 Gouffran was born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Val-de-Marne.On 20 May 2007, he was awarded Ligue 2 Player of the Season after a successful season with Caen which saw the club promoted to the Ligue 1.After achieving success with Caen during the 2007–08 Ligue 1 season, it was suspected Gouffran would make a move elsewhere.