaced Toni Conceição as the manager of the Cameroon national team. He guided Cameroon to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after beating Algeria in the final hurdle. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his Cameroon team failed to progress from the group stage, despite becoming the first manager to guide Cameroon to their first World Cup victory since 2002 against the mighty Brazil, with a shock 1–0 win.
Stats:
Club goals: 18
Club Assists: 5
Match: 511
Cameroon national team:
Goals: 4
Matches: 137
Achievements:
2X AFRICA CUP WINNER
1X UEFA CUP WINNER
1X FRENCH LEAGUE CUP WINNER
2X TURKISH CHAMPION
2X TURKISH CUP WINNER