The cousin of French international footballer Lassana Diarra was killed in the Paris attacks, the 30-year-old Marseille and former Real Madrid star confirmed on Saturday.

Ironically, Diarra was close to Friday's drama himself as he played in France's 2-0 win over Germany at the Stade de France as three suicide bombers struck outside the arena.

"Following the dramatic events in Paris, it is with a heavy heart that I heard this news today," wrote the 30-year-old Diarra on Twitter.

"As you may have read, I was affected personally by the attacks. My cousin, Asta Diakite, was among the victims of one of the shootings, along with hundreds of other innocent French people.

"She was like a big sister to me, a guide and support."