Yves Bissouma Apologises For Nitrous Oxide Use Amid Mental Health Struggles

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has issued a public apology after being filmed using nitrous oxide for the second time since joining the club, while also opening up about the mental health struggles that followed a series of traumatic burglaries at his home.

The Mali international has endured a difficult period on and off the pitch. Bissouma has yet to play a competitive game for Spurs this season, having struggled with repeated lateness, injury setbacks, and now another off-field controversy that has placed his future at the club in doubt.

The 29-year-old was caught on video inhaling nitrous oxide last month, marking his second incident involving the substance in just over a year. Tottenham are currently investigating the matter and are expected to take disciplinary action, with reports suggesting the midfielder has been transfer-listed as the club looks to move on.

Recreational use of nitrous oxide has been illegal in the United Kingdom since 2023, carrying potential criminal penalties including a prison sentence. Tottenham manager Thomas Frank confirmed the club was handling the issue internally.

“It’s an internal matter we are dealing with at the moment, and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it,” Frank said.

In an emotional interview, Bissouma apologised to Tottenham supporters and revealed the toll a series of burglaries had taken on his mental health. He disclosed that his home had been broken into three times, with masked intruders forcing their way inside on one occasion. He also claimed a close friend took £1 million from him, a sum he is still trying to recover.

“I am sorry. This incident broke something in me I didn’t even know I could break,” Bissouma said. “I apologise to the fans. What I lost wasn’t just material. The trauma added fear, panic, depression, paranoia and sleepless nights to my life.”

The midfielder admitted the experiences left him constantly anxious and unable to feel safe in his own home. At times, he slept at Tottenham’s training ground for several days to avoid being alone.

“For three, four, sometimes five days, I was sleeping there because I did not want to be at home,” he explained. “Even talking about this is hard. I was worrying about my dad who is not well, and sometimes as a human, it’s just too much.”

Bissouma revealed he sought professional help, speaking with a therapist up to five times a week to cope with the trauma and depression. While he made it clear his mental health struggles were not an excuse for his actions, he hopes people can better understand his situation.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Bissouma insists he has not given up on his Tottenham career.
“I want to move on from my mistakes. I like playing for Tottenham. I’m just thinking about being fit again and trying to enjoy football,” he added.

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