Over the weekend, Yves Bissouma, the 27-year-old Tottenham midfielder, and his wife were victims of a shocking robbery outside the Majestic Barriere hotel in Cannes. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Sunday when the couple was ambushed by two hooded men. Bissouma, a £30 million player, had his £260,000 watch stolen during the attack.
Details of the Attack
Bissouma and his wife arrived at the luxury hotel when they were suddenly confronted by the assailants. In an attempt to escape, Bissouma tried to seek refuge inside the hotel, but the doors were locked. The attackers then sprayed tear gas into his face and forcibly took his expensive watch. The robbers quickly fled the scene in a car, leaving the couple in shock and distress.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
Following the robbery, the French national police launched an inquiry into the incident, which took place on the Promenade de la Croisette, Cannes’ most upscale street. The severity of the attack prompted Bissouma and his wife to cut short their holiday and return to England later that day. A Tottenham spokesperson informed The Sun, “We are aware of the incident that took place and we will continue to check on the welfare of Yves and his family.”
A String of Misfortunes for Bissouma
This robbery is the second significant blow to the Mali international this year. In January, Bissouma contracted malaria while on international duty during the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, his country of birth. The potentially fatal infection posed a serious threat to his health. Prior to joining Tottenham in 2022, Bissouma spent four seasons with Brighton, where he scored six goals in 124 games. Since moving to Tottenham, he has made 56 appearances for the north London club. His football career also includes two seasons with French club Lille.
Increasing Incidents of Watch Thefts and Targeted Robberies
Bissouma’s experience is part of a growing trend of watch thefts and targeted robberies, particularly in Cannes. Since January 2023, there have been over 30 reported incidents of watch thefts in the city. Footballers have become frequent targets for these crimes, with Bissouma being the latest victim. This follows a series of alarming raids on the homes of football stars across England.
Footballers as Targets for Crime
In the past year, several high-profile footballers have been victims of theft. Newcastle players Alexander Isak and Joelinton, England stars Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling, and West Ham defender Kurt Zouma have all fallen victim to burglaries. In 2023 alone, there were five burglaries at the homes of footballers. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety and security of players, both at home and abroad.
Expert Warnings and Social Media Risks
Superintendent Carl Williams, former head of the national intelligence unit focused on serious organized crime, has issued chilling warnings about the rising trend of targeted robberies. He suggests that organized gangs are scouring social media feeds to learn about the schedules and possessions of wealthy individuals. Williams noted, “In today’s world where many wealthy individuals are active on social media, their significant public profile can help make them targets. High-value possessions are often on display as well as information about their plans.”
The Sinister Underbelly of High-End Robberies
There is growing concern that the true reason behind the spate of high-end robberies could be even more sinister. It is believed that many of the thieves reside in Albania and fly into the UK specifically to burgle Premier League stars. These criminals often flee the country wearing stolen goods while passing through airport security. Footballers have been particularly targeted by “away day” looters, who strike when teams are traveling for their games.
Conclusion: Heightened Vigilance Needed
The robbery of Yves Bissouma and his wife in Cannes highlights the increasing risks faced by high-profile individuals, particularly footballers. As these incidents continue to rise, there is a pressing need for enhanced security measures and greater vigilance. Football clubs and players must take proactive steps to protect themselves from such targeted attacks. Social media activity should be carefully managed to avoid giving away personal information that could be exploited by criminals.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Safety and Security
For Bissouma and his family, the focus now is on recovery and ensuring their safety. The French police investigation will be crucial in apprehending the perpetrators and preventing further incidents. As the football community rallies around Bissouma, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures and the importance of robust security measures in safeguarding their well-being.