Hawa Cissoko is a French professional footballer known for her strength, versatility, and athleticism as a defender. She plays for AS Roma in Serie A Femminile and is a French international with experience across the top leagues in France, England, and Italy.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Hawa Cissoko
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Date of Birth: 10 April 1997
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Place of Birth: Paris, France
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Nationality: French (also holds Malian citizenship)
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Height: 1.74 m
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Position: Defender
Cissoko grew up in Paris as one of 15 children and began playing football at age 12 with FC Solitaire before joining the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy.
Club Career
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Paris Saint-Germain (2015–2017):
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Made her senior debut in the 2014–15 season and played in the French top flight.
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Olympique de Marseille (2017–2018):
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Spent a season as a regular starter.
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ASJ Soyaux (2018–2020):
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Established herself as a key defender in Division 1 Féminine.
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West Ham United (2020–2024):
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Became a mainstay in the Women’s Super League, making over 60 league appearances.
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Scored her first senior goal in December 2022 and netted the winner in West Ham’s historic first league victory over Arsenal in 2024.
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Known for her physical presence and leadership, helping West Ham avoid relegation in her final season.
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AS Roma (2024–present):
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Joined Roma for the 2024/25 season, quickly becoming a regular in defense and contributing to the team’s Supercoppa Italiana win.
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International Career
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France Youth Teams:
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UEFA U19 European Champion (2016)
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FIFA U20 World Cup runner-up (2016, as a starter)
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France Senior Team:
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Debuted in 2017, with over five senior caps.
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Selected for UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and called up for World Cup qualifiers in 2021.
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Playing Profile
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Strengths: Physicality, strong tackling, aerial ability, and versatility across the back line.
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Style: Aggressive, reliable defender, comfortable in both central and wide defensive roles.
Personal Life
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Cissoko is Muslim and began wearing the hijab off the pitch in 2021, becoming the first professional footballer in France to do so.
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She is open about her faith and has observed Ramadan during her playing career.
Honours & Achievements
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UEFA Women’s U19 Championship Winner: 2016 (France)
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FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Runner-up: 2016 (France)
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Supercoppa Italiana Winner: 2024/25 (Roma)
FAQs About Hawa Cissoko
What position does Hawa Cissoko play?
Defender (central or full-back).
Which club does she play for?
AS Roma.
How old is Hawa Cissoko?
28 (born April 10, 1997).
What are her main achievements?
UEFA U19 champion, Supercoppa Italiana winner, and France international.
What is her playing style?
Powerful, athletic, and versatile defender.
Conclusion
Hawa Cissoko’s journey from Paris to the top leagues in France, England, and Italy, along with her international success with France, marks her as a standout defender in women’s football. Her strength, adaptability, and leadership make her a key figure for both AS Roma and the French national team.
