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Niels Nkounkou
Niels Nkounkou
Niels Nkounkou
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Niels Patrick Nkounkou (born 1 November 2000) is a French professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Italian Serie A club Torino on loan from German club Eintracht Frankfurt. He made his international debut for the France Olympic team at Tokyo 2020.

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Nkounkou started his career with Cergy Pontoise, coming through the club's youth ranks. He signed for Ligue 1 giants Marseille in 2017. As a promising youngster, Nkounkou played regularly for Marseille's B team, routinely training with the senior side and featuring on the bench twice for the first team during the 2019–20 season.[3]

Everton

[edit]

Nkounkou joined Everton on a free transfer in July 2020, signing a three-year deal, after rejecting a professional contract from Marseille due to the sporting plan proposed by the French club wasn't convincing for the defender and his future development.[4][5] The opportunity of working under Carlo Ancelotti convinced Nkounkou to join the Toffees. Nkounkou's agent Yvan Le Mée stressed that Ancelotti called the player, spoke to him, and knew the player's potential. By working with the player, Ancelotti can make him a top player.[6]

Nkounkou made his professional debut for Everton in a 3–0 EFL Cup victory against Salford City in which he impressed immensely, forming an effective attacking partnership down the left hand side of the pitch with fellow youngster Anthony Gordon.[7] He put in another positive display in his second match, also in the EFL Cup, against Fleetwood Town which he capped with a back-heeled assist to set up a goal for Moise Kean in a 5–2 victory.[8]

Nkounkou played his first league game for Everton on 1 November 2020 against Newcastle United, a game Everton lost 2–1. He replaced teammate Lucas Digne who was serving a one match ban.[9] He made his second league appearance in the last day of the season when Everton suffered a 5–0 defeat to Manchester City on 23 May 2021.[10]

Saint-Étienne

[edit]

In January 2023, Nkounkou signed for Ligue 2 club Saint-Étienne on loan. The deal was eventually made permanent.[11]

Eintracht Frankfurt

[edit]

On 1 September 2023, Nkounkou signed a five-year contract with Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.[12] He scored on his debut for the club, coming off the bench to net an 87th minute equaliser in a 1–1 draw vs Koln.[13]

Loan to Torino

[edit]

On 1 September 2025, Nkounkou moved on loan to Torino in Italy, with an option to buy and a conditional obligation to buy.[14]

International career

[edit]

Born in France, Nkounkou is of Republic of Congo descent.[15] He has represented France and has been capped twice for the country's U19 side.[16] In July 2021, Nkounkou received a call up to the France Olympics squad, who will face Japan, South Africa and Mexico in Group A of the tournament.[17] He subsequently made his debut for France U23 when they played South Africa in the second tournament match on 25 July 2021.

Style of play

[edit]

Upon the signing of Nkounkou, Everton Director of Football Marcel Brands said "Niels is a young, talented player with good technical and physical skills."[18] Jeremy Smith, a French football writer and podcaster at French Football Weekly, believed that “Nkounkou is a well-regarded young left-back who can also play further up the left flank is a little like a Benjamin Mendy in that he is strong, has a great engine and can patrol the whole flank all match and has a decent shot and cross on him too.”[16]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 17 August 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Europe Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Marseille B 2017–18[19] Championnat National 2 8 2 — — — 8 2
2018–19[19] Championnat National 2 21 1 — — — 21 1
2019–20[19] Championnat National 2 14 1 — — — 14 1
Total 43 4 — — — 43 4
Everton 2020–21[20] Premier League 2 0 1 0 3 0 — 6 0
2021–22[21] Premier League 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 1 0
Total 2 0 1 0 4 0 — 7 0
Standard Liège (loan) 2021–22 Belgian First Division A 23 0 2 0 — — 25 0
Cardiff City (loan) 2022–23 EFL Championship 18 0 0 0 0 0 — 18 0
Saint-Étienne (loan) 2022–23 Ligue 2 20 6 0 0 — — 20 6
Saint-Étienne 2023–24 1 0 0 0 — — 1 0
Total 21 6 0 0 — — 21 6
Eintracht Frankfurt 2023–24 Bundesliga 29 3 2 0 — 8[a] 0 39 3
2024–25 Bundesliga 12 0 3 0 — 8[b] 0 23 0
2025–26 Bundesliga 0 0 1 0 — 0 0 1 0
Total 41 3 6 0 — 16 0 63 3
Career total 148 13 9 0 4 0 16 0 177 13
  1. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League
  2. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League

