Ibrahima Sonko

Ibrahima Sonko (born 22 January 1981) is a Senegalese former professional footballer who played as a centre back.

Ibrahima Sonko
Sonko playing for Akhisar Belediyespor in 2014
Personal information
Full name Ibrahima Sonko
Date of birth (1981-01-22) 22 January 1981
Place of birth Bignona, Senegal
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
1995–1996 Olympique Noisy-le-Sec
1997–1999 Saint-Étienne
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2002 Grenoble 47 (2)
2002–2004 Brentford 80 (8)
2004–2008 Reading 127 (8)
2008–2011 Stoke City 14 (0)
2009–2010 → Hull City (loan) 9 (0)
2010–2011 → Portsmouth (loan) 23 (1)
2011–2012 Ipswich Town 22 (1)
2012–2015 Akhisar Belediyespor 58 (0)
2015–2018 Harlow Town 110 (10)
Total 490 (30)
National team
2008 Senegal 5 (1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Sonko moved to France from Senegal at a young age and began his career with Olympique Noisy-le-Sec and AS Saint-Étienne, before turning professional with Grenoble. In 2002 Sonko moved to English side Brentford where he spent two seasons before moving to Reading in 2004. Sonko spent four seasons with the Royals and helped them gain promotion to the Premier League in 2005–06. Following their relegation, Sonko joined Stoke City for a fee of £2 million in August 2008. However, he failed to establish himself in the first team at Stoke and spent time out on loan at Hull City and Portsmouth before being released. He spent the 2011–12 season with Ipswich Town and then played for Turkish side Akhisar Belediyespor from 2012 until 2015.

Club career

Brentford

Sonko was born in Bignona, Senegal but moved to France when he was young. He played with Olympique Noisy-le-Sec and was in the youth team at AS Saint-Étienne before he joined Grenoble in 1999. Sonko helped Grenoble gain promotion from the Championnat National in 2000–01 and in 2002 he left to join English side Brentford.[1] He played 45 times for Brentford in 2002–03, scoring six goals at the Bees finished in 16th position.[2] He played 46 times in 2003–04 as Brentford again finished in a mid-table position this time 17th.[3] His performances for Brentford attracted interest from high placed sides.[4]

Reading

Sonko joined Reading on a bosman in the summer of 2004.[5] He made 42 appearances in 2004–05 as Reading finished in 7th place missing out on a play-off place by three points.[6] In 2005–06 Sonko was ever-present as the Royals gained promotion to the Premier League in emphatic fashion after winning the league with a record 106 points.[7][8] During the season, he won the player of the month award for October and was also named in the PFA Team of the Year.[9]

Sonko's first season in the Premier League was eventful. He received a straight red card against Aston Villa for tripping Luke Moore in the penalty area, meaning Reading lost 2–1.[10] He was the subject of further controversy in a match against Chelsea on 14 October 2006, when his challenge left goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini unconscious.[11] Cudicini was carried off the field wearing a neck brace.[11] Sonko stated that he was scared after receiving death threats in connection with the Chelsea match.[12] On 11 December 2006, Sonko signed an extension to his contract with Reading, keeping him at the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2010.[13] However, on 20 January 2007, he injured knee ligaments when he fell awkwardly whilst playing for Reading in their 3–1 home win against Sheffield United,[14] and it was subsequently announced that he would miss the rest of the 2006–07 season.[15] Sonko played a total of 23 times on 2006–07 as Reading ended the season in 8th position.[16]

He returned to first team action on 20 October 2007 in a 4–2 defeat away to Blackburn Rovers.[17] Sonko went on to play 16 matches for Reading in 2007–08 as they were unable to retain the Premier League status, being relegated in 18th place.[18] Sonko ended the season on a sour note after he and teammate Emerse Faé were suspended by the club after refusing manager Steve Coppell's request to play in a reserve match.[19] Sonko later stated that he wanted to leave Reading after he had become an 'outcast' at the club.[20][21] Despite this he did start the first three matches of the 2008–09 season where he scored twice against Plymouth Argyle.[22] He also scored against Charlton Athletic but was also sent-off in the match.[23]

