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Johan Micoud
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Johan Cédric Micoud (born 24 July 1973) is a French former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder.

Key Information

He was considered a skilled midfielder and a dead-ball expert. During a 16-year career he played professionally in France, Italy and Germany.

Micoud gained 17 caps for France, and represented the nation at Euro 2000 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, winning the former tournament.

Club career

[edit]

Cannes

[edit]

Born in Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes,[2] Micoud grew up in Vallauris.[3]

He was a youth product of local AS Cannes' youth system, becoming the side's playmaker after Zinedine Zidane's departure to Girondins de Bordeaux. He helped the club to promotion from the second division in 1993 and qualification to the UEFA Cup in the following season.[4][5]

Bordeaux

[edit]

Playing behind a strike partnership of Lilian Laslandes and Sylvain Wiltord, Micoud played a pivotal role as the club were crowned Ligue 1 champions in 1998–99, beating Olympique de Marseille to the title on the final day of the season.[6][7]

The following season he helped the club to the UEFA Champions League's second group stage. He also reached two Coupe de la Ligue finals with Bordeaux, losing to RC Strasbourg in 1997 and Paris Saint-Germain in 1998.[8]

Parma

[edit]

In the 2000 summer he moved abroad, initially joining Parma where he stayed for two seasons. Although Micoud and Parma won the Coppa Italia, he lost his starting place to Hidetoshi Nakata, and was forced out of the club, linked with moves to Aston Villa, Liverpool, Schalke 04 and Marseille.[9][10][11]

Werder Bremen

[edit]

In August 2002, Micoud moved to Germany, signing for Werder Bremen.[12] He made his debut for the club in a 3-1 win over 1. FC Nürnberg, scoring one of Bremen's goals.[13]

Micoud was one of the key players in Bremen's surprise double win in 2004, and scored in the decisive game against Bayern Munich where Bremen secured the Bundesliga title.[14] Micoud also scored in every round of the 2003–04 DFB-Pokal, except the final.[15] He ended the season with ten goals and eight assists.[16]

After the season, Micoud signed a new contract with Bremen until 2007, and was described by the club's sporting director Klaus Allofs as 'the best midfielder in the Bundesliga'. It had previously been speculated that Micoud could leave, as he criticised the club for allowing two other key players in Aílton and Mladen Krstajić to join Schalke.[17] The following season saw Bremen finish third in the league.[18]

In his final season with Bremen, Micoud scored five times in the Champions League, including winners against Udinese in the group stage and Juventus in the knockouts.[15][19] He also scored eight goals and managed fourteen assists in the Bundesliga as Bremen finished runners-up.[19][20]

Micoud left Bremen to return to former club Bordeaux in 2006, with Klaus Allofs stating that they would not have agreed to sell Micoud to any other club.[21] A friendly match in Bremen's Weserstadion between the two teams was also organised, where Micoud scored the only goal for Bordeaux and was given a standing ovation by the Bremen fans.[22]

Return to Bordeaux

[edit]

In June 2006, aged 32, rejoined Bordeaux, costing €three million.[23][24] He quickly became a key player in the squad, scoring the winner in his first league match back at the club, at FC Lorient.[25] Micoud helped Bordeaux win the 2007 League Cup and fight for the title the following season. In February 2008, Micoud scored his 50th Ligue 1 goal in a 6-0 win against AS Monaco, Bordeaux's record away win. In March, Micoud was involved in a controversy after being accused of diving to help win a penalty in a crucial game with third-placed Nancy, which Bordeaux would win 2-1.[26][27] However, after two seasons, Laurent Blanc announced on 10 May 2008 that the player's contract would not be renewed, and he retired from the sport.[28]

International career

[edit]

Despite being called up in the France national team on several occasions, Micoud never managed to secure a regular starting role, mainly due to the presence of Zidane who occupied the same position.[6]

Courtesy of his stellar championship performances with Bordeaux, he made his debut on 17 August 1999 in a friendly match with Northern Ireland, and was subsequently picked for the squad which won UEFA Euro 2000. Micoud only played in one of the six matches of the tournament, in the group match against the Netherlands, effectively a dead rubber given that both nations had already qualified both the group. He assisted Christophe Dugarry's opening goal from a corner, although France eventually lost 3-2.[29]

He was also selected for the FIFA World Cup campaign of 2002, and replaced the injured Zidane for the second game, a 0-0 draw with Uruguay.[30]

