40 Facts About Mario Lemina

Early Life and Career

Mario Lemina's journey to professional football began at a young age. His early experiences shaped his career and set the stage for his future success.

1. Mario René Junior Lemina, commonly known as Mario Lemina, was born on September 1, 1993, in Gabon.
2. He started his youth career in France at the age of 7 with local club ES Nanterre.
3. Lemina studied sports at Rueil-Malmaison and finished his studies at Colombes.
4. At 15, he signed with the Lorient youth academy, marking the start of his professional journey.
5. During the 2012–13 season, Lemina was promoted to Lorient's first team, his only season with the club.

Rise to Prominence at Marseille

Lemina's move to Marseille was a significant step in his career. It was here that he began to make a name for himself.

6. In 2013, Marseille acquired Lemina for €4 million.
7. Initially, he struggled to gain playing time, making only eight league starts during his first year with the club.
8. Under manager Marcelo Bielsa, Lemina began to be used more frequently during the 2014–15 season.
9. He helped Marseille to a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1, earning 23 appearances in the league.
10. In February 2015, Lemina was sent off for a punch to the groin of Ola Toivonen in a 1–1 Ligue 1 away draw against Rennes.

Transfer to Juventus and Success in Italy

Lemina's move to Juventus marked a new chapter in his career, filled with significant achievements and milestones.

11. In the summer of 2015, Lemina attracted attention from several clubs, including Liverpool, Southampton, and West Ham United.
12. On August 31, 2015, Juventus announced the signing of Lemina on a season-long loan for €500,000 with an option to buy for €9.5 million.
13. On September 26, 2015, Lemina scored his first goal for Juventus in his third appearance, in a 2–1 away loss to Napoli.
14. On April 29, 2016, Lemina's loan was made permanent, signing a four-year deal from Marseille for €9.5 million plus an extra €1 million if performance-related targets were met.
15. During his time at Juventus, Lemina won the domestic double in both the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons.
16. He appeared in the 2017 UEFA Champions League final, where Juventus played against Real Madrid, although Juventus lost 4–1.

International Career with Gabon

Lemina's international career has been marked by significant moments and contributions to the Gabon national team.

17. On October 9, 2015, Lemina made his international debut for Gabon in a 3–3 friendly draw against Tunisia, scoring on his debut.
18. Initially, Lemina represented France's under-20 and under-21 sides, winning the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
19. He formally switched to the Gabonese Federation on June 2, 2015, and is now a formal member of the Gabon national team.
20. Lemina took part in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, which was held on home soil.
21. He started in Gabon's opening match against Guinea-Bissau but suffered a back injury, ruling him out of the remainder of the tournament.

Premier League and Beyond

Lemina's career in the Premier League and other clubs has been marked by various transfers and loan spells.

22. In July 2017, Lemina joined English side Southampton for a reported fee of £15 million, signing a five-year contract.
23. In January 2019, Lemina was loaned out to Turkish club Galatasaray until the end of the season, making 14 appearances in the Süper Lig.
24. In January 2020, Lemina was loaned out to English club Fulham until the end of the season, making 13 appearances in the Premier League.
25. In August 2021, Lemina joined French club Nice on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.
26. In January 2023, Lemina returned to England after signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Leadership and Playing Style

Lemina's leadership qualities and playing style have made him a valuable asset to his teams.

27. In August 2023, Lemina was appointed captain of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
28. Lemina is described as a "classy and tenacious midfielder."
29. He is a box-to-box player who is usually deployed in the center due to his ability to start attacking plays after winning back possession.
30. Lemina possesses good technical skills, enabling him to control the game with precision and vision.
31. One of Lemina's biggest attributes is his adaptability, allowing him to play in several positions across the midfield.
32. Known for his impressive engine and physical strength, Lemina covers a lot of ground on the pitch.

Career Achievements and Personal Life

Lemina's career achievements and personal life add depth to his story as a professional footballer.

33. During his career, Lemina has won several honors, including two Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia titles with Juventus.
34. His career highlights include his time at Juventus, where he won domestic doubles and appeared in the Champions League final.
35. Lemina's international career highlights include his debut for Gabon and his participation in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
36. Despite his professional success, Lemina keeps his personal life private, with limited information available about his family or personal interests outside of football.
37. Lemina is active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, engaging with fans and sharing updates about his career and personal life.
38. He has a dedicated fan base across Europe, who appreciate his hard work, technical skills, and adaptability on the pitch.
39. Gary O’Neil, the manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, has praised Lemina for his leadership qualities and commitment to the team.
40. Lemina's legacy in football is that of a hard-working, versatile, and technically skilled midfielder respected for his dedication and leadership qualities.

Lemina's Impact on Football

Mario Lemina's journey through football showcases his versatility, technical skills, and leadership. From his early days at Lorient to his significant roles at Marseille, Juventus, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Lemina has consistently proven his worth. His ability to adapt to various positions and his knack for controlling the game make him a standout midfielder. Winning domestic doubles with Juventus and representing Gabon internationally highlight his career milestones. Despite facing injuries and disciplinary issues, Lemina's resilience and dedication have shone through. His recent captaincy at Wolverhampton Wanderers underscores his leadership qualities and commitment to the sport. Fans and teammates alike respect him for his hard work and adaptability. Lemina's legacy in football is that of a dynamic, technically skilled player who has made significant contributions to every team he's been part of. His story is a testament to perseverance and talent in the world of football.