Stoke City

On 29 August 2008, Sonko signed for Premier League Stoke City for a fee of £2 million, which could rise £2.25 million depending on appearances.[24] He made his Stoke debut on 14 September 2008 in a 3–2 defeat against Everton.[25] However, he was unable to hold on to his place in the team under Tony Pulis and became mainly used as a substitute.[26] On 20 December 2008 Stoke played away at Blackburn Rovers, Sonko conceded an early penalty after a horribly mistimed tackle on Morten Gamst Pedersen which helped Blackburn ease to a 3–0 win, Pulis described it as 'abysmal defending'.[27] Sonko only figured as a substitute for the remainder of the 2008–09 season as the Potters finished in 14th position.[28]

On 1 September 2009, Sonko joined Hull City on loan for the 2009–10 season.[29] Sonko made his debut for Hull on 12 September 2009, in a 4–1 loss away to Sunderland.[30] He made just nine appearances as Hull suffered relegation from the Premier League.[31] He spent the 2010–11 season on loan at Portsmouth.[32] He played 27 times for Pompey scoring once.[33]

After an unsuccessful time at Stoke he was released at the end of the 2010–11 season.[34]

Ipswich Town

Following his release from Stoke, Sonko went on trial with his former club Reading but was unable to earn a contract.[35]

On 26 August 2011, Sonko signed for Championship club Ipswich Town on a one-year deal.[36] He scored his first goal for Ipswich in a 3–1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on 1 October 2011.[37] Sonko struggled with fitness and injuries during his time at Portman Road and was openly criticised by manager Paul Jewell after a 3–1 defeat against Leeds United.[38][39][40] He was released by Ipswich at the end of the 2011–12 season.[41]

Akhisar Belediyespor

Sonko joined newly promoted Turkish Süper Lig side Akhisar Belediyespor on 15 August 2012.[42] He spent three seasons with Akhisar, making 63 appearances.[43]

Harlow Town

It was announced on 6 August 2015, that Sonko had returned to England and signed for Isthmian League Division One North club Harlow Town.[44] In September of the same year, Sonko revealed he turned down a one-year contract with Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock to remain with Harlow Town and stay close to his family.[45] Sonko retired at the end of the 2017–18 season.[46]

International career

Sonko was born in Senegal, but moved to France when he was six months and 14 days old. Despite this, Sonko initially elected to play for the Senegal national team. He represented Senegal at U23 level, but declined his call-up to their African Cup of Nations squad of 2006, opting instead to help Reading's ultimately successful bid for promotion to the Premier League.[47] He then announced that he would play for France if selected, but if called up to the Senegal squad before a French call-up, he would play for the African team.[48]

Sonko was named in Senegal's provisional 38-man squad for the African Cup of Nations, which runs from 20 January to 10 February 2008.[49] Senegal coach Henryk Kasperczak also included Sonko in his final 23-man squad making him the only uncapped player in the squad. He finally made his debut for Senegal on 12 January 2008 in their 3–1 win over Namibia in Dakar; he played the entire game in the centre of defence.[50]

Personal life

His cousin Bacary Sagna is also a professional footballer.[51]

Career statistics

Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other[A] Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Grenoble 1999–2000 Championnat National 1000―0010
2000–01 Championnat National 31100―00311
2001–02[52] Ligue 2 15130―00181
Total 47230―00502
Brentford 2002–03[2] Second Division 375402120456
2003–04[3] Second Division 43320100 0463
Total 808603120919
Reading 2004–05[6] Championship 3913000―421
2005–06[7] Championship 4632040―523
2006–07[16] Premier League 2310000―231
2007–08[18] Premier League 1600000―160
2008–09[28] Championship 33―00―33
Total 12785040―1368
Stoke City 2008–09[28] Premier League 1401010―160
2009–10[31] Premier League 00―10―10
Total 1401020―170
Hull City (loan) 2009–10[31] Premier League 9000――90
Portsmouth (loan) 2010–11[33] Championship 231103000271
Ipswich Town 2011–12[53] Championship 221100000231
Akhisar Belediyespor 2012–13[43] Süper Lig 30010――310
2013–14[43] Süper Lig 28020――300
2014–15[43] Süper Lig 0020――20
Total 58050――630
Harlow Town 2015–16[54] Isthmian League First Division North 40350―51504
2016–17[55] Isthmian League Premier Division 41510―70495
2017–18[56] Isthmian League Premier Division 29240―10342
Total 11010100―13113311
Career total 4903032012115154932
A. ^ The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals in the Football League Trophy, FA Trophy, Isthmian League play-offs and Isthmian League Cup