Regardless of his consistently high level of performance at club level, Micoud found himself subsequently marginalised by the following national bosses. After the World Cup, he was not picked for France again for two years, before Jacques Santini selected him for a friendly against Holland in March 2004, recognising Micoud's form with Bremen.[31][32]

Santini included Micoud in his preliminary squad for Euro 2004 but he did not make the final squad.[33] Under Raymond Domenech Micoud did win a single call up for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, and Micoud publicly criticised Domenech for ignoring his Bremen performances, suggesting that Domenech's refusal to pick him may be influenced by Micoud's star sign.[34]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Europe League Cup Total Ref.
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Cannes 1992–93 Division 2 28 2 1 0 – – 29 2 [35]
1993–94 Division 1 34 3 1 0 – – 35 3 [35]
1994–95 Division 1 33 7 1 0 4 1 1 0 39 8 [35]
1995–96 Division 1 32 5 1 1 – 3 0 36 7 [35]
Total 127 17 4 1 4 1 4 0 139 19
Bordeaux 1996–97 Division 1 36 8 4 1 – 4 0 44 9 [36]
1997–98 Division 1 29 4 1 0 1 0 5 3 36 7 [35]
1998–99 Division 1 31 9 1 0 8 3 1 0 41 12 [35]
1999–2000 Division 1 31 6 5 1 12 2 2 0 50 9 [35]
Total 127 27 11 2 21 5 12 3 171 37
Parma 2000–01 Serie A 29 4 6 2 4 1 – 39 7 [36]
2001–02 Serie A 18 5 6 1 2 0 – 26 6 [36]
Total 47 9 12 3 6 1 0 0 65 13
Werder Bremen 2002–03 Bundesliga 28 5 3 0 4 2 0 0 35 7 [36]
2003–04 Bundesliga 32 10 6 4 4 1 – 42 15 [36]
2004–05 Bundesliga 33 8 5 2 8 1 2 0 48 11 [36]
2005–06 Bundesliga 30 8 2 1 10 5 2 0 44 14 [36]
Total 123 31 16 7 26 9 4 0 169 47
Bordeaux 2006–07 Ligue 1 32 5 1 0 6 0 4 0 43 5 [36]
2007–08 Ligue 1 29 5 3 2 6 1 0 0 38 8 [36]
Total 61 10 4 2 12 1 4 0 81 13
Career total 485 94 47 15 69 17 24 3 625 129

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[37]
National team Year Apps Goals
France 1999 2 0
2000 7 1
2001 3 0
2002 4 0
2004 1 0
Total 17 1
Scores and results list France's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Micoud goal.
List of international goals scored by Johan Micoud
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 15 November 2000 BJK İnönü Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey  Turkey 3–0 4–0 Friendly

Honours

[edit]

Bordeaux

Parma

Werder Bremen

France

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Johan Micoud

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Johan Micoud (born 24 July 1973) is a French former professional footballer who played primarily as an attacking , renowned for his elegant playmaking and vision on the pitch. Born in , he began his career in the youth academy of before breaking into the senior team in the mid-1990s. Micoud's professional journey spanned top European leagues, starting with a permanent transfer to Girondins de Bordeaux in 1996, where he became a key figure in the team's resurgence. With , he contributed to their Ligue 1 title win in the 1998–99 season and secured the Coupe de la Ligue in 2006–07 (during a later stint). His technical finesse earned him the nickname "Le Chef" (The Chef), reflecting his precise passing and creative influence, often compared to a musician's artistry in midfield. In 2000, Micoud transferred to in , where he helped the club clinch the in 2001–02, scoring crucial goals and assists during his two-year spell. His most celebrated period came at from 2002 to 2006, where he formed a dynamic partnership in the , leading the team to the and double in the 2003–04 season. That year, he was named to the Team of the Season and scored in every round of the except the final, while providing standout performances like a hat-trick of assists in the against . Over 450 league appearances across his career, Micoud recorded 100 goals and 51 assists, showcasing his versatility across , , and the . Internationally, Micoud earned 17 caps for the France national team between 1999 and 2004, scoring one goal, and featured in major tournaments including and the . He retired in 2008 after returning to for a final season, amassing a legacy as an underrated genius whose career bridged French flair with German efficiency. Post-retirement, he has served as president of his boyhood club, .

Early life

Childhood and family

Johan Micoud was born on 24 July 1973 in , , . His father, an admirer of football, named him after , the Dutch player widely regarded as the world's top talent following Pelé's era. Raised in his hometown of on the , Micoud was immersed in the region's Mediterranean lifestyle and strong community ties, which provided a supportive backdrop for his early development. Little is documented about his formal education, though he later joined the youth academy of local club , marking the start of his football journey.

