Yves Bissouma Reveals Struggle with Mental Health and Trauma as He Bounces Back from Adversity
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has faced challenges recently, including struggles with mental health following several break-ins at his home. Despite disciplinary action from the club over nitrous oxide use, Bissouma has opened up about his battle with depression and paranoia. Find out about his journey and determination to overcome obstacles here.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has apologised after he was spotted using nitrous oxide for a second time during his spell with the north London club. The Mali international explained that he has been suffering mentally following a number of thefts at his home in which countless items were stolen, leaving him feeling broken, paranoid, and depressed.Bissouma is yet to feature in a competitive fixture for Spurs this season, having been excluded due to repeated lateness and then suffering with injury for much of the campaign. The former Brighton star was filmed inhaling laughing gas for a second time in just over a year last month and is facing disciplinary action from the club following this latest behavioural breach.Following last year’s incident, Spurs handed the player a one-match ban, but there is little to suggest they will be as lenient a second time. It has been reported that the Malian has been transfer listed by the club who are determined to offload the 29-year-old after yet another off-field incident.Possession of nitrous oxide – a class C drug – for recreational use has been illegal in the UK since 2023 with criminal penalties potentially including up to a two-year prison sentence. On the second incident, Bissouma’s boss Thomas Frank said: "It's an internal matter we are dealing with at the moment, and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.”Speaking to the Sun, Bissouma has offered an apology to Spurs fans, insisting that it is "not who I am".The midfielder explained that he has been suffering from mental health difficulties following a series of burglaries at his home. Bissouma has had his house raided on three occasions, with masked thieves hammering down his front door on the most serious occasion. He adds that a friend of his also has taken £1million off him, a total he is still trying to recoup."I am sorry. This incident broke something in me I didn’t even know I could break," he said. "I apologise to the fans. The trauma added to my life — fear, panic, depression and paranoia."Bissouma said that he is a strong person and, "I hate feeling like a victim, but what I lost wasn’t just material. It was what the trauma added to my life — fear, panic, depression, paranoia, sleepless nights, and a constant loss of trust."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!In the same interview, Bissouma continued to share just how impacted he has been by these robberies. He said that his mental health is not an excuse for taking the nitrous oxide, but "I hope people can maybe understand me a bit more because of this."He shared that he was too scared to sleep at his own home in fear of being present amid another robbery and so would sometimes sleep at Spurs’ training ground."For like three, four, sometimes five days, I was sleeping there because I did not want to be at home. Even talking about this is hard. All these things were going on in my head, worrying about my dad who is not well, and sometimes I think as a human, it’s a bit hard," Bissouma said.The midfielder spoke with a therapist as many as five times a week to help cope with the trauma and depression he was feeling. Bissouma has also not given up hope of playing for Spurs again. "I want to move on from my mistakes. I like playing for Tottenham. I’m just thinking about being fit again and trying to enjoy football," he added.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingIt remains to be seen if Bissouma can regain the trust of Frank or whether his time in north London will come to a close in the next transfer window. Fenerbahce had been interested in signing the Spurs man in the summer, but pulled the plug late in the window. The Turkish giants had decided against signing Bissouma after he picked up an injury, but could return in January to take him to Istanbul.
Understanding Yves Bissouma's Struggles
Yves Bissouma, the Tottenham outcast, has offered a heartfelt apology after being caught using nitrous oxide for a second time, shedding light on the mental hardships he has been undergoing. The Mali international revealed that multiple thefts at his home have left him feeling shattered, fearful, and depressed. These traumatic incidents have significantly impacted his well-being and sense of security.
Facing Club Disciplinary Action
Bissouma, who has yet to appear in a competitive match for Spurs this season, has faced exclusion due to tardiness and injury setbacks. His use of laughing gas has resulted in potential disciplinary measures from the club. Despite a one-match ban issued previously, it is uncertain whether Tottenham will show leniency for a second violation. Reports suggest that Bissouma has been placed on the transfer list, indicating his uncertain future with the club.
Personal Apology and Reflection
In a candid interview with the Sun, Yves Bissouma expressed regret for his actions, emphasizing that the recent incidents do not reflect his true character. He shared the emotional toll of the burglaries he has endured and revealed his battles with fear, anxiety, and depression. Bissouma acknowledged the impact on his mental health and how it led him to seek solace in therapy sessions, striving to navigate through the trauma and rebuild his inner strength.
Road to Recovery and Resilience
Despite the challenges he has faced, Bissouma remains determined to overcome his setbacks and return to peak performance. He highlighted his commitment to healing and emphasized his desire to contribute positively to the team once again. By addressing his struggles openly and seeking professional support, Bissouma aims to move forward from his mistakes and rediscover joy in playing football.
Future Prospects and Redemption
As Bissouma strives to navigate through his difficulties, the future of his career at Tottenham remains uncertain. While seeking to regain the trust of his coach and team, he also remains open to possibilities elsewhere. Fenerbahce had shown interest in acquiring him previously, and the upcoming transfer window could present new opportunities for Bissouma to start afresh. His resilience and determination to overcome adversity could pave the way for a redemption story in both his personal and professional life.
