Who Is Johan Djourou? Age, Biography and Wiki
Johan Djourou, born on January 18, 1987, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, is a renowned Swiss footballer recognized for his impressive career as a defender. Raised in Switzerland, Djourou has garnered acclaim for his agility and tactical awareness on the field. Over the years, he has played for top clubs across Europe and has represented Switzerland in numerous international competitions. As of 2025, Johan Djourou is 38 years old, with a wealth of experience and accolades to his name.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 18, 1987 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Ivory Coast |
Popularity
Johan Djourou's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Johan Djourou stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), giving him a physical advantage on the football field. His weight is approximately 187 pounds (85 kg), which reflects his athletic build. Djourou's strong physique, coupled with his height, makes him a formidable presence in defense. His measurements highlight his dedication to fitness and conditioning throughout his career.
In May 2008, Djourou stated that he would be willing to partner Cesc Fàbregas in midfield after the departure of Mathieu Flamini to A.C. Milan. Instead, he played in the centre of defence as first choice backup following the departure of fellow Swiss defender Philippe Senderos to A.C. Milan on a season-long loan.
Djourou made his first appearance of the 2008–09 season, starting the whole game, and kept a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win against West Bromwich Albion in the opening game of the season. He played in both legs against FC Twente in UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, as Arsenal won 6–0 on aggregate.
On 22 September 2008, Djourou signed a new long-term contract. Following the absence of William Gallas, he started in the next seven matches for the club. During his first team run ins, Djourou scored an own goal against Chelsea on 30 November 2008, but Arsenal managed to catch up and went on to win 2–1.
This lasted until he tweaked his calf in the warm-up and dropped out at the last minute prior to a 2–2 draw against Aston Villa on 22 December 2008. After missing two matches as a result, Djourou returned to the starting line-up against Plymouth Argyle in the third round of the FA Cup and helped Arsenal win 3–1.
Since returning from injury, he found himself in and out of the first team for the club. However, on 11 April 2009, in a league match against Wigan Athletic, Djourou suffered a knee injury which later required surgery.
But he made a recovery from a knee injury and returned to the first team, and came on as a second-half substitute, in a 2–0 win against Middlesbrough on 26 April 2009. Djourou later made two more appearances later in the 2008–09 season. He went on to make 29 appearances in all competitions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Johan Djourou is known to keep his personal life relatively private. However, it is publicly acknowledged that he has been in a committed relationship for several years. While details about his girlfriend remain under wraps, she is supportive of his career and often spotted attending matches. Djourou values his family life and often shares heartwarming moments with his loved ones on social media.
They moved to Geneva when he was 17 months old. According to his father, Djourou began playing football when he was a baby, saying: "I would grab balls in stores and play football in the store." Djourou enrolled at the Payerne Training Center when he was 13 and then, in 2002, Djourou joined local second division side Étoile Carouge as a midfielder at 15. He joined Arsenal on 1 August 2003.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Johan Djourou's estimated net worth is around $20 million. This impressive figure is largely attributed to his successful football career, endorsements, and investments. Throughout his time in prestigious leagues and teams, he has earned a substantial salary, making him one of the more affluent athletes in Swiss sports.
On 23 January 2020, Djourou completed a free transfer to Sion for the rest of the Swiss Super League season. He made his debut for the club, coming on as a 39th-minute substitute for the injured Jean Ruiz, in a 1–1 draw against FC Zürich on 2 February 2020.
In a follow-up match against BSC Young Boys, however, Djourou suffered a muscle injury and was substituted in the 14th minute, as Sion lost 1–0. This turns out to be his last appearance for the club and made two appearances. He was one of nine players dismissed on 20 March for refusing a pay cut during the coronavirus pandemic.
The dispute was eventually resolved in August after Djourou took the case to court.
Career, Business and Investments
Johan Djourou's football career began in 2004 when he joined Arsenal FC's youth academy. After making his first-team debut, he went on to play for various clubs, including a successful stint at Hamburger SV and FC St. Gallen. Beyond football, Djourou has engaged in various business ventures, including endorsements for sports brands and involvement in community projects aimed at nurturing young talent in sports. His investment acumen enables him to further expand his wealth while giving back to the community.
His first appearance of the 2005–06 season came on 29 November 2005 against Reading in the Round of 16 of the League Cup, starting the whole game, in a 3–0 win. He then played in the third round clash with Cardiff City.
Djourou made his full Premiership debut for Arsenal in the 7–0 victory over Middlesbrough on 14 January 2006, playing at centre-back with Philippe Senderos. He started Arsenal's FA Cup fourth round clash with Bolton Wanderers as part of a makeshift defence, a game in which Arsenal lost 1–0.
In February 2006, Djourou played in the league games against West Ham United, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers. After a five match absence, he returned to the first team, coming on as a substitute against Aston Villa in Arsenal's 5–0 victory, replacing the injured Emmanuel Eboué.
Djourou then started in a league match against Portsmouth on 12 April 2006, a game which also saw the comeback of Sol Campbell, in a 1–1 draw. At the end of the 2005–06 season, he went on to make twelve appearances in all competitions.
Following the conclusion of the World Cup, Manager Arsène Wenger said that he would be planning on using Djourou in the first team ahead of the new season. He started the whole game in the opening game of the season in Arsenal's first ever match at Emirates Stadium in a 1–1 draw with Aston Villa.
Djourou then played in both legs against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, as Arsenal won 5–1 on aggregate. He then helped Arsenal keep two separate clean sheets; which the first one occurred between 17 September 2006 and 23 September 2006 and the second one occurred between 14 October 2006 and 22 October 2006.
On 1 November 2006, it was announced that Djourou signed a six-year contract extension with the club. Shortly after, however, he missed four matches, due to international commitment and competitions, he returned to the first team against Fulham on 29 November 2006, coming on as a 65th-minute substitute, in a 2–1 loss.
This was followed by keeping two consecutive clean sheets against Tottenham Hotspur and FC Porto. The next two months saw Djourou make only two appearances due to being sidelined with injuries.
It wasn't until on 11 February 2007 when he returned to the first team against Wigan Athletic, starting a match and played 51 minutes before being substituted, in a 2–1 win. However, his return was short-lived when Djourou suffered a knee injury that kept him out throughout February.
It wasn't until on 3 March 2007 when he returned to the starting line-up, in a 2–1 win against Reading. After not playing for two months, Djourou returned to the starting line-up in the last game of the season against Portsmouth, playing in the defensive midfield position, as Arsenal drew 0–0.
At the end of the 2006–07 season, he went on to make thirty appearances in all competitions.
Social Network
Johan Djourou has a significant presence on social media, where he interacts with fans and shares insights into his life and career. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter are his primary channels, where he posts updates on his football matches, personal milestones, and philanthropic efforts. His engagement with fans has made him a beloved figure among football enthusiasts.
Danon Issouf Johannes Djourou Gbadjere (born 18 January 1987), known as Johan Djourou, is a Swiss former professional footballer who played as a centre back. According to his profile on the website of his former club Arsenal, Djourou possessed "pace, power and whole-hearted commitment" in addition to his versatility.
Education
While specific details about Johan Djourou's education are limited, it is known that he pursued his studies alongside his football career during his formative years. His balancing act between education and sports has instilled a strong work ethic, which he carries into both his personal and professional endeavors.
Conclusion
As 2025 unfolds, Johan Djourou remains a prominent figure in the world of football. His age, career achievements, relationship status, physical stats, and financial success paint a picture of a dedicated athlete who continues to thrive both on and off the field. Keep an eye on this Swiss star as he embarks on new adventures and contributes to the beautiful game.
