Kalidou Koulibaly has been considered one of the best defenders of his generation. As a powerhouse, calm and a team motivator as well as a leader, the Senegalese international has had a dotted career which balances both teams and clubs on the top of the universe both in Europe and the Middle East. This article gets into the life of Koulibaly, his start at the bottom to his stardom status in football and other parts of the world, football statistics, personal life and life style.
History and Childhood
Kalidou Koulibaly born June 20, 1991is a Senegalese football player who was born in Saint-Di e des Vosges in France. Koulibaly grew up in a family with a working-class background and instilled the values of looking good and the stark reality of discipline and endurance at a very early age in his life, which he would eventually reflect in his football career. In spite of the fact that he grew up and was born in France, his security in Senegalese roots was one of the key reasons why he ended up representing Senegal in the international arena in the end.
The Career and Stats of Football
Metz and Genk (2010 - 2014)
Koulibaly got started at the professional level in FC Metz in France where he made his debut in the senior division in 2010. He later joined KRC Genk in Belgium after the second season. This is why he has a commanding presence at the back that has also seen Genk win Belgian Cup in 2013 giving attention to the European giants.
Napoli (2014 – 2022)
In 2014, Koulibaly joined SSC Napoli, and it was there that he genuinely proved himself as one of the best center-backs in the entire world. He played 236 matches in Serie A, where he scored 13 goals in more than eight seasons and won Coppa Italia (2020) and Supercoppa Italiana (2014).
In Italy, Koulibaly made the Serie A Team of the Year every single season and was hailed as a smart, physical, and strong leader.
Chelsea (2022 – 2023)
Koulibaly transferred to the Chelsea FC in 2022 with an alleged price of about 40 million. He crashed in the Premier League with 23 appearances and 2 goals but the transition season did not give this team too much success on the park.
Al-Hilal (2023 – Present)
Koulibaly became one of the high-profile stars shackling off to the Middle East by signing with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in 2023. He still remains one of their important defenders who adds experience and quality to the team.
International Career
Although he played at an U20 level of the French national side, he decided to play at senior level with Senegal. He has gained more than 90 caps since playing his first game in 2015 and was the Senegal captain whose team made history when it won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2022.
Net Worth and Salary
Kalidou Koulibaly has amassed a lot of fortune in football in contracts, endorsement, and bonuses.
- Approximate Net Worth: $40 – $84 million
- Chelsea Salary: About 11 million euro per year
- Al-Hilal Salary: The report is more than 35 Million US Dollars annually.
Besides football, Koulibaly has invested wisely and he posesses luxury real estate in France and Italy.
He is currently the highest paid defender in the world today.
Wife and Family
Koulibaly is married to Charline Oudenot and they met when Koulibaly was at a tender age in his football career. The pair have already communicated more than ten years and got married in the middle of 2010.
They have two children whom they are proud of:
- One of the sons born in 2016 Seni
- One of the daughters born in 2019 Nessa
Koulibaly has maintained the privacy of his family even though he is a very famous player because he cherishes spending time with his loved ones.