{"id":292595,"first_name":"Kalidou","last_name":"Koulibaly","short_name":"K. Koulibaly","common_name":"Kalidou Koulibaly","place_of_birth":"Saint-Dié-des-Vosges","gender":"male","height":195,"weight":89,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T15:55:38.641Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:06:57.302Z","locale":"en","age":33,"stb_id":"kalidou-koulibaly","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Kalidou Koulibaly","top_position":null,"introduction":"Kalidou Koulibaly, born June 20, 1991, is a professional footballer renowned for his defensive prowess and leadership qualities. Currently, he plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal and captains the Senegal national team. Known for his versatility and elegance on the pitch, Koulibaly has garnered respect for his contributions to both club and international football, with significant achievements including a Coppa Italia victory with Napoli and lifting the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations trophy as Senegal's captain.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nKalidou Koulibaly was born in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France, to Senegalese parents. His upbringing in a multicultural environment played a crucial role in shaping his worldview. His father worked tirelessly in a textile mill in Senegal to provide for the family, eventually moving them to France. Koulibaly's childhood was steeped in a rich blend of cultures, which influenced his outlook on life and football. He started playing football with local kids, initially struggling with the idea of playing barefoot, but quickly adapted and honed his skills in his neighborhood. \n\n## Youth Career\nKalidou's football journey began with the local club SR Saint-Dié before joining the youth academy of FC Metz on July 1, 2009. At Metz, he showcased his talent by contributing to the under-19 team's success in the 2009–10 Coupe Gambardella. Despite a setback at fifteen, when he was released from the academy for being 'too introverted,' he returned stronger, helping Metz's amateur team win the Championnat de France Amateur.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Metz (2010-2012)\nKalidou Koulibaly signed his first professional contract with Metz before the 2010–11 season, where he swiftly became a first-team regular. His debut came on August 20, 2010, against Vannes in a victorious league match. Koulibaly's first professional goal was scored on April 15, 2011, in a 3–3 draw with Clermont, marking the start of his influence on the pitch for Metz. Across two seasons, he made a notable 42 appearances and scored once.\n\n### Genk (2012-2014)\nKoulibaly transferred to Belgian club Genk on June 29, 2012. Instantly, he became vital in the team's defense, helping them win the 2012–13 Belgian Cup. Over two seasons, he scored two critical goals in 92 games.\n\n### Napoli (2014-2022)\nKoulibaly joined Napoli on July 2, 2014, for approximately £6.5 million. His debut season featured a memorable Supercoppa Italiana win against Juventus. Over eight years, he played key roles in Napoli's defense, achieving heights like the historic 2020 Coppa Italia win. By the end of his tenure, he played 300 matches for Napoli, showcasing consistency in defense.\n\n### Chelsea (2022-2023)\nOn July 16, 2022, Koulibaly joined Chelsea for £33 million. Making his debut in a win against Everton, he scored his first Chelsea goal in a draw with Tottenham, proving his adaptability in the Premier League.\n\n### Al-Hilal (2023-Present)\nOn June 25, 2023, Koulibaly signed with Al-Hilal, continuing his stature as an elite defender in the Saudi Pro League.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nKoulibaly represented France at the under-20 level in 2011, including a notable participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.\n\n### Senior National Team\nSwitching allegiance to Senegal in 2015, Koulibaly debuted against Namibia, later captaining the team in international competitions. His leadership was pivotal in Senegal's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory against Egypt, where he scored in the decisive penalty shootout. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he scored a crucial goal against Ecuador, ensuring Senegal's progress to the knockout stages.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nKoulibaly excels as a centre-back, celebrated for his physical strength, speed, and tactical awareness. His ability to anticipate opposition movements and execute precise tackles makes him formidable in defense. Versatile in his roles, he's adept at playing in various defensive formations, often operating as both a central defender or a full-back.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nKoulibaly's career statistics reflect his impact, with numerous appearances across top leagues and key contributions in international tournaments such as his first international goal in the 2022 World Cup.\n\n## Records\nOver his career, Koulibaly has been part of numerous team records, including Napoli's highest-ever Serie A points total in the 2017–18 season. Individually, he has been recognized repeatedly as part of the Serie A Team of the Year.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Belgian Cup with Genk (2012–13)\n- Coppa Italia (2019–20) and Supercoppa Italiana (2014) with Napoli\n- Multiple titles with Al-Hilal including the Saudi Pro League, King's Cup, and Saudi Super Cup in 2023-2024\n- Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal (2021)\n\n### Individual Achievements\nKoulibaly received numerous accolades including the Serie A Best Defender (2018–19) and multiple inclusions in the CAF Team of the Year.\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nHis career is marked by prestigious awards, such as the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion for his role in Senegal's AFCON triumph.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nKalidou Koulibaly's career is highlighted by his defensive skills and leadership, leaving a lasting legacy at clubs like Napoli and on the international stage with Senegal.\n\n## Off the Field\nOff the field, Koulibaly is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in Senegal and Naples. He advocates against racism and has made significant contributions through charity work.\n\n## Personal Life\nKoulibaly treasures his multicultural identity, maintaining strong connections to both France and Senegal. Named an honorary citizen of Naples, he shares his passion for the city and its people. Koulibaly is multilingual and deeply committed to combating racism in football, urging for progressive changes within the sport.","stb_internal_id":"01930756-a1df-776c-9c04-d703cd0ba2eb","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-back","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Kalidou Koulibaly, born June 20, 1991, is a professional footballer renowned for his defensive prowess and leadership qualities. Currently, he plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal and captains the Senegal national team. Known for his versatility and elegance on the pitch, Koulibaly has garnered respect for his contributions to both club and international football, with significant achievements including a Coppa Italia victory with Napoli and lifting the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations trophy as Senegal's captain.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Kalidou Koulibaly was born in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France, to Senegalese parents. His upbringing in a multicultural environment played a crucial role in shaping his worldview. His father worked tirelessly in a textile mill in Senegal to provide for the family, eventually moving them to France. Koulibaly's childhood was steeped in a rich blend of cultures, which influenced his outlook on life and football. He started playing football with local kids, initially struggling with the idea of playing barefoot, but quickly adapted and honed his skills in his neighborhood.

