In the fast-paced world of modern football, stories of late bloomers capturing the imagination of fans are both rare and cherished. Few narratives from the 2023-24 season were as compelling as that of Serhou Guirassy. In a single, explosive year, the Guinean striker transformed from a reliable forward into one of Europe’s most lethal goal-scorers, shattering records, firing his team into the UEFA Champions League, and becoming the subject of one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer. 

This article delves deep into the journey of Serhou Guirassy, exploring his early career, his phenomenal breakthrough at VfB Stuttgart, his much-anticipated move to Borussia Dortmund, his playing style, and the man behind the headlines.

Who is Serhou Guirassy?

Serhou Guirassy is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for the German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and the Guinea national team. Born in Arles, France, on March 12, 1996, he holds dual French-Guinean nationality. Standing at an imposing 1.87 meters (6 ft 2 in), Guirassy is renowned for his physical strength, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement. While he has been a consistent presence in French and German football for years, his 2023–24 season with VfB Stuttgart was nothing short of historic. 

He scored an astonishing 28 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances, breaking a 60-year-old league record and leading Stuttgart to a sensational second-place finish (bundesliga.com). This remarkable campaign triggered a modest release clause in his contract, paving the way for his move to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024.

Early Life and the French Footballing Crucible

Guirassy’s journey began in Arles, a city in the south of France. Like many children of African heritage in France, football provided a pathway and a passion. He took his first steps in organized football with the youth team of USM Montargis before joining the more structured setup at J3S Amilly. It was here that his raw talent began to shine, attracting the attention of professional scouts.

In 2011, he made a significant step up by joining the academy of Stade Lavallois, a club with a solid reputation for developing young talent. He spent four years honing his craft in their youth system, progressing steadily until he was ready for his professional debut. In October 2013, at the age of just 17, Guirassy stepped onto the pitch for his first senior game in a Ligue 2 match. The following season, 2014-15, saw him become a more integrated member of the first team, where he scored 6 goals in 29 league appearances, a respectable return for a teenager in a tough, physical division. His potential was now undeniable, and it wasn’t long before bigger clubs came calling.

Navigating the Professional Ranks: A Journeyman’s Path

Lille and Loan to Auxerre (2015-2016) In July 2015, Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille secured his signature, seeing him as a promising investment for the future. However, breaking into the first team at a top-flight club proved challenging for the 19-year-old. He made only a handful of appearances for Lille before being sent on loan to AJ Auxerre back in Ligue 2 to gain more consistent playing time. The loan spell was a success; Guirassy rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 8 goals in 16 appearances, reaffirming his status as one of France’s most promising young strikers.

A German Adventure with 1. FC Köln (2016-2019) His performances attracted interest from abroad, and in July 2016, he made his first move to Germany, signing with 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga for a reported fee of around €6 million. Unfortunately, his time in Cologne was severely hampered by persistent injury problems. A series of muscular issues and a meniscus surgery limited him to just 21 league appearances over two full seasons, during which he managed to score four goals. While there were flashes of his ability, he couldn’t build the momentum needed to establish himself as a key player. He spent his third season on loan at French Ligue 1 club Amiens SC.

Return to France: Amiens and Rennes (2019-2022) The loan move to Amiens was made permanent, and Guirassy became the club’s record signing. He shouldered the responsibility well, scoring 9 goals in the 2019-20 season. His strong performances in a struggling team caught the eye of Stade Rennais, who were building a squad to compete in the UEFA Champions League.

In August 2020, Rennes paid around €15 million to sign him. His time at Rennes was solid, if not spectacular. He served as an important part of their attack, contributing 10 goals in his first Ligue 1 season with the club. Over two seasons, he scored 25 goals across all competitions, gaining valuable experience in European football. Yet, he was not the undisputed star of the team, and by 2022, another move was on the horizon.

