Mamadou Doumbia (footballer, born 2006) explained

Mamadou Doumbia
Fullname:Mamadou Doumbia
Birth Date:18 February 2006
Birth Place:Mali
Height:1.92m (6 ft 3 in)
Position:Forward
Currentclub:Watford
Clubnumber:20
Youthclubs1:AS Black Stars
Years1:2024–
Clubs1:Watford
Caps1:1
Goals1:0
Nationalyears1:2023
Nationalteam1:Mali U17
Nationalcaps1:9
Nationalgoals1:8
Nationalyears2:2024–
Nationalteam2:Mali
Nationalcaps2:1
Nationalgoals2:0
Club-Update:13 August 2024
Nationalteam-Update:29 May 2024

Mamadou Doumbia (born 18 February 2006) is a Malian footballer who currently plays as a forward for club Watford[1] and the Mali national team.[2]

Club career

Doumbia signed for English club Watford in February 2024, on a six-year contract, and officially joined on 1 July 2024.[3] Doumbia made his senior debut on August 13 2024, coming on as a substitute for Rajović in a 5-0 EFL Cup victory over MK Dons.[4]

International career

Youth

U-17 Africa Cup of Nations

In the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Doumbia played Mali's first game, 1 May, in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso scoring the only goal. He would go on to score in 4 consecutive games as his team progressed to the semi-final in which they lost on penalties to Morocco. Following his performance, he was named in the best XI squad for the tournament[5] and finished as the second-highest top goalscorer.[6]

U-17 World Cup

In November 2023, Mamadou Doumbia was selected to take part in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He scored a hat-trick for Mali in their opening game against Uzbekistan earning the player of the match award.[7] [8] Mali reached the semi-final where they lost to France 2-1 and in the third place play-off, Doumbia scored the 2nd goal in a 3-0 win over Argentina granting Mali a 3rd finish in the tournament.[9]

Senior

Doumbia made his international debut for Mali at 18 years old in a 2-0 win against Nigeria in a friendly on the 26 March 2024, coming on as a substitute in additional time.[10]

Style of Play

Doumbia is a modern target man praised for his instinct, movement, and composure. He excels in linking play, making powerful runs, and maintaining possession with his strength and technique. His teammate Ange Martial Tia compared him to Erling Haaland, noting his versatility and effectiveness both in the air and on the ground.[11]

Career Statistics

Club

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueCupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Watford2024–25EFL Championship0000100010
Career total0000100010

International

Honours

U17 Mali

Notes and References

  1. News: Doumbia To Join Hornets . 28 May 2024 . Watford FC . 19 February 2024.
  2. News: Mali Coach Unveils 28-man Squad For Super Eagles Friendly. 28 May 2024 . Leadership News. 28 March 2024.
  3. News: Watford sign Mali striker Doumbia on six-year deal. BBC Sport . 20 February 2024 .
  4. News: Watford 5-0 MK Dons. Watford FC . 13 August 2024.
  5. Web site: Senegal's dominance shines in TotalEnergies U17 AFCON Best XI. cafonline.com.
  6. Web site: TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
  7. https://sportnewsafrica.com/breve/mondial-u17-le-mali-etrille-louzbekistan-doumbia-voit-triple/ Mondial U17 : le Mali étrille l’Ouzbékistan, Doumbia voit triple
  8. Web site: Hat-trick hero Doumbia hailed as Mali hit the heights. cafonline.com.
  9. Web site: FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023.
  10. Web site: 2-0 Nigeria (26, March 2024). espn.co.uk.
  11. News: Young African striker signs six-year contract with Watford. 28 May 2024 . Watford Observer. 19 February 2024.