It’s easy to overlook that Corentin Tolisso was part of the squad that lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy. While most people recognize him as French, few know about his Togolese heritage and the story behind his family. This biography delves into the life of the football star born to Marie-Chantal and Vincent Tolisso, a young dreamer who grew up in modest circumstances. As a child, he seemed small and fragile, which worried his parents about his future in the sport. We’ll explore his formative years, growing up alongside his sister Mariana, and how he overcame various childhood challenges to rise in the world of football.
From Small and Frail to World Cup Winner: The Inspiring Journey of Corentin Tolisso
Tolisso’s journey is one of determination and resilience, demonstrating that physical stature isn’t everything in a game driven by skill and heart. From a shy Bayern Munich fanboy with big dreams to a World Cup champion, his story is truly inspirational. This article not only highlights his achievements but also sheds light on his personal life, family background, and the roots that shaped him into the player he is today. So, let’s dive into the life of Corentin Tolisso, a player who rose against the odds to make his mark on the global stage.
Corentin Tolisso Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
For Biography starters, Corentin Tolisso was born on the 3rd day of August 1994 to his French mother, Marie-Chanta, and his Togolese father, Vincent Tolisso, in Tarare, France. Now, let’s introduce you to the parents of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
Meet Corentin Tolisso’s Parents – Marie-Chanta (his Mum) and Vincent Tolisso (his Dad).
Tolisso was raised in a humble family background. He grew up with his sister, Marina in Thizy, a small village in France.
As of the time of writing this Biography, his grandparents are still alive. His father was once a postman, and his mother once worked as a director of a disabled people’s home in Thizy.
Speaking on his humble family beginnings, Tolisso once said;
“I know where I come from, and that will remain so.
This is my character. It shows how my parents raised me.”
Dreaming Big:
Growing up, Tolisso was small and frail, but his humble background fueled his big dreams of becoming a footballer. His physical stature worried his parents, who considered alternative career paths for him in case football didn’t work out.
Believing education was the safest option, Tolisso’s parents closely monitored his academic progress. However, things didn’t go as planned. While his sister, Mariana, excelled at school, Tolisso struggled and showed little interest in his studies.
Despite these challenges, his parents were determined for him to complete his high school education before fully committing to football. Yet, Tolisso’s passion for the sport never wavered. He stayed committed to his goal, demonstrating that his ambition to become a professional footballer was far more than just a passing dream.
Corentin Tolisso Biography – Football Story:
While schooling in his little village, Thizy, Tolisso watched Bayern Munich play and win the UEFA Champions League in the 2000- 2001 season. Their deserved victory made him become a fan of the club and led to him owning a Bayern shirt as a little boy pictured below.
Corentin Tolisso’s Early Years in Football.
Tolisso’s passion for football saw him enrol on the roster of a local youth team, Stade Amplepuisien, which gave him the stage to showcase his talents while in school.
At the youth academy, Tolisso played part-time football for a period of 4 years. He rose above the club’s youth ranks.
Corentin Tolisso Bio – Rising to Fame:
In the year 2004, Tolisso’s parents agreed to a transfer for their son to FC Pays de l’Arbresle where he could play more competitive youth football.
At FC Pays, young Tolisso had a meteoric rise. His ability to deal with fame became directly proportional to his ability to handle the ball.
This was manifested as he led his team to win essential trophies, as seen below.
Young Tolisso and his teammates celebrate a cup victory.
Tolisso’s meteoric rise led to a call by Lyon Academy (holders of French League records between 2000 to 2008) for trials. At this time, high school was over, and football would certainly pay off.
Tolisso passed the trials with flying colours and stayed at the French champions, where he finished his youth career.
During his senior career, Tolisso stood out as the best, which led to him getting numerous suitors from around Europe.
Tolisso’s moment of fame with Lyon.
On June 14, 2017, Bayern Munich, the club Tolisso had admired since childhood, made his dream come true by signing him. Thanks to Corentin Tolisso’s highly valued stats, the transfer set a record as the highest fee ever received by Lyon for a player. The rest, as they say, is history.
Love Life with Sarah:
Behind every French footballer who became part of the 2018 World Cup-winning team, there is a wife, wag or girlfriend.
Without a doubt, Tolisso’s on-pitch personality, as well as his lifestyle off the pitch, build up a complete picture of him.
Corentin Tolisso has a love of his life named “Sarah“. Both lovers, pictured below, have been in love with each other since they were teenagers.
It is only a matter of time before Sarah and Tolisso get married.
Corentin Tolisso Family Facts:
Did you know?… Corentin Tolisso’s sister, Marina, was instrumental in keeping the French party going after her brother (together with his teammates) won the 2018 World Cup for France.
Marina Tolisso, the spirited force behind the celebrations, after her brother, Corentin, and the French team clinched the 2018 World Cup victory.
Below is Marina, her mom Marie-Chanta and Vincent, who is the head of the Tolisso family.
Just like Cody Gakpo‘s Dad, Vincent is an immigrant who left Togo, his home country in West Africa, to seek a better living and a guaranteed future for his children in France.
His pride for his children is worth that of his wife, Marie-Chantal, who has a nature of being precise. Both parents are proud to have Corentin, who is doing well in his career.
Corentin Tolisso Personal Life:
Tolisso could be arrogant, stubborn, self-centred, and inflexible. He dislikes being ignored, facing difficult realities, and not being treated like a king.
Above all, he is very reactive, passionate, generous, warm-hearted, cheerful, and, most especially, humorous. Those are his strengths.
Tolisso (like Cody Gakpo) was once eligible to represent Togo through his paternal lineage. Bradley Barcola, who has family links to Togo, is, at the time of writing, eligible to represent the West African country. In 2016, the West African country started a move to convince Tolisso to represent the nation instead of France.
Although Tolisso had previously recognized his connection to Togo, he ultimately chose to represent France, explaining, “I was born and raised here.” This decision left many in Togo disappointed.
Tolisso has a tattoo of three predator skulls on his forearm, which represents his family. In his hands, the words,
“I know where I come from”
is written there. The tattoo was a reflection of Tolisso’s character, education, and religion.
Corentin Tolisso Facts – Not Judging Ousmane Dembele:
Tolisso doesn’t judge the behaviour of his friend, Ousmane Dembele, who protested against Dortmund by refusing to play for them and insisting his transfer be made to Barcelona.
He once said he would have done the same if his dreams of playing for Bayern Munich were put on hold by Lyon. The reasons are that Bayern was his childhood dream club, and he wanted more wages. Tolisso, during the 2015-2016 season with Lyon, earned £20,192 per year. In Bayern, he got €90,000.
Corentin Tolisso’s His Idol:
“There are of course many names that I could give,”
said Tolisso.
When he was younger, the number one person Tolisso liked was Michael Ballack because of his personality in Germany. Later on, he confirmed his role model to be Franck Ribery.
Fact Check:
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