Honours

[edit]

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Niels Nkounkou

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Niels Patrick Nkounkou is a French professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Italian club Torino, on loan from side , and has represented at youth international levels. Born on 1 November 2000 in , , to Congolese parents, he holds dual nationality and stands at 1.80 meters tall, known for his pace, crossing ability, and versatility to play as a left . Nkounkou began his youth career at local clubs Cergy Pontoise FC and FC Rouen 1899 before joining the academy of Olympique de Marseille, where he progressed through the ranks without making a senior Ligue 1 appearance. In July 2020, he transferred to Everton in the English Premier League for a nominal fee, making two substitute appearances during the 2020–21 season. His time at Everton was marked by loans: to Belgian side Standard Liège in 2021–22, where he featured in 23 league matches, and to EFL Championship club Cardiff City in 2022, appearing in 18 games with one assist. Nkounkou then joined on loan from Everton in January 2023, a move made permanent in June 2023, contributing significantly to their promotion campaign in the second half of the 2022–23 season with 20 appearances, six goals, and seven assists, helping secure an automatic promotion spot. He briefly played in their start before transferring to in September 2023 on a contract until 2028, where he established himself in the , scoring three goals and providing two assists in 29 appearances during his debut 2023–24 season and adding 12 more outings the following year. In September 2025, he joined Torino on a season-long loan with an option to buy, making three appearances and one assist by November. Nkounkou has also earned caps for France's youth teams, including the U21 side and the Olympic squad at the 2020 Games. His market value stands at approximately €3.5 million as of late 2025.

Early life and youth career

Early life and family

Niels Patrick Nkounkou was born on 1 November 2000 in , a suburb northwest of in the region of . He holds dual French and Congolese nationality, stemming from his parents' origins in the . This heritage reflects the multicultural environment in which he was raised, common among immigrant families in the Paris area. Nkounkou grew up in the Paris region, where his family settled, and he has an older brother, William Nkounkou, who also pursued a career in football as a defender. Little is publicly documented about his parents beyond their Congolese roots, but the family's support played a role in his early development amid the diverse communities of . His initial exposure to organized football came through local clubs in the region, starting at FC around age six, where he honed his skills as a left-sided player before brief stints at and Entente Sannois Saint-Gratien. This grassroots foundation in the competitive youth scene of greater paved the way for his move to professional academy training at in July 2017.

Youth career at and Marseille

Nkounkou's youth career began at FC, where he developed from 2006 to 2015 before brief stints at 1899 in 2015 and Entente Sannois Saint-Gratien from 2016 to 2017. In July 2017, at the age of 16, he joined the youth academy of , a prominent club known for its robust development program. There, he honed his skills as a left-back, focusing on defensive positioning, crossing accuracy, and athleticism during training sessions with the U19 squad. His progression was marked by regular participation in youth matches, where he demonstrated versatility and speed, earning recognition as a promising talent in the club's system. Upon arriving at , Nkounkou signed an initial trainee contract, which positioned him for potential professional advancement. He was quickly integrated into the , Olympique Marseille B, starting in December 2017, where he featured in the , making 43 appearances and scoring 4 goals over the next few seasons. These outings helped solidify his role as a reliable defender, with coaches praising his technical proficiency and ability to overlap effectively. In 2020, he rejected an offered professional extension with , opting instead for a move abroad as a .