Youth Career

Kalidou's football journey began with the local club SR Saint-Dié before joining the youth academy of FC Metz on July 1, 2009. At Metz, he showcased his talent by contributing to the under-19 team's success in the 2009–10 Coupe Gambardella. Despite a setback at fifteen, when he was released from the academy for being 'too introverted,' he returned stronger, helping Metz's amateur team win the Championnat de France Amateur.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Metz (2010-2012)

Kalidou Koulibaly signed his first professional contract with Metz before the 2010–11 season, where he swiftly became a first-team regular. His debut came on August 20, 2010, against Vannes in a victorious league match. Koulibaly's first professional goal was scored on April 15, 2011, in a 3–3 draw with Clermont, marking the start of his influence on the pitch for Metz. Across two seasons, he made a notable 42 appearances and scored once.

Genk (2012-2014)

Koulibaly transferred to Belgian club Genk on June 29, 2012. Instantly, he became vital in the team's defense, helping them win the 2012–13 Belgian Cup. Over two seasons, he scored two critical goals in 92 games.

Napoli (2014-2022)

Koulibaly joined Napoli on July 2, 2014, for approximately £6.5 million. His debut season featured a memorable Supercoppa Italiana win against Juventus. Over eight years, he played key roles in Napoli's defense, achieving heights like the historic 2020 Coppa Italia win. By the end of his tenure, he played 300 matches for Napoli, showcasing consistency in defense.

Chelsea (2022-2023)

On July 16, 2022, Koulibaly joined Chelsea for £33 million. Making his debut in a win against Everton, he scored his first Chelsea goal in a draw with Tottenham, proving his adaptability in the Premier League.

Al-Hilal (2023-Present)

On June 25, 2023, Koulibaly signed with Al-Hilal, continuing his stature as an elite defender in the Saudi Pro League.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Koulibaly represented France at the under-20 level in 2011, including a notable participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Senior National Team

Switching allegiance to Senegal in 2015, Koulibaly debuted against Namibia, later captaining the team in international competitions. His leadership was pivotal in Senegal's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory against Egypt, where he scored in the decisive penalty shootout. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he scored a crucial goal against Ecuador, ensuring Senegal's progress to the knockout stages.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Koulibaly excels as a centre-back, celebrated for his physical strength, speed, and tactical awareness. His ability to anticipate opposition movements and execute precise tackles makes him formidable in defense. Versatile in his roles, he's adept at playing in various defensive formations, often operating as both a central defender or a full-back.

Performance Statistics

Koulibaly's career statistics reflect his impact, with numerous appearances across top leagues and key contributions in international tournaments such as his first international goal in the 2022 World Cup.

Records

Over his career, Koulibaly has been part of numerous team records, including Napoli's highest-ever Serie A points total in the 2017–18 season. Individually, he has been recognized repeatedly as part of the Serie A Team of the Year.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Belgian Cup with Genk (2012–13)
Coppa Italia (2019–20) and Supercoppa Italiana (2014) with Napoli
Multiple titles with Al-Hilal including the Saudi Pro League, King's Cup, and Saudi Super Cup in 2023-2024
Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal (2021)

Individual Achievements

Koulibaly received numerous accolades including the Serie A Best Defender (2018–19) and multiple inclusions in the CAF Team of the Year.

Awards and Recognition

His career is marked by prestigious awards, such as the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion for his role in Senegal's AFCON triumph.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Kalidou Koulibaly's career is highlighted by his defensive skills and leadership, leaving a lasting legacy at clubs like Napoli and on the international stage with Senegal.

Off the Field

Off the field, Koulibaly is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in Senegal and Naples. He advocates against racism and has made significant contributions through charity work.

Personal Life

Koulibaly treasures his multicultural identity, maintaining strong connections to both France and Senegal. Named an honorary citizen of Naples, he shares his passion for the city and its people. Koulibaly is multilingual and deeply committed to combating racism in football, urging for progressive changes within the sport.

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Kalidou Koulibaly: Profile