Papa Bouba Diop

Papa Bouba Diop was a defensive midfielder who played at Fulham from 2004 until 2007. Affectionately nicknamed "The Wardrobe" due to his physical stature and ability to control a midfield, he represented Senegal on 63 occasions and was remembered for his goal to beat the reigning champions France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.

Before Fulham
Papa was born in Dakar, Senegal and begun his football career there, first with Ndeffann Saltigue, before moving to ASC Diaraf, who were in the top tier of Senegalese football. After four succesful years there, in 1999 he made the decision to move to Switzerland in order to progress with his career. Papa signed for third division outfit Vevey. The same year he was also called up to the Senegal national team for the first time, although he had to wait two years for his first cap.

He spent just a single season with Vevey until a bigger move to top flight team Neuchâtel Xamax. His consistent form led him to yet another move the following season in 2001, this time to Swiss champions Grasshopper. The following summer would be a memorable one for Papa, as he was part of a successful Senegal team which reached the 2002 World Cup Quarter-finals in their first ever appearance in the competition. Papa would be an ever-present for them - scoring three goals including the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over reigning champions France in the opening match of the tournament.

His impressive displays in the World Cup led him to a move to Ligue 1 with Lens, where he spent two seasons with them before Fulham came calling.

Fulham (2004-2007)
Papa's signature for Fulham was announced on 27 July 2004, for a reported fee in the region of £6 million. He made his debut in the 2004-05 season opener away to Manchester City in a 1-1 draw.

After a handful of strong performances, Papa was sent off during a 1-1 draw at West Brom in which he was given his marching orders for shoving Neil Clement.

His first goal for the club came in November 2004 during a 4-1 loss to rivals Chelsea at Craven Cottage, with a stunning volley that found the bottom corner from 30 yards. Only one month later, his second goal came and once more it was one to remember as he scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United with another long range effort that swerved and brushed the inside of the post on its way in.

He was sent off yet again at the tailend of the 2004-05 season against Everton after being issued two yellow cards, but ended the campaign on a high note a fortnight later, scoring his 7th goal of the season during a 6-0 thumping of Norwich City at Craven Cottage.

Papa continued his form into 2005-06, though struggled with injuries in the latter half of the season and managed only 22 League appearances, scoring 2 goals. However, his performances still earned him a nomination for the fans' Player of the Season award and had already earned him the captaincy of the first team.

Injuries relating to hamstring, foot and back problems meant that once more he was in and out of the team in the 2006-07 season. In January 2007, Wigan Athletic made a £5 million bid for him but he decided against the move north, wanting to remain at Fulham in order to help them avoid relegation.

After playing the first two matches of the 2007-08 season, new manager Lawrie Sanchez allowed Papa to join Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth side on transfer deadline day.

After Fulham
Papa signed for Portsmouth on 31 August 2007 for a fee of around £4.5 million. He instantly become a huge part of the team and greatly aided them in winning the FA Cup in 2008. After Portsmouth's relegation to the Championship in 2010, he was allowed to leave and moved to Greece where he played for AEK Athens and helped them secure the Greek Cup.

The following season, he returned to England and played for West Ham United for a season in the second tier, followed by a brief stint at Birmingham City before his retirement.

After battling motor neurone disease, on 29 November 2020 Papa sadly passed away aged just 42 years old.

Grasshopper

 * Swiss Super League
 * Winners (1): 2000-01

Portsmouth

 * FA Cup
 * Winners (1): 2007-08

AEK Athens

 * Greek Cup
 * Winners (1): 2010-11

Senegal

 * African Cup of Nations
 * Runners-up (1): 2002