Madoussou Fall

Madoussou Fall is a French lock known as France’s ‘lethal weapon’. Fall plays for Stade Bordelais and has represented France women’s national rugby union team since her debut in 2019. 

Born on 17 March 1998, Fall was born to famous international basketball player, Fatoumata Traoré. Despite her height (6′ 2″) and her family’s encouragement to play basketball, Fall followed her passion for rugby.

A committed team member, Fall is a formidable presence on the pitch. Her club career began at Bobigny before she moved to Stade Bordelais in 2021. Her first season with Stade Bordelais was a huge success and the team reached their first ever French play-offs. 

Fall has been described as France’s ‘standout’ player and a ‘menace with the ball in hand’. During the 2022 Women’s Six Nations, Fall played in every match. This included France’s 39-6 victory against Italy, where she secured the Player of the Match accolade. 

Following this, Fall was part of the squad during the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup and scored a try in the bronze final. 

By the end of the 2022 season, Fall had acquired a long list of accolades and her standout performances earned her a spot in the Six Nations Team of the Championship and the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year. She was also nominated for Best French International for the 2021-22 season.

In the 2024 Six Nations, Fall excelled and crossed the line during France’s 38-17 win against Ireland. She won Player of the Match for her performance and went on to score a second try for the team during France’s 38-15 victory against Italy. 

With a solid career so far and a bright future ahead, we can’t wait to see where Fall’s career takes her.