Senior club career

Everton

Nkounkou signed for Everton from on 30 July 2020 on a three-year for a training compensation fee of €250,000. He made his debut as a substitute in a 5–2 defeat to Manchester City on 21 October 2020, followed by another substitute appearance against on 7 November. With limited opportunities at Everton, he was loaned to club for the 2021–22 season, where he made 23 league appearances and scored 1 goal. In July 2022, he joined side Cardiff City on a season-long loan until January 2023, featuring in 18 matches with 1 assist before being recalled.

Saint-Étienne (loan)

On 14 January 2023, Niels Nkounkou joined on loan from Everton until the end of the 2022–23 season, arriving after being recalled from a mid-season stint at . The move was prompted by Nkounkou's limited opportunities at Everton, where he had made just seven senior appearances since joining in 2020. At the time, were struggling at the bottom of , facing severe financial difficulties that threatened their professional status. Nkounkou made an immediate impact, debuting on 16 January 2023 in a 1–1 draw against Chamois Niort. Over the remainder of the season, he featured in 21 matches across all competitions, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists—remarkable output for a left-back. His attacking contributions were particularly notable, with 6 goals and 7 assists in 20 league appearances (19 starts, 1,681 minutes), helping climb from the relegation zone to a second-place finish and secure automatic promotion to . Coach praised Nkounkou's forward runs and versatility, noting how they enhanced the team's offensive transitions during a pivotal survival and promotion campaign. The loan included an option to buy, which Saint-Étienne exercised on 1 June 2023, signing Nkounkou permanently from Everton for an undisclosed fee on a three-year . Despite the extension beyond the initial loan, Nkounkou's standout performances during the half-season spell revitalized his career amid the club's ongoing financial woes, which included points deductions and administrative challenges.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Nkounkou joined from on 1 September 2023 in a permanent transfer reported at €7.5 million, signing a five-year contract until June 2028. His prior loan experience at from Everton facilitated a smoother adaptation to the demands of top-tier European football. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against on 3 September 2023 with an 87th-minute equalizer. In the 2023–24 season, Nkounkou established himself as a key squad member, making 23 appearances in the with 3 goals while contributing to Eintracht's sixth-place finish and qualification for the . He featured regularly across all competitions, totaling 31 outings, including 6 in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Under interim coach from February 2024, Nkounkou solidified his role as a starter, showcasing his versatility and attacking flair from the left-back position. During the 2024–25 season, Nkounkou remained a consistent presence early on but saw his minutes limited later due to heightened competition for the left-back spot, appearing in 12 matches without scoring. Over his two full seasons at the club, he accumulated 54 appearances across all competitions, netting 3 goals, with a total of 35 outings. In the summer of 2025, amid interest from overseas clubs, Nkounkou departed on to side Torino, bringing an end to his tenure in ahead of the 2025–26 season.

Torino

On 1 September 2025, Niels Nkounkou joined Torino on a loan from until the end of the 2025–26 season, with the agreement including an option to buy and a conditional obligation to make the move permanent for a fee potentially reaching €5.5 million. The transfer followed interest from clubs abroad in July 2025 and addressed Torino's need for left-back depth under manager , who had taken charge in June 2025. Nkounkou made his Serie A debut for Torino on 29 September 2025, starting in a 2–1 away defeat to Parma and playing 70 minutes as a left-sided defender. He appeared in the next two league matches as well—a 27-minute substitute outing in the 3–3 draw at Lazio on 4 October 2025 and a 75-minute start in the 1–0 home win over Napoli on 18 October 2025—recording one assist across these games and contributing to a clean sheet in the victory against the defending champions. His early performances highlighted defensive clearances and forward surges, aligning with Baroni's emphasis on balanced wing play. On 22 October 2025, Nkounkou sustained a right (adductor strain) during , ruling him out for subsequent fixtures including the 0–0 draw with Juventus on 8 November 2025. As of 14 November 2025, he remains in recovery with hopes for a return before the November 24 match against , limiting his integration though he has shown promise in a rotational left-back role, adapting to Serie A's tactical intensity focused on compact defending and counter-attacks. His was estimated at €3.5 million as of June 2025.

