Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma recently gave an interview, apologizing for his use of nitrous oxide and stating that the trauma from a house burglary led him to do so.
A video of Bissouma using nitrous oxide was released by the media last week, reportedly filmed in the early hours of November 3rd. It is understood that Bissouma had sent the video to a woman invited to his party in London.
The Tottenham midfielder has now apologized for the video, claiming it happened after his home was burgled in July, resulting in losses of nearly £1 million. Bissouma said the thieves stole luxury watches, jewelry, and designer bags.
Bissouma told reporters: “I’m a strong man, a physically and mentally tough African man. I’ve faced battles and storms before, but these incidents broke something inside me that I didn’t even know could be broken. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve asked myself ‘why me?’ I hate feeling like a victim, but I lost more than just material things.”
“It’s what the trauma added to my life: fear, panic, depression, paranoia, sleepless nights, and an ongoing loss of trust. I don’t want to talk about it (nitrous oxide) anymore because it’s in the past, but to the fans, I’m truly sorry.”
Bissouma said he was sometimes too scared to sleep at home and would stay overnight at Tottenham’s training ground.
Previously, Bissouma was reported to have been the victim of two attacks. In June 2024, he and his girlfriend were allegedly sprayed with pepper spray by two robbers while on holiday in Cannes, who reportedly stole his £260,000 watch. In November 2024, thieves allegedly attempted to break into his home by damaging the front door, forcing Bissouma to flee through the back door.
To make matters worse, a court revealed in November that Bissouma had been the victim of a fraud, with £800,000 stolen from his Coutts bank account.
Tottenham confirmed last week that the club is investigating Bissouma’s latest video. Since 2023, possession of nitrous oxide for recreational purposes has been a criminal offence in the UK, punishable by up to two years in prison.
At the start of last season, Bissouma was suspended by Tottenham for using nitrous oxide. Then-manager Ange Postecoglou dropped the midfielder for one game before he returned to the squad. Despite Bissouma apologizing for a serious error of judgment at the time, the suspension was still enforced.
Bissouma said at the time: “I want to apologize for these videos. It was a serious error of judgment, and I understand the severity and health risks involved. I also take my responsibilities as a footballer and role model very seriously.”
Bissouma eventually successfully returned to Tottenham’s squad, making 44 appearances last season, including playing the full 90 minutes in their Europa League final victory.
This season, the Mali international is yet to feature for Tottenham, having been dropped by manager Thomas Frank in the early stages of the season due to persistent lateness. Subsequently, Bissouma was omitted from Tottenham’s Champions League squad, but Frank claimed the midfielder still has a path back at the club.
An ankle injury sustained while representing Mali in World Cup qualifiers last month has kept him sidelined, further damaging his prospects. According to a Reporter last month, Tottenham plan to trigger a contract extension clause to retain his value if Bissouma is not sold in January.
Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray briefly expressed interest in the summer, but nothing came of it. Tottenham have valued the player, who joined from Brighton for £25 million in 2022, at over £10 million.
Bissouma has been playing in the Premier League since joining Brighton from Lille for £15 million in 2018. He has settled in England and is believed to prefer to continue his career there.