Youth career at Cannes

Born in , Johan Micoud entered organized football by joining the youth academy of hometown club in 1983, at the age of ten, as a promising local talent nurtured in the club's renowned development system. Over the subsequent nine years, he advanced steadily through the youth ranks, refining his technical abilities and vision as an attacking midfielder within an academy celebrated for producing elite talents, including and . By the 1991–92 season, at age 18, Micoud transitioned to the , AS Cannes B, where he demonstrated his potential by scoring eight goals in 19 appearances in the third tier. These early reserve outings highlighted his adaptation to competitive demands, setting the stage for his integration into the professional setup during the 1992–93 campaign, when Cannes competed in Division 2.

Club career

Cannes

Johan Micoud signed his first professional contract with hometown club in 1992, after progressing through its youth academy. His senior debut arrived shortly thereafter on 7 August 1992, in a 1–1 Ligue 2 draw against . In his inaugural full season of 1992–93, Micoud featured regularly as secured second place in Groupe A, earning promotion to . The following campaigns saw him transition to the top flight, where he solidified his position as an attacking known for creative playmaking. Notable performances included contributions of goals and assists; for example, he netted seven goals during the 1994–95 season while partnering with emerging talent in midfield. Throughout his time at Cannes from 1992 to 1996, Micoud played a key role in the team's stability, contributing to mid-table finishes such as sixth place in 1993–94. The club also competed in the annually but did not advance beyond the early rounds during this period. Seeking greater playing time and opportunities at a more ambitious club, Micoud transferred to in the summer of 1996 for a reported fee of around 3 million francs.

Bordeaux (first stint)

Micoud joined from in the summer of 1996 for a reported fee of around 3 million francs, stepping in as the primary creative force following Zinedine Zidane's departure to Juventus. He quickly adapted to the senior team at the Parc Lescure, making an immediate impact with his vision and technical skill as an attacking . In his debut season (1996–97), Micoud featured in 44 matches across all competitions, scoring 9 goals and establishing himself as a central . Micoud's influence peaked during the 1998–99 campaign, where he played a pivotal role in Bordeaux's title triumph—the club's first since 1985. Operating behind forwards and , he contributed 9 goals in 31 league appearances, alongside numerous assists that underscored his role as the team's orchestrator. His creativity was instrumental in a campaign that saw Bordeaux finish one point ahead of Lens, securing the championship on the final day. In European competition that season, Bordeaux competed in the UEFA Cup, reaching the quarter-finals. Micoud shone with 3 goals and 1 assist in 8 matches, including a notable strike in the 2–1 home win over Parma in the quarter-final first leg. His performances highlighted Bordeaux's competitive edge on the continental stage, though they were eliminated by Parma in the return leg. By 1999, Micoud's form had attracted interest from major European clubs, leading to his departure to Parma in the summer of 2000 for a transfer fee of €7.6 million. This move marked the end of a transformative four-year stint at Bordeaux, where he had evolved into a key leader and helped restore the club's domestic prominence.

Parma

In the summer of 2000, following a successful stint at where he contributed significantly to their league title win, Johan Micoud transferred to for a reported fee of €7.6 million, marking him as a high-profile addition to the Italian club's midfield. During the season, Micoud faced challenges adapting to Italian football, compounded by injuries and stiff competition for starting positions in a squad featuring talents like and . He made 29 league appearances, starting 23, and recorded 4 goals and 4 assists, but his inconsistent role limited his overall impact as finished fourth in the league. In the 2001–02 campaign, Micoud showed improved contributions despite ongoing injury setbacks, including a prolonged lay-off that affected his availability. With 18 Serie A appearances (11 starts), he scored 5 goals and provided 1 assist, while playing a key role in Parma's successful Coppa Italia run, which culminated in a 2–1 aggregate victory over Juventus in the final to secure the trophy. However, persistent bench time and the club's financial difficulties eroded his position, prompting him to seek a move for more regular playing opportunities. Micoud departed on August 30, 2002, joining Werder on a free transfer amid the Italian side's economic woes.

