Mohamed Toure (soccer, born 2004) explained

Mohamed Toure
Birth Date:26 March 2004
Birth Place:Conakry, Guinea
Position:Striker
Currentclub:Randers
Clubnumber:7
Youthyears1:2015–2018
Youthclubs1:Croydon Kings
Youthyears2:2019
Youthclubs2:SA NTC
Youthyears3:2020
Youthclubs3:Adelaide United
Clubs1:Adelaide United NPL
Years1:2020–2022
Caps1:21
Goals1:9
Clubs2:Adelaide United
Years2:2020–2022
Caps2:42
Goals2:7
Clubs3:Reims B
Years3:2022–2023
Caps3:15
Goals3:8
Clubs4:Reims
Years4:2023–2024
Caps4:3
Goals4:0
Clubs5:Paris FC (loan)
Years5:2023–2024
Caps5:10
Goals5:1
Clubs6:Randers
Years6:2024–
Caps6:2
Goals6:1
Nationalyears1:2023–
Nationalteam1:Australia U23
Nationalcaps1:5
Nationalgoals1:1
Nationalyears2:2023–
Nationalteam2:Australia
Nationalcaps2:1
Nationalgoals2:0
Club-Update:28 July 2024
Nationalteam-Update:21 April 2024

Mohamed Toure (born 26 March 2004) is a professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Danish Superliga club Randers. Born a Liberian refugee in Guinea, he represents the Australia national team.

Toure was raised in the suburbs of South Australia. He began his professional career at Adelaide United making his debut and scoring his first goal for the club in February 2020, as the third youngest debutant and youngest goalscorer in A-League history at the age of 15. Following his breakthrough season, he joined Stade de Reims, initially playing in the reserves before making his first-team debut in May 2023.

Early life

Mohamed Toure was born on 26 March 2004 in a refugee camp in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, the second oldest among seven siblings.[1] [2] [3] His parents, Amara and Mawa Toure, were originally from Frelah, a town in the Salala District of Liberia, and belonged to the Mandingo ethnic group. Displaced by the First Liberian Civil War, Toure's family fled to safety in Guinea when the war reached the town on 23 May 1990.[3] His family spent 14 years in a Guinean refugee camp before moving to Australia on 26 November 2004 after Toure's father met an aid worker named Kristine Galloway who encouraged him to consider moving there. His parents evaluated other countries, namely Canada or United States, to call home but chose Australia believing they were more likely to encounter kind-hearted people there.[1] [3]

At the time of their arrival, the Toures initially settled on Prospect Road at Blair Athol before later moving to Croydon and Clearview in South Australia, a decision made by the government and Mohamed's uncle, Ali.[1] [3] Toure grew up in a tight-knit Islamic family that shared a love for football.[1] [3] During his childhood years, he spent a significant amount of time playing the sport with his brothers, Al Hassan and Musa, on the football field across from their house.[1] [2] Displaying immense talent from a young age, Toure was selected to join the local club Croydon Kings, where he would spend most of his youth