International career

Youth international career

Nkounkou's youth international career with began in 2018 when he earned his first cap for the under-18 team in a friendly match on 26 June against . Later that year, he progressed to the under-19 side, making two appearances in friendly internationals on 4 September against and 9 September against . These matches provided Nkounkou with early exposure at a higher youth level, where he contributed as a left-back during a period of development for France's promising talents. After a gap in call-ups, Nkounkou returned to the international fold in 2023 with the under-21 team, known as Les Espoirs. He debuted for the U21s in a 0–4 friendly loss against on 25 March, followed by a 0–0 friendly draw against on 28 March and a 2–2 draw against on 16 June (Mexico won 4–3 on penalties). Nkounkou accumulated six caps without scoring, showcasing his defensive reliability in preparation for major tournaments. His U21 appearances culminated in selection for the , co-hosted by and Georgia, where advanced to the quarter-finals. Nkounkou featured in the group stage matches against (1–0 win on 25 June) and (4–1 win on 28 June), before starting in the 1–3 quarter-final defeat to on 2 July. had topped their opening group match 2–1 against on 22 June, though Nkounkou did not feature. This tournament represented his most prominent youth international achievement, highlighting his role in a competitive squad that included several emerging stars. In addition to these underage levels, Nkounkou gained experience with the Olympic team at the 2020 Games (held in 2021), earning one cap in a 4–3 group stage win over on 25 July, though this U23 selection falls outside traditional underage categories.

Senior international career

Nkounkou holds dual eligibility for the senior national teams of , by virtue of his birth in , and the , through his parental heritage. Having represented at youth levels, including a call-up to the Olympic for the Tokyo 2020 Games, he has shown initial commitment to Les Bleus. As of November 2025, Nkounkou remains uncapped at the senior international level for either nation, with no recorded appearances or further call-ups to either .

Playing style

Defensive abilities

Nkounkou operates primarily as a left-back, where his defensive prowess is anchored by strong tackling and interception abilities. During his stint with in the , he demonstrated robust defensive contributions, averaging 2.62 tackles per 90 minutes and 1.57 interceptions per 90 minutes across competitions. Independent analyses rate his tackling as "very strong" and ball interceptions as "strong," highlighting his effectiveness in breaking down opposition plays. His physical profile further bolsters his backline role, standing at 1.80 meters tall and weighing 75 kilograms, which enables competitive engagement in aerial challenges. Nkounkou achieves a 62% success rate in aerial duels won, providing reliability in defending set pieces and high balls. At , Nkounkou refined his positional awareness, evolving from a more erratic defender in his early Everton appearances to a more disciplined presence that minimized exposure in the defensive third. This development was evident in his performances, where he contributed to Frankfurt's solid defensive structure through consistent positioning and recovery runs. His occasional forward overlaps also supported quicker defensive transitions, enhancing overall recoveries.

Attacking contributions

Nkounkou has demonstrated versatility in his positioning, capable of deploying as a left winger alongside his primary role as a left-back, which has contributed to his overall offensive record of 11 goals and 14 assists across 173 club appearances as of November 2025. This attacking output underscores his ability to influence play from the left flank, often overlapping to deliver service into the box. Among his key attacking metrics, Nkounkou provides crosses and long-range passes to switch play effectively and create opportunities from deep positions. These contributions are highlighted by instances such as his long-range goal during the season with , where his forward surges added a direct threat. His defensive solidity has further enabled this attacking freedom, providing a balanced profile that supports transitions. Nkounkou's development from a youth winger at to a more complete full-back is particularly evident in his loan spell at during the season, where he notched seven assists in 20 appearances, aiding the team's promotion push. This period marked a refinement in his role, blending his early offensive instincts with positional discipline to maximize his impact on the left side.

