The next destination of our alphabetical world tour is Mali. A former part of the French empire located in West Africa, Mali has been an independent nation since 1960. Ties to France remain today, evidenced by the fact that 11 of the 16 players to have represented Mali in the Premier League were born in France.
First Player – Frédéric Kanouté (West Ham, Spurs; 2000-05)
Just days after signing for the club, Frédéric Kanouté made an impressive goalscoring debut for West Ham. The Hammers were in the hunt for European football and playing brilliant football, with this game particularly memorable.
Kanouté bagged his first goal in English football in the second half, but his efforts were outshone by his imperious strike partner Paolo Di Canio, who scored THAT volley in the first 10 minutes.
West Ham’s dynasty ultimately fell apart over the following years, and Kanouté joined Spurs following the Hammers’ relegation in 2003. He spent two seasons with Spurs before joining Sevilla.
Records
- Most appearances – Frédéric Kanouté (144)
- First appearance – Frédéric Kanouté (WEST HAM 2-1 Wimbledon, March 26th 2000)
- Most goals – Frédéric Kanouté (43)
- First goal – Frédéric Kanouté (WEST HAM 2-1 Wimbledon, March 26th 2000)
Current/Most Recent Players
Three Malian players are currently on the books of Premier League clubs, one of whom is out on loan. Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Southampton’s Moussa Djenepo are joined by midfielder Fousseni Diabate, who spent the last season and a half on loan at Sivvaspor and Amiens, from Leicester City.
Trivia
- Mali are one of 32 current CAF nations to have appeared in the Premier League.
- Frédéric Kanouté won the Europa League (then called the UEFA Cup) in two consecutive years with Sevilla – 2005/06 and 2006/07.
- Only four of the 16 players to have represented Mali in the Premier League were born in Mali.
