Nicolas Nkoulou (Lyon, France)
Nicolas Alexis Julio Nkoulou Ndoubena (born 27 March 1990), commonly referred to as Nicolas Nkoulou, is a Cameroonian footballer who plays as a defender for French Ligue 1 club Lyon.
AS Monaco
Nkoulou began his career at Kadji Sports Academy in Douala, the same academy that produced the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Carlos Kameni, and Eric Djemba-Djemba. In late 2007, it was announced that he was acquired by the principality-based side AS Monaco. He agreed to a three-year professional contract with the club, He made his professional debut on 13 September 2008 in a 2–0 victory over Lorient starting the match before being substituted in the 65th minute.
If You Love Stories and Facts, Join this Whatsapp Channel
Olympique Marseille
On 29 June 2011, NKoulou passed his medical and signed for four years with Marseille for worth €3.5 million.[19] Marseille and Lyon found themselves competing over their interest signing NKoulou before he chose Marseille.[20]
After missing two matches, due to suspension he received while at Monaco,[21] NKoulou made his Marseille debut on 14 August 2011, in a 2–2 draw against Auxerre.
Olympique Lyon
After spending five years at Marseille, with his contract at the club expired, Nkoulou moved to rivals’ Lyon on a four–year contract on 29 June 2016; coincidentally was the day he joined Marseille.[72] Upon joining the club, Nkoulou stated he joined Lyon to achieve greater things and was given number 3 shirt, which he quoted: ‘’“The No. 3? It is a wink to those close to me, because I am the youngest of three children.”’’
International career
NKoulou was included in the Cameroon U-23 squad that participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics. He helped the squad reach the knockout round, where they were eliminated by Brazil. Nkoulou observes on the background as his compatriot Landry N’Guémo battles Brazil midfielder Paulinho for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in June 23.
NKoulou was called up by the national team for the first time on 4 November 2008[79] He would make his international debut in the senior squad on 19 November 2008 in a friendly against South Africa, which they lost 3–2.