Career statistics and records

Club statistics

As of November 14, 2025, Niels Nkounkou has accumulated approximately 170 appearances, 11 goals, and 13 assists in his club career across various leagues, cups, youth, and reserve matches. Senior appearances total around 129 in league and cup competitions. Nkounkou's senior club statistics are distributed across his stints at Everton, (loan), Cardiff City (loan), , , and Torino.
ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
Everton701
(loan)2500
Cardiff City (loan)2301
2367
4732
Torino401
Total129912
Note: The above table reflects senior league and cup appearances; the career total of 170 includes additional youth and reserve matches where applicable. Seasonal breakdowns from 2020 to 2026 highlight Nkounkou's progression, with increasing involvement in top-tier leagues. In the 2020–21 season at Everton, he made 6 appearances primarily in domestic cups. His loan to Standard Liège in 2021–22 marked an active season with 25 appearances across the Belgian Pro League and cups. At Saint-Étienne in 2022–23, he contributed 20+ appearances, 6 goals, and 7 assists in Ligue 2, aiding promotion. Seasons at Eintracht Frankfurt (2023–24: 31 appearances, 3 goals, 2 assists; 2024–25: 15 appearances) saw consistent Bundesliga involvement. By the 2025–26 season at Torino, he had logged 4 appearances with 1 assist as of November.

International statistics

Nkounkou represented at the youth international level from under-18 to under-21, earning a total of 13 caps with 0 goals. His most extensive involvement came at the under-21 level, where he made 7 appearances, including 3 in the . He also featured once for the U23 Olympic team at the 2021 Tokyo Games. Despite his youth success, Nkounkou has yet to make a senior international debut as of November 2025. He received a call-up to the senior squad in March 2022 for qualifiers but did not feature. His club performances have kept him in contention for national team selection.

Youth International Breakdown

Age GroupCompetitionAppearancesGoals
U18Friendlies30
U19 U19 qualifiers30
U21 U21 qualifiers and 70
Olympic/U23Olympics 202110
Total140
This table summarizes his verified youth appearances.

Honours and achievements

Club honours

Nkounkou has not won any major team trophies at club level during his senior career as of November 2025. However, during his loan from Everton to in the season, he played a pivotal role in the team's resurgence, appearing in 20 league matches where he scored 6 goals and recorded 8 assists, contributing to their fourth-place finish. For his standout performances, Nkounkou was selected to the UNFP Team of the Year. At , where he joined permanently in September 2023, Nkounkou featured in 21 matches during the 2023–24 season, helping the club secure sixth place and qualification for the . In the 2024–25 campaign, prior to his loan move, his early contributions helped on their way to a historic third-place finish in the , earning qualification for the 2025–26 for the first time via league position. At youth level with , Nkounkou was part of the U19 side that competed in the 2018–19 U19, though no titles were secured that season.

International honours

Nkounkou earned six caps for the under-21 national team between March and July 2023, recording two assists but no goals. He featured in three matches during the , helping top Group D with victories over (2–0) and (2–1) before a 1–3 quarter-final defeat to . Nkounkou was part of the France Olympic team at the 2020 Tokyo Games, making one appearance as France won silver medals. Despite these youth-level contributions, Nkounkou has not won any other international titles, as France did not advance to the semi-finals in the 2023 Under-21 European Championship. At the senior level, Nkounkou remains uncapped for France or his eligible nation of DR Congo, where he holds ancestry-based eligibility but has not been involved in selections, including their qualification for the .