The Swabian King: Record-Breaking Dominance at VfB Stuttgart

On September 1, 2022, VfB Stuttgart secured Guirassy on a season-long loan from Rennes. It was a move that would fundamentally alter the trajectory of his career and the fortunes of the club. He adapted quickly to the team, scoring 11 goals in 22 Bundesliga matches to help Stuttgart narrowly avoid relegation by winning the relegation play-off. His impact was so significant that Stuttgart did not hesitate to activate the purchase option in the loan deal, signing him permanently for approximately €9 million in May 2023 (vfb.de).

What followed in the 2023-24 season was simply extraordinary. Guirassy didn’t just improve; he exploded. He began the season in a history-making fashion. He scored 10 goals in the first five matches of the season, a feat only previously achieved by Robert Lewandowski (getfootballnewsgermany.com). He continued this blistering pace, reaching 14 goals in his first eight games, breaking a 60-year-old Bundesliga record previously held by the legendary Gerd Müller. By October, he had already surpassed his goal tally from the entire previous season.

Despite missing some games in January due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, he returned and continued to find the back of the net with remarkable consistency. He finished the season with an incredible 28 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances, second only to Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane in the scoring charts. His goals were instrumental in Stuttgart’s sensational campaign, which saw them finish in second place, ahead of giants like Bayern Munich, and secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over a decade. He had become the undisputed talisman of the team and a hero to the Stuttgart faithful.

The Summer Saga: A €17.5m Bargain for Borussia Dortmund

Guirassy’s phenomenal season came with a contractual quirk that made him the most sought-after bargain of the 2024 summer transfer window: a release clause reported to be just €17.5 million (getfootballnewsgermany.com). For a striker who had just produced elite numbers, this figure was exceptionally low, leading to intense speculation. Top clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and AC Milan, were all reportedly interested in triggering the clause.

However, it was Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund who won the race for his signature. In July 2024, Dortmund officially announced the signing of Guirassy on a four-year contract lasting until 2028 (bvb.de). For Dortmund, the move was a strategic masterstroke. Following a season where they reached the Champions League final but struggled for goals from their strikers in the league, Guirassy was identified as the perfect solution. He brings proven Bundesliga experience, a physical profile they lacked, and an elite goal-scoring record.

International Career: A Pledge to the Syli National

Born and raised in France, Guirassy represented his birth country at youth levels, from the U16s to the U20s. However, in 2022, he made the significant decision to switch his international allegiance to Guinea, the homeland of his parents. He made his debut for the Syli National (National Elephants) in March 2022 against South Africa.

Since then, he has become a key figure for the Guinean national team. He was a vital part of the squad that competed in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (held in 2024). He helped lead the team to the quarter-finals, their best finish in years, before they were eliminated by DR Congo. His commitment to Guinea has made him a national hero and a role model for many young players in the country.

Analysis: Deconstructing Guirassy’s Elite Playing Style

Guirassy’s success is not accidental; it is built on a well-rounded and highly effective skill set that makes him a nightmare for defenders.

Physical Prowess and Hold-Up Play: At 6 ft 2 in, Guirassy possesses the size and strength to be a dominant physical presence. He excels at shielding the ball, holding off defenders, and bringing his teammates into the game. This ability to act as a focal point for the attack is crucial, as it allows his team to build plays through him and relieve pressure.

Clinical and Versatile Finishing: Perhaps his greatest asset is his finishing. Guirassy is a natural goal-scorer who is comfortable shooting with both feet. He is not just a penalty-box poacher; he can score a variety of goals, from powerful headers and simple tap-ins to well-placed shots from the edge of the area. His composure in front of goal is exceptional, as evidenced by his high conversion rate.

Intelligent Movement and Positioning: Guirassy’s football intelligence is often underrated. His movement off the ball is superb. He knows when to run in behind the defense, when to drop deep to link up play, and where to position himself in the box to anticipate crosses and rebounds. This intelligent positioning ensures he is frequently in the right place at the right time to score.

