Spectacular and versatile, defender Wilfried “Chokbar” Singo is enjoying the glory days of Monaco

The young Ivorian Wilfried Singo is one of the men in form for AS Monaco, who face Strasbourg on Sunday. The defender even allowed himself a high-class technical gesture against Paris, which made the rounds on social networks.

There are 20 minutes left to play at the Stade Louis II during the match between Monaco (3rd) and Paris Saint-Germain (0-0), Friday March 1 in Ligue 1. Pressed in his camp by Bradley Barcola along the line of touch, the Monegasque defender Wilfried Singo (23 years old) decides, with his back to the game, to lob the Parisian with a sombrero shot out of nowhere. A technical gesture, as splendid as it is spontaneous, which leaves the attacker on the spot. Sitting on a camping stool nearby, a young ball boy stands speechless.

The video sequence, published in a post on the official Ligue 1 X account, with the comment “Completely chokbar” [choquant], made the rounds on social networks. The buzz grew again, when an English account picked it up thinking that ‘chokbar’ was the name of the defender. In short, the Ivorian made himself known to the general public in one action. “I understand that it’s weird. We’re not used to seeing that coming from a defender. I enjoy doing it.” he reacted to the franceinfo microphone, before facing RC Strasbourg during the 25th day of Ligue 1, Sunday March 9 (3 p.m.).

“People who know me know that I can try this kind of thing”

The action may seem unprecedented but the recruit from Torino this summer is not his first feat of arms. “It’s a gesture that I had already made in Italy. In selection too, I think, two or three times. I really master it. People who know me know that I can try things like this. Since the start of the season, I have tried it in training. I told my teammates that I was going to repeat it in a game. It worked for me there, especially against Paris. It’s incredible.”

Since his arrival in the Principality club this summer, the native of Grand-Béréby (southwest of Ivory Coast) has also and above all stood out for his good performances and his versatility. Recruited to play in the center of Adi Hütter’s defense, Singo also helps out on the right side of the Monegasque defense, a position he occupied in Turin. Latest example against Paris Saint-Germain last Friday. Winner of fifteen of the seventeen duels he played – a record for a Ligue 1 player against PSG – Singo disgusted Kylian Mbappé and the Parisian attackers. Symbol of successful adaptation. “I feel good, I get along well with my teammates. I have the confidence of the coach, the confidence of the group. Everything is going well. I continue to progress, to give my best to help the team achieve its objectives this season.”

Monaco wins more when it plays

A month ago, he won the African Cup of Nations in his country with the Elephants. His best title, and not just because it’s his first. “We can’t explain what happened. You have to live it. It was a truly incredible competition. We went through all the emotions. These are moments that you only experience once in a lifetime. The memories will stay forever.”

During his absence, Monaco only won one Ligue 1 match out of eight and was knocked out of the Coupe de France by FC Rouen (National) in the round of 16. Since his return, Monaco has remained on a victory in Lens and a draw against Paris (0-0), and is now on the third step of the podium behind PSG and Brest. With 14 days to go until the end of the season, the objective is clear: “It’s to stay there. We will do everything to keep this club in the top 3.” Next stop for Wilfried “Chokbar” Singo and Monaco at Meinau, this Sunday.