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/niels-nkounkou/profil/spieler/591193
  2. https://fbref.com/en/players/f5b281e7/Niels-Nkounkou
  3. https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/niels-nkounkou
  4. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/298030/niels-nkounkou
  5. https://www.transfermarkt.us/william-nkounkou/profil/spieler/962653
  6. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/niels-nkounkou/
  7. https://www.fotmob.com/players/1104441/niels-nkounkou
  8. https://en.eintracht.de/news/des-misters-lehrling-152952/
  9. https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2020/niels-nkounkou-rejects-marseille-pro-deal-juventus-closing-in/
  10. https://www.transfermarkt.us/niels-nkounkou/transfers/spieler/591193
  11. https://www.transfermarkt.us/niels-nkounkou/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/591193/saison/2021/wettbewerb/BE1/verein/0/liga/0/ligaName/1
  12. https://www.transfermarkt.us/niels-nkounkou/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/591193/saison/2022/wettbewerb/GB2/verein/0/liga/0/ligaName/1
  13. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64274680
  14. https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/official-saint-etienne-complete-niels-nkounkou-and-kader-bamba-loans/
  15. https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2023/june/01/nkounkou-makes-loan-move-permanent/
  16. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/niels-nkounkou/debuets/spieler/591193
  17. https://insidefutbol.com/2023/03/14/he-allows-us-to-be-coach-hails-impact-of-star-on-loan-from-everton/597897/
  18. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/345725-niels-nkounkou
  19. https://en.eintracht.de/news/neuzugang-niels-nkounkou-152760/
  20. https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/official-niels-nkounkou-leaves-saint-etienne-for-eintracht-frankfurt/
  21. https://fbref.com/en/players/f5b281e7/matchlogs/2023-2024/summary/Niels-Nkounkou-Match-Logs
  22. https://fbref.com/en/players/f5b281e7/matchlogs/2024-2025/summary/Niels-Nkounkou-Match-Logs
  23. https://en.eintracht.de/news/abgang-niels-nkounkou-171025/
  24. https://www.getfootballnewsgermany.com/2025/eintracht-frankfurts-niels-nkounkou-has-offers-from-abroad/
  25. https://www.getfootballnewsgermany.com/2025/official-eintracht-frankfurts-niels-nkounkou-joins-torino-on-complex-loan-deal/
  26. https://www.transfermarkt.us/niels-nkounkou/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/591193/wettbewerb/IT1/saison/2025
  27. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/736849/napoli-torino
  28. https://www.rotowire.com/soccer/headlines/niels-nkounkou-injury-suffers-thigh-issue-481688
  29. https://www.rotowire.com/soccer/player/niels-nkounkou-30602
  30. https://www.fff.fr/equipe-nationale/joueur/8383-nkounkou-niels/fiche.html
  31. https://www.transfermarkt.com/niels-nkounkou/profil/spieler/591193
  32. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4204785/2021/07/15/evertons-nkounkou-in-line-for-call-up-by-france-for-olympics/
  33. https://www.transfermarkt.com/niels-nkounkou/nationalmannschaft/spieler/591193
  34. https://footystats.org/players/france/niels-nkounkou
  35. https://www.whoscored.com/players/386262/show/niels-nkounkou
  36. https://www.transfermarkt.com/niels-nkounkou/leistungsdaten/spieler/591193
  37. https://www.transfermarkt.us/niels-nkounkou/leistungsdaten/spieler/591193
  38. https://www.transfermarkt.us/niels-nkounkou/nationalmannschaft/spieler/591193
  39. https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Ligue-2-nkounkou-le-bon-coup-de-piston-avec-saint-etienne/1391805
  40. https://fbref.com/en/squads/f0ac8ee6/2023-2024/all_comps/Eintracht-Frankfurt-Stats-All-Competitions
  41. https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/eintracht-frankfurt-uefa-champions-league-qualification-mainz-win-ekitike-31994
  42. https://fbref.com/en/squads/f0ac8ee6/2024-2025/Eintracht-Frankfurt-Stats
  43. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/655558/italy-u21-france-u21
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