Yoane Wissa: Atypical, Uncoventional, and Resilient
Throughout Premier League history, there have always been players who, despite not playing for the biggest clubs, have built a reputation for delivering against the elite. From Yakubu at Portsmouth to Kevin Nolan at Bolton and West Ham, these players consistently stepped up against top opposition, often leaving fans wondering if they were good enough to play for the very teams they tormented.
In this generation, one name steadily carving out a similar legacy is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. And it’s no surprise, considering the number of times he has beaten the odds—not just in his career, but in life.
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Humble Beginnings
Wissa was born in Épinay-sous-Sénart, France, to Congolese parents, in a suburb that has produced footballing legends such as Claude Makélélé. By his own admission, Wissa’s family was passionate about football, and it didn’t take long for him to develop an interest in the game. However, his path into the sport was far from conventional. Wissa initially played as a goalkeeper at the age of seven, spending four years between the sticks before eventually moving into midfield.
Though football was his first love, it wasn’t his only passion. At twelve, he developed a keen interest in rugby and even competed at the school level. It wasn’t until he was fourteen that he made the decisive choice to fully commit to football—a decision that would shape his future.
At one point, Wissa even considered becoming a policeman before deciding to pursue football seriously. In 2013, at the age of sixteen, he joined Ligue 2 side LB Châteauroux—a notably late entry into professional academies, as many players start as early as six or eight. But rather than let this disadvantage hold him back, Wissa made rapid progress. Two years later, he made his professional debut for the club.
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Statistically, his first season wasn’t remarkable—one goal and one assist in 24 appearances. Châteauroux were relegated that year, but Wissa’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. Ligue 1 side Angers SCO signed him in 2016, recognizing his potential. Between 2016 and 2018, he was loaned out to several clubs to gain first-team experience.
Lorient’s Attacking Talisman
Wissa’s big break came when he moved to Lorient permanently in 2018. In Ligue 2, the Congolese forward established himself as a consistent attacking threat, scoring 15 goals in a promotion-winning campaign for the club.
Upon Lorient’s return to Ligue 1, they struggled for survival, frequently finding themselves near the bottom of the table. But when they needed inspiration, Wissa often delivered.
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One of his standout performances came against Paris Saint-Germain. With Lorient trailing 2-1 and just 10 minutes left, Wissa turned the game on its head. Receiving a pass near the final third, he skipped past a sliding challenge, played a swift one-two, and coolly slotted the ball past Sergio Rico with his left foot. That equalizer spurred Lorient on to find a dramatic 91st-minute winner.
The victory proved crucial as they narrowly avoided relegation, with Wissa’s 10 goals that season making the difference. His performances drew attention from clubs across Europe, and newly promoted Brentford secured his signature to strengthen their attack.
Rising Above Tragedy
In July 2021, just days before his move to Brentford, Wissa suffered a harrowing attack. Answering a knock at his door, he was suddenly doused with acid. Instantly, he screamed for help, his vision blurred, and his breathing labored.
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His wife called emergency services, and after being rushed to the hospital, the severity of his injuries became clear—his eyes had suffered severe burns, requiring surgery. His eyes were burned so badly that someone had to come and rinse them out every hour.
For months, he endured an excruciating recovery process and the trauma of the attack left psychological scars that may never fully heal. Wissa missed Brentford’s entire pre-season, and manager Thomas Frank had already structured his first-team plans without him. However, Frank remained patient, giving Wissa time to adapt.
After recovering from an additional injury setback, he made his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace just a month after the attack. Remarkably, despite taking six months to regain full vision, Wissa continued playing throughout his recovery, showcasing immense mental strength.
Flourishing in England
Wissa didn’t just bounce back—he thrived. In the 2023/24 season, he scored 12 goals and 4 assists in 34 league appearances — he’s done even better this season, helping to fill Ivan Toney’s void in attack and registering 15 goals and 3 assists in 29 appearances. Over his 131 Premier League appearances with Brentford, he has scored an impressive 41 goals, becoming a vital component of Thomas Frank’s squad.
From a late start in professional football to overcoming incredible adversity, Yoane Wissa has shown extraordinary perseverance throughout his career, and at 28, he has established himself as one of the faces of Brentford’s inspired charge. Today, he stands as one of the Premier League’s most underrated forwards and a cult hero among Brentford fans.
By: Mark Bruce / @MarkV_Bruce8
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Jacques Feeney / Offside