Gervinho
Gervinho
Gervinho (born Yao Kouassi Gervais; May 27, 1987) is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a winger or forward for Greek Super League club Aris and the Ivory Coast national team.
Club career
Early career
Gervinho began his career with local club ASEC Mimosas in his native Ivory Coast. He helped the team win the Ivorian Premier Division in 2004 and 2005, and was named the league's Player of the Year in 2005.
In 2006, Gervinho moved to Belgian club Beveren. He spent two seasons with the club, scoring 21 goals in 55 league appearances.
Le Mans
In 2008, Gervinho joined French club Le Mans. He quickly became a key player for the team, scoring 11 goals in 35 league appearances in his first season. In 2009–10, he scored 13 goals in 36 league appearances, helping Le Mans finish in 10th place in Ligue 1.
Lille
In 2010, Gervinho joined Lille. He had a successful season with the club, scoring 15 goals in 37 league appearances and helping them win the Ligue 1 title. He also scored 4 goals in 8 UEFA Champions League appearances, helping Lille reach the knockout stage of the competition for the first time.
Arsenal
In 2011, Gervinho joined Arsenal for a fee of £10.8 million. He scored 6 goals in 34 Premier League appearances in his first season with the club, and also scored 4 goals in 8 UEFA Champions League appearances. In 2012–13, he scored 9 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, and also scored 1 goal in 4 UEFA Champions League appearances.
Roma
In 2013, Gervinho joined Roma for a fee of £8 million. He scored 9 goals in 35 Serie A appearances in his first season with the club. In 2014–15, he scored 13 goals in 33 Serie A appearances, and also scored 1 goal in 5 UEFA Europa League appearances.
Hebei China Fortune
In 2016, Gervinho joined Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune for a fee of £18 million. He scored 15 goals in 28 league appearances in his first season with the club. In 2017, he scored 10 goals in 26 league appearances, and also scored 1 goal in 5 AFC Champions League appearances.
Parma
In 2018, Gervinho joined Parma on a free transfer. He scored 7 goals in 28 Serie A appearances in his first season with the club. In 2019–20, he scored 6 goals in 31 Serie A appearances.
Trabzonspor
In 2020, Gervinho joined Turkish club Trabzonspor on a free transfer. He scored 11 goals in 36 Süper Lig appearances in his first season with the club. In 2021–22, he scored 8 goals in 32 Süper Lig appearances.
Aris
In 2022, Gervinho joined Greek Super League club Aris on a free transfer.
International career
Gervinho made his international debut for Ivory Coast in 2007. He has since made over 80 appearances for the national team, scoring 23 goals. He has represented Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and 2014, and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017.
Personal life
Gervinho is married to Désirée Djoman, with whom he has two children. He is a devout Christian.
Style of play
Gervinho is a right-footed winger who can also play as a forward. He is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and finishing ability. He is also a good passer and has a good eye for goal.
Honours
Club
ASEC Mimosas
Ivorian Premier Division: 2004, 2005
Coupe de Côte d'Ivoire: 2005
Lille
Ligue 1: 2010–11
Coupe de France: 2010–11
Arsenal
FA Cup: 2013–14
International
Ivory Coast
Africa Cup of Nations: 2015
Individual
Ivorian Premier Division Player of the Year: 2005
Ligue 1 Player of the Month: August 2009, September 2010
Serie A Goal of the Month: October 2013, September 2014