International

Source:[57]

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Senegal 200851
Total51

International goals

Senegal score listed first, score column indicates score after each Sonko goal.

International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition Ref
1 21 June 2008Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar, Senegal4 Liberia1–03–12010 FIFA World Cup qualification [57]

Honours

Grenoble

Reading

Harlow Town

Individual

References
  1. "Brentford | News | Latest News | Latest News | SONKO SIGNS!". world.brentfordfc.co.uk. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  2. "Games played by Ibrahima Sonko in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  3. "Games played by Ibrahima Sonko in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  4. "Bees confirm Sonko enquiry". Sky Sports. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  5. "Sonko close to Reading move". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  6. "Games played by Ibrahima Sonko in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  7. "Games played by Ibrahima Sonko in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  8. Reading F.C. at the Football Club History Database
  9. "Sonko secures award for October". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  10. "Aston Villa 2–1 Reading". BBC Sport. 23 August 2006. Retrieved 6 February 2007.
  11. "Reading 0–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 14 October 2006. Retrieved 6 February 2007.
  12. "Reading 0–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 14 October 2006. Retrieved 20 December 2006.
  13. "Sonko signs a new contract with the Royals". readingfc.co.uk. 11 December 2006. Archived from the original on 13 February 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2006.
  14. "Reading 3–1 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. 20 January 2007. Retrieved 6 February 2007.
  15. "Sonko out for rest of the season". BBC Sport. 1 February 2007. Retrieved 6 February 2007.
  16. "Games played by Ibrahima Sonko in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  17. "Royals well beaten at Ewood". readingfc.co.uk. 20 October 2007. Archived from the original on 13 February 2009. Retrieved 9 January 2008.
  18. "Games played by Ibrahima Sonko in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
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  20. "Sonko hits back at Royals critics". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  21. "Sonko's U-turn on Reading future". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  22. "Reading 2–0 Plymouth". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  23. "Charlton 4–2 Reading". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  24. "Stoke sign Reading defender Sonko". BBC Sport. 29 August 2006. Retrieved 29 August 2008.
  25. "Stoke 2–3 Everton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
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  27. "Blackburn 3–0 Stoke". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
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  32. "Portsmouth snap up Stoke City defender Ibrahima Sonko". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
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  34. "Potters Announce Retained List". stokecityfc.com. 31 May 2011. Archived from the original on 3 June 2011.
  35. "Ibrahima Sonko eager to move back to Reading". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  36. "Ibrahima Sonko seals one-year Ipswich Town deal". BBC Sport. BBC. 26 August 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  37. "Ipswich 3 – 1 Brighton". BBC Sport. 1 October 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  38. "Sonko and keepers to blame – Ipswich Town boss Jewell". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  39. "Ipswich Town's Ibrahima Sonko suffers dislocated rib". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  40. "Ipswich Town doubtful on Ibrahima Sonko fitness". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  41. "Ipswich Town to release defender Ibrahima Sonko". BBC Sport. BBC. 20 April 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  42. "Sonko moves to Turkey". TWTD.com. TWTD. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  43. Ibrahima Sonko at Soccerway. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  44. Scott, Alan (6 August 2015). "Signing of former Stoke, Hull and Reading Premier League star a massive coup for Harlow Town". Harlow Star. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  45. "Former Reading defender rejects one-year deal at Kilmarnock to remain at non-league club". harlowstar.co.uk. Harlow Start. 10 September 2015. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
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