Werder

Micoud joined Werder on a free transfer from in August 2002, marking his return to top-flight football after a challenging stint in . Despite initial hesitation from his family about moving to , the 29-year-old quickly adapted to the physical demands of the under coach Thomas Schaaf, featuring in 28 league matches during his debut 2002–03 season and helping the team secure second place. His elegant playmaking style endeared him to the faithful, earning him the affectionate nickname "Le Chef" (The Chief) for his commanding presence and leadership on the pitch. Micoud's influence peaked in the 2003–04 campaign, where he played a pivotal role in Bremen's historic double, clinching both the title—the club's first in 11 years—and the . He contributed 10 goals and 8 assists in the league, including a crucial flick over Bayern Munich's in a 3–1 victory that sealed the championship on the final day. In the , Micoud scored in every round except the final, netting a stunning volley against in the quarterfinals and assisting key plays with his precise vision and set-piece expertise, such as free-kicks that showcased his technical finesse. His performances earned him a spot in the Team of the Season for the third time in four years, solidifying his status as the team's creative heartbeat alongside forwards like and Ailton. In European competition, Micoud excelled during Bremen's 2004–05 campaign, where the team advanced to the round of 16 before a heavy aggregate defeat to . He provided vital creativity, assisting in group-stage wins and demonstrating his vision in matches against teams like . The following season, after dropping into the UEFA Cup following the Champions League group stage, Micoud scored decisive goals, including against Udinese and in the Champions League knockout tie versus Juventus, though Bremen exited early in the Europa competition. After four successful seasons, Micoud was transferred to Bordeaux for a fee of €3 million in June 2006, despite having a year left on his contract, drawn by the opportunity to rejoin the club closer to home. His exit was met with disappointment from fans, who viewed him as one of the club's greatest imports, having amassed 169 appearances, 47 goals, and 60 assists across all competitions.

Bordeaux (second stint)

Micoud rejoined his former club in June 2006 at the age of 32, signing a two-year contract after four successful years at Werder Bremen, where he had won the and in 2004. The transfer fee for the move was reported as €3 million. Upon his return, he quickly re-established himself as a central figure in the midfield, bringing experience and playmaking ability to a team that finished second in the previous season. In his first season back (2006–07), Micoud contributed significantly to Bordeaux's success, appearing in 44 matches across all competitions and scoring 9 goals, including the winner in a 1–0 victory over in his return match in August 2006. He played a key role in the team's run to the final, starting in the 1–0 win against on 24 April 2007 at the , securing Bordeaux's first major trophy in eight years. His vision and precise passing were instrumental in orchestrating the attack, helping the side finish sixth in while qualifying for the UEFA Cup. The 2007–08 campaign saw Micoud continue as a vital presence despite turning 34, featuring in 29 matches and scoring 5 goals as Bordeaux mounted a strong title challenge, ultimately finishing second behind by three points. However, advancing age and persistent minor injuries limited his mobility and starting appearances toward the season's end, with the club opting not to renew his contract in May 2008. Micoud's final match for was a 2–0 home win against on 17 May 2008, marking an emotional conclusion to his professional career at the club where he had first achieved stardom. On 18 September 2008, Micoud formally announced his retirement from football at age 35, reflecting on his second stint as a fulfilling return that allowed him to end his playing days at , contributing to renewed competitiveness and leaving a legacy as a composed, intelligent who bridged his early promise with later maturity.

International career

Senior debut and early appearances

Johan Micoud earned his first call-up to the senior national team in the summer of 1999, shortly after playing a pivotal role in FC Girondins de Bordeaux's 1998–99 title-winning campaign, where he contributed 11 goals and numerous assists as the team's creative hub. His strong club form under coach Elie Baup highlighted his vision and technical skill in midfield, prompting national team selector to include him in the for the post-World Cup era rebuild. Micoud made his senior debut on 18 August 1999 in a friendly match against at in , starting and playing the full 90 minutes in France's 1–0 victory, with scoring the lone goal. This appearance marked his entry as a promising alternative in the attacking midfield position, though he remained behind established stars like , often utilized as a rotational option to maintain depth. His second cap came on 13 November 1999, again as a starter in a 3–0 friendly win over at the , where he played 85 minutes before being substituted by ; goals from , , and secured the result. By this point, Micoud had established himself as a reliable player under Lemerre, appearing in limited but impactful roles that showcased his composure on the ball, though starts were scarce due to Zidane's dominance and the team's transitional phase following Aimé Jacquet's departure after the 1998 triumph. Early in 2000, Micoud continued his integration with substitute appearances in friendlies, including entering in the 46th minute during France's 2–0 win over on 29 March at , where he delivered an assured performance in place of the injured Zidane, helping to solidify his credentials ahead of . These initial outings, totaling four caps by mid-2000, underscored his selection merit based on consistent performances, positioning him as a depth provider in a star-studded midfield.

UEFA Euro 2000 and later appearances

Despite his strong performances at club level with , including their 1999 title win, Micoud had to wait until after the 1998 triumph to break into the senior setup, overshadowed by established stars like . Over the next five years, he accumulated 17 caps, providing creative depth in midfield for a team that continued to dominate European football. Selected for in and the , Micoud contributed to 's successful title defense, their second major trophy in two years. He made a single appearance in the tournament, starting in the group-stage defeat to the on 21 June 2000, where he played the full 90 minutes as fell 3–2 despite goals from and . His inclusion highlighted his growing role as a versatile , though limited minutes reflected the depth of talent in the squad. went on to win the final against via 's , securing Micoud's first international honor. Micoud retained his place for the in and , where he featured in two group-stage matches: the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw with and a 19-minute substitute appearance in the 2–0 loss to . France's early exit as defending champions marked a downturn, but Micoud's experience in the tournament added to his 16 caps by that point. After a two-year absence from the national team, he returned for a friendly against the on 31 March 2004, playing the full match in a 0–0 draw—his final international appearance. Micoud's international career concluded in 2004 at age 30, with retirement from national duty prompted by fierce competition for midfield places, particularly Zidane's presence, and his omission from France's final Euro 2004 squad despite a preliminary inclusion. He expressed frustration over the snub by coach , effectively ending his 17-cap tenure that included one goal, scored in a 2000 friendly against .

Playing style

Technical attributes

Johan Micoud was renowned for his exceptional vision and passing accuracy, attributes frequently compared to those of by contemporaries. French national team coach highlighted this similarity, stating that both players possessed "tremendous technical ability" and could effectively complement each other on the pitch. Micoud's foresight enabled him to orchestrate attacks with precision, as evidenced by his hat-trick of assists in Werder 's 5-1 Champions League victory over in 2004. During the 2004–05 season at Bremen, he recorded 16 assists across all competitions, underscoring his role as a creative fulcrum who elevated teammates like . A dead-ball specialist, Micoud excelled in set-piece execution, particularly free-kicks and penalties, contributing to his reputation among analysts as part of the era's elite playmakers in such situations. He converted 3 out of 6 career penalties for a 50% success rate, including a rapid 1:45-minute strike in Bremen's 5-1 Champions League win against Panathinaikos in 2005. His free-kick proficiency was noted in match analyses, where his delivery often created scoring opportunities, though direct goals from them were complemented by his overall technical command in static plays. Micoud's dribbling displayed remarkable elegance and ball control, allowing him to navigate tight spaces with deceptive simplicity. In a 2003/04 quarter-final against , he exemplified this by lofting the ball over a defender before volleying it home, showcasing his poise under pressure. This finesse, often described as artistic, stemmed from his innate touch and lightness on the ball. As an attacking , Micoud demonstrated positional versatility, seamlessly shifting between central, left, and advanced roles to maximize his influence. This adaptability was key to his contributions at clubs like Werder Bremen, where he balanced creativity and goal threat across formations.

Reputation and comparisons

Johan Micoud earned widespread admiration for his elegant playmaking and leadership, particularly during his six-year stint at Werder Bremen, where fans bestowed upon him the affectionate nickname "Le Chef" (The Chief) in recognition of his commanding presence on the pitch and creative orchestration of attacks. This moniker reflected not only his technical prowess in vision and precise passing but also his ability to inspire teammates, as evidenced by his pivotal role in the club's and double. Despite these accomplishments, including a title with in 1998/99 and a winners' medal from with , Micoud's career is often regarded as underrated, largely overshadowed by the global stardom of contemporaries like . His limited 17 international caps, despite strong domestic performances, stemmed from direct competition with Zidane for the creative role in the national team, where Micoud served as a reliable deputy but rarely displaced the icon. Micoud drew frequent comparisons to Zidane for his silky , effortless control, and ability to unlock defenses with inventive passes, earning him the tag "The Zidane of the " among supporters; however, he was noted for a more reserved, understated personality in contrast to Zidane's charismatic flair. Post-retirement in 2008, Micoud received tributes from peers and media highlighting his enduring legacy as a masterful number 10. Former Werder Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs praised his "immense importance" to the team's success, while midfielder named him his favorite player, calling him "excellent." Fans at the continue to honor him through chants adapting the melody of "" to "Miiii-couuuuud," underscoring his status as a club legend.

Post-playing career

Club presidency at AS Cannes

Following his retirement from professional football in 2008, Johan Micoud returned to his hometown club in a leadership capacity, assuming the role of president on 27 July 2016 as successor to Pierre Cancian, who had held the position for a decade. Motivated by deep emotional ties to the club where he began his , Micoud assembled a new executive team, including Bernard Lambourde as sports director and Anny Courtade as , to steer the amateur outfit toward renewal. Micoud's presidency emphasized financial stabilization and youth development to revive the club's historic legacy. He secured commitments from reliable investors to fund a multi-year project, addressing ongoing budgetary constraints that had previously plagued the club and forced its from ranks in 2014. Concurrently, he invested in the renowned , strengthening its formation system to nurture emerging talents and expand women's football programs, drawing on the club's of producing stars like and . Despite these efforts, Micoud encountered significant challenges, including internal resistances that impeded broader structural reforms and the club's ascent through the divisions. Upon taking office, competed in the regional Division Honneur (sixth tier), but his leadership facilitated promotion to (fifth tier) for the 2017–18 season, bolstered by staff enhancements such as the addition of former teammate Michel Pavon to the technical team. However, subsequent campaigns yielded mid-table results—fifth place in 2018–19 and ninth in 2019–20—falling short of the ambitious goal to reach within eight years amid persistent financial caps and competitive hurdles in the lower tiers. Micoud stepped down in July 2019 after more than three years, citing insurmountable internal oppositions and inadequate conditions to advance his vision for professional return. As of 2025, he maintains no formal involvement with .

Wine production ventures

Following his retirement from professional football with in 2008, Johan Micoud invested in the wine industry by acquiring a stake in Château La Connivence, a small estate in the appellation of , with the first vintage produced in 2008. The 1.4-hectare vineyard, planted primarily with and featuring clay-limestone soils, became the foundation for his entry into winemaking, reflecting a deliberate shift toward a sector aligned with his longstanding regional roots. Micoud partnered with Alexandre de Malet Roquefort, owner of the renowned Château La Gaffelière in Saint-Émilion, along with fellow former footballer Mathieu Chalmé, to establish the estate, emphasizing sustainable and integrated production methods to honor the . Their collaboration focused on crafting high-quality wines through meticulous vineyard management, including environmentally friendly practices that minimize intervention while maximizing expression of the site's potential. Micoud's personal passion for wine, nurtured from childhood through his grandfather—a wine in the region—drove him to pursue hands-on involvement in the venture, including active participation in parcel selection and manual harvesting during the production process. He has described the project as a dream to produce his own wine, blending his appreciation for fine vintages with direct engagement in the estate's operations to ensure quality at every stage. The estate's limited annual production of around 2,500 bottles of the flagship Château La Connivence has achieved commercial success as an exclusive , commanding premium prices and garnering strong critical acclaim, such as 92-94+ points for the 2024 vintage from en primeur tastings. Vintages like the 2018 have been praised for their refined and hedonistic balance, contributing to an average rating of 4.1 across multiple years, underscoring the venture's impact in the boutique segment of Bordeaux wines as of 2025.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Johan Micoud amassed 633 appearances, 131 goals, and 98 assists across his club career with , Girondins de Bordeaux, , and , contributing significantly to their domestic and European campaigns. His performances were particularly notable in league play, where he exceeded 400 appearances and scored around 92 goals in top-tier competitions.

Aggregate by Club

ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
1462112
Girondins Bordeaux2535016
651310
1694760
Total63313198
Data sourced from comprehensive career records.

Breakdown by Competition

Micoud's statistics varied by competition, with the majority of his contributions in domestic leagues, supplemented by domestic cups and European fixtures. Below are breakdowns for each club, focusing on key competitions (league, domestic cups, European). Assists are included where reliably recorded, primarily from later career stages.

AS (1992–1996)

Primarily in French leagues ( and ) and cups, with limited European exposure.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
League (/)127179
Domestic Cups (, )1532
European (UEFA Cup)411
Total1462112
League figures reflect top-division and second-tier play during Cannes' varying status.

Girondins de Bordeaux (1996–2000, 2006–2008)

Dominant in , with notable European runs in and UEFA Cup.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
League ()1883710
Domestic Cups (, )3183
European (Champions League, UEFA Cup)3453
Total2535016
European appearances include group stage and knockout matches across multiple seasons. Note: Includes both stints (1996–2000 and 2006–2008).

Parma (2000–2002)

Focused on and , with minor European involvement.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
League ()4797
Domestic Cups ()1232
European ( Cup)611
Total651310
Assists data primarily from Serie A seasons.

SV Werder Bremen (2002–2006)

Strong Bundesliga output, bolstered by and European successes, including the 2005 UEFA Cup win where Micoud contributed key goals.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
League ()1233139
Domestic Cups (, )2077
European (Champions League, UEFA Cup)26914
Total1694760
European stats highlight 6 goals in 16 Champions League appearances and impactful UEFA Cup performances.

International statistics

Johan Micoud earned 17 caps for the national team between 1999 and 2004, scoring 1 goal. His international debut came on 18 August 1999 in a 1-0 friendly away win against , where he played the full 90 minutes. Micoud's sole goal arrived on 15 November 2000 during a 4-0 friendly victory over in , scoring in the 44th minute with a right-footed shot. The following table summarizes Micoud's appearances by year and opponent:
YearAppearancesGoalsOpponents
199920,
200071, , , , , ,
200130, ,
200240, , ,
200410
Total171-
Micoud was part of France's 1998 FIFA World Cup-winning squad but did not make any appearances during the tournament. At , which France won, he featured in only one match: a 90-minute appearance in the 3-2 group stage loss to the on 21 2000. In the , Micoud played twice in the group stage—starting the full 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw against on 6 before being substituted after 19 minutes in the 2-0 win over on 11 —though France exited in the group phase. Of his 17 caps, 14 came in friendly matches, where he scored his only international goal, while the remaining three were in major tournaments; he did not feature in any World Cup or European Championship qualifiers. Micoud's limited playing time reflected the exceptional squad depth in France's midfield during the Zinedine Zidane era, with established stars like Zidane, Patrick Vieira, and Emmanuel Petit dominating selections ahead of him.

Honours

Club honours

During his club career, Johan Micoud contributed to several major team successes across Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Bundesliga, as well as domestic cups in France, Italy, and Germany.

With Girondins de Bordeaux

  • Ligue 1: 1998–99. Micoud featured in 31 league matches, helping Bordeaux secure their fifth French top-flight title with his creative playmaking in midfield.
  • Trophée des Champions: 1999. As a starter in the 1–0 victory over RC Lens, Micoud aided Bordeaux in claiming the French Super Cup.
  • Coupe de la Ligue: 2006–07. Micoud featured in the 1–0 final win against Olympique Lyonnais, providing leadership in his penultimate season.

With Parma

  • Coppa Italia: 2001–02. Micoud appeared in key matches, contributing goals and assists to Parma's victory in the Italian Cup.

With SV Werder Bremen

  • Bundesliga: 2003–04. Micoud was instrumental in the title-winning campaign, contributing 10 goals and 8 assists across all competitions to secure Bremen's fifth German championship.
  • DFB-Pokal: 2003–04. He scored in four of the five cup ties en route to a 3–2 final triumph over VfB Stuttgart, completing the domestic double.
  • DFB-Ligapokal: 2004. Micoud played a key role in the league cup victory, including appearances in the group stage and knockout rounds.
  • DFB-Ligapokal: 2006. He featured in the tournament as Bremen defended their title with a 4–0 final win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

International honours

Micoud earned 17 caps for the national team between 1999 and 2004, scoring one goal. His primary international honour came as part of the squad that won the in 2000, where he made one appearance in the group stage against the . France defeated Italy 2–1 in the final to claim the title, with Micoud contributing from the bench during the tournament. He also featured in the King Hassan II Tournament in 2000, a friendly hosted in , where emerged victorious after defeating the hosts 5–1 in the final; Micoud appeared in the match. No further major international titles were achieved during his tenure with Les Bleus.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/johan-micoud/profil/spieler/2713
  2. https://fbref.com/en/players/61e0aa85/Johan-Micoud
  3. https://thesefootballtimes.co/2020/12/10/the-joy-of-johan-micoud-at-werder-bremen/
  4. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/2457/Johan_Micoud.html
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/jun/22/euro2000.sport3
  6. https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/01/football/as-cannes-glory-years-zinedine-zidane-arsene-wenger-patrick-viera
  7. https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/johan-micoud/debuets/spieler/2713
  8. https://www.transfermarkt.us/johan-micoud/leistungsdaten/spieler/2713
  9. https://www.national-football-teams.com/club/881/1993_1/As_Cannes.html
  10. https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/as-cannes/1993/3/
  11. https://aftcc2.odoo.com/en/blog/players-4/johan-micoud-144
  12. https://www.statscrew.com/worldfootball/stats/t-GIRBO064/y-1998
  13. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/johan-micoud/3126
  14. https://www.transfermarkt.us/johan-micoud/transfers/spieler/2713
  15. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/apr/12/newsstory.sport2
  16. https://fbref.com/en/players/61e0aa85/matchlogs/2000-2001/summary/Johan-Micoud-Match-Logs
  17. https://fbref.com/en/players/61e0aa85/matchlogs/2001-2002/summary/Johan-Micoud-Match-Logs
  18. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/johan-micoud/transfers/spieler/2713/transfer_id/4276
  19. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0188-0e6a467ff25b-2eccf14b1c8c-1000--micoud-makes-his-move/
  20. https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/farewell-werder-bremen-a-top-flight-giant-relegation-15987
  21. https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/iconic-bundesliga-teams-werder-bremen-s-double-2003-04-double-winners-24945
  22. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/clubs/50040--bremen/
  23. https://www.werder.de/en/news/news/en-news-import/imported-news-574-1/
  24. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01b6-0e6d8cc51590-462619c0c2dc-1000--micoud-lured-back-to-bordeaux/
  25. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2006/08/14/2003323216
  26. https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/lyon-johan-micoud
  27. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/346-johan-micoud
  28. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/former-france-playmaker-micoud-retires-idUSBAN832777/
  29. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/johan-micoud/2/
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  31. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/france/squad/newsid_1972000/1972421.stm
  32. https://www.fff.fr/equipe-nationale/joueur/8510-micoud-johan/fiche.html
  33. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/france/squad/744893.stm
  34. https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=13914
  35. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b2e989f11-bcab1a1d1069-1000--netherlands-bite-back-to-edge-past-france-in-euro-2000-gr/
  36. https://www.transfermarkt.us/johan-micoud/nationalmannschaft/spieler/2713
  37. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-05-20/micoud-furious-at-france-squad-snub/1979408
  38. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2195616/lemerre-lauds-micoud-and-zidane
  39. https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/458764.pdf
  40. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/johan-micoud/elfmetertore/spieler/2713
  41. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/024e-0e99726362ca-a1a2549de021-1000--champions-league-penalties-who-has-scored-the-most-top-conve/
  42. https://www.nicematin.com/sports/football/as-cannes-johan-micoud-nouveau-president-67590
  43. https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Johan-micoud-quitte-la-presidence-de-l-as-cannes/1042851
  44. https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Michel-pavon-retrouve-johan-micoud-a-l-as-cannes/808802
  45. https://www.transfermarkt.com/as-cannes/platzierungen/verein/895
  46. https://www.lefigaro.fr/sports/football/actualites/johan-micoud-president-de-l-as-cannes-monter-en-ligue-2-dans-les-8-ans-881760
  47. https://www.transfermarkt.us/johan-micoud/profil/trainer/48284
  48. https://www.millesima.fr/producteur-chateau-la-connivence.html
  49. https://www.millesima-usa.com/producer-chateau-la-connivence.html
  50. https://www.privatecellar.co.uk/supplier-info.asp?id=45
  51. https://www.terredevins.com/actualites/chateau-la-connivence-la-beaute-du-geste
  52. https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/pomerol-2024-tasting-notes/
  53. https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/01/pomerol-2018-reappraised-full-tasting-notes/
  54. https://www.vivino.com/en/la-connivence-pomerol/w/1434393
  55. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/player/johan-micoud-27621/career-stats
  56. https://www.transfermarkt.us/johan-micoud/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/2713
  57. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/johan-micoud-stats-with-cannes
  58. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/johan-micoud-stats-with-parma
  59. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/johan-micoud-stats-with-werder
  60. https://www.transfermarkt.us/turkiye_fransa/index/spielbericht/3125024
  61. https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/france-1998-2000-squads-where-are-they-now
  62. https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/16123/Netherlands_France.html
  63. https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/10914/Denmark_France.html
  64. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jun/12/worldcupfootball2002.sport13
  65. https://www.transfermarkt.com/johan-micoud/nationalmannschaft/spieler/2713
  66. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/025f-0ff0bba775e3-451a9527dcbf-1000--euro-winners-every-player-from-every-victorious-squad/
  67. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesh/hassanii-00.html
  68. https://www.transfermarkt.com/morocco_france/index/spielbericht/3125009
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