Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Tuesday, 09 December 2025 20:50 / Updated on Tuesday, 09 December 2025 20:52
French and African football is in mourning. Ludovic Assemoassa, former Togolese international and product of Olympique Lyon's academy, passed away at only 45 years old, the announcement was made by the French club on Tuesday.
Born in Lyon, Assemoassa grew up in the club's academy, but did not make his senior team debut. At 21, he left for Clermont Foot, where he would spend an important period of his career.
The announcement made by Olympique Lyon
⚫️ Ludovic Assémoassa, enfant de l'Academy, Togolese international, nous a quittés.
Wherever he played or trained, Ludovic was unanimous. He was deeply loved.
A sa famille, à ses amis, son club de Lyon – La Duchère, l'Olympique Lyonnais adresse ses plus sincères… pic.twitter.com/Qy2NHLLOj1
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) December 9, 2025
“Ludovic Assemoassa, a child of our academy and Togolese international, has left us. Wherever he played or coached, Ludovic was extremely loved. Olympique Lyon sends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and club Lyon-La Duchere,” OL reported on the X platform.
His qualities earned him selection to the national team of Togo, where he would experience the moment of his career.
The historical world in which he participated
Assemoassa was part of Togo's national team squad at the 2006 World Championship, the country's first and only appearance at a finals tournament.
He started in the debut match against South Korea (1-2), but he would not finish the game:
Following a hit, he tore his cruciate ligaments and was ruled out of the tournament, an injury that later affected his entire career.
Career after retirement
After ending his playing career, Assemoassa became a coach at Lyon-La Duchere (National 3). In the summer of 2023, along with Karim Bounouar and Habib Sisbane, he took over the team after the departure of Jordan Gonzalez.
The technical trio managed an excellent run in the French Cup, knocking out three clubs from the top divisions, a remarkable performance for the third division side.
Career in France and Spain
The former defender played for Lyon B and Limonest Saint-Didier, as well as Clermont Foot, where he made 121 appearances in Ligue 2.
In Spain he played for Ciudad Murcia and Granada, making 34 appearances in La Liga 2 and one match in the Copa del Rey. He collected 6 selections for the national team.