Aerial Dominance: His height and powerful leap make him a significant threat from set-pieces and crosses. He wins a high percentage of his aerial duels, both in defensive and offensive situations, adding another dimension to his team’s attack.

Beyond the Pitch: Personal Life, Beliefs, and Finances

Away from the football pitch, Serhou Guirassy is a dedicated family man. He is married and is a father to three sons. He often keeps his personal life private, but it is clear that his family is a cornerstone of his life. A frequently asked question concerns his religion. Serhou Guirassy is a practicing Muslim. His faith is an important aspect of his identity, though he generally does not speak about it extensively in public.

Salary and Net Worth His move to Borussia Dortmund came with a significant increase in his earnings. Reports suggest his salary at Dortmund is in the region of €5-6 million per year (getfootballnewsgermany.com). While exact figures are not public, his net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million, a figure that is set to grow substantially with his new contract and heightened profile in European football.

A New Chapter at the Yellow Wall

Serhou Guirassy’s journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, self-belief, and the transformative power of finding the right environment to flourish. After years of being a reliable but not headline-grabbing forward, his explosion at VfB Stuttgart has rightfully placed him among Europe’s elite strikers.

Now, a new challenge awaits him at Borussia Dortmund. The pressure will be immense. He is no longer the underdog but the star signing expected to fire a European giant to domestic and continental glory. He will be tasked with leading the line in front of the iconic “Yellow Wall,” one of football’s most imposing sights. If his recent history is any indication, Serhou Guirassy has the talent, the mentality, and the drive to not only meet those expectations but to exceed them, continuing his remarkable rise to the very top of the beautiful game.

FAQs

What is Serhou Guirassy’s current club and contract details?

As of August 2025, Guirassy plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. He signed a four-year contract on July 18, 2024, running until 2028. Dortmund activated his release clause from VfB Stuttgart for around €18 million, a steal considering his form. Google searches spike around transfer windows, with fans checking for updates on his deal amid ongoing rumors.

How did Serhou Guirassy perform in the Champions League?

Phenomenally! In the 2024–25 season, he notched 13 goals and 4 assists in 14 games for Dortmund, including a hat-trick against Barcelona on April 15, 2025, making him Africa’s top scorer in that UCL campaign and tying for the overall lead. He hit 10 goals by February 2025, joining legends like Lewandowski and Haaland in Dortmund’s history books. YouTube searches for “Guirassy UCL goals” explode after big nights, with compilations racking up millions of views.

Which national team does Serhou Guirassy play for?

Guirassy represents Guinea at the senior level, despite playing for France’s youth teams earlier in his career. He’s a key figure for the National Elephants, contributing goals in African qualifiers and tournaments. This dual heritage sparks Google queries like “Guirassy nationality,” while YouTube features his international highlights and fan debates on his choice.

What is Serhou Guirassy’s playing style and strengths?

Guirassy is a complete modern No.9: lethal finisher with both feet, excellent in the air, and great at holding up play to link with wingers. His movement creates space, and he’s clutch in big moments, think penalties and quick one-touch goals. At Dortmund, he boosts teammates like Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt with his positioning. Tactical breakdowns on YouTube often praise his resilience post-injury, making “Guirassy skills” a top search.

In Summary

Serhou Guirassy has established himself as one of the most consistent and dangerous strikers in European football. From his early days in France to becoming a key player in the Bundesliga and now at Borussia Dortmund, his journey reflects resilience, growth, and clinical finishing ability. Choosing to represent Guinea at the international level further highlights his pride in his roots while showcasing his talent on a global stage.

With his strong goal-scoring record, physical presence, and ability to deliver in crucial matches, Guirassy continues to attract attention from fans, analysts, and clubs alike. Whether you follow him for his Bundesliga performances, his Champions League exploits, or his contributions to the Guinea national team, he is undoubtedly a striker to watch closely in the coming years.

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