Fall From Grace: Vikash Dhorasoo

Fall From Grace: Vikash Dhorasoo

Born on the 10th of October 1973, Vikash Dhorasoo the French midfielder is of a Mauritian and Indian origins. He began university studies in economics before committing to professional football.

Born in Harfleur near Le Havre in Normandy, Dhorasoo began his football career with Le Havre AC, where he made his debut in a 0–0 draw with AS Saint-Etienne in August 1993. At 20, Vikash was regarded as one of the most promising youths in France then. Five years in Le Havre AC and after making his name there, he moved to play for French giants Lyon where he spent almost six years of his professional career making 161 appearances. He had a brief spell at league rivals FC Girondins de Bordeaux from 2001 to 2002, before he returned to Lyon in 2002. He won two French Ligue 1 championships with Lyonnais in 2003 and 2004.

He moved on to play for Italian club AC Milan in 2004. Dhorasoo was an unused substitute in the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, when Liverpool beat AC Milan on penalties, but won a runners-up medal. After a year of discontent at Milan, Dhorasoo moved to PSG. He was an important part of the PSG squad that won the 2006 Coupe de France, as he scored on a 25-yard shot in the final and secured the victory against fierce rivals Olympique de Marseille. He was selected for the French squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, but only saw limited playing time during the tournament.

But his spell at PSG was also cut short after he criticised manager Guy Lacombe in an interview with L'Equipe, and a month later his contract with PSG was terminated, being the first player to be sacked from a French club since 1973.

With his last chance of playing as a pro, he joined Livorno but due differences between the club staff and the player led to his contract being resented.

Senior career*

Years Team Apps† (Gls)†

1993–1998 Le Havre 137 (4)

1998–2004 Lyon 161 (11)

2001–2002 ? Bordeaux (loan) 28 (1)

2004–2005 Milan 12 (0)

2005–2006 Paris Saint-Germain 37 (0)

2007 Livorno 0 (0)

Total 375 (16)

National team

1999–2006 France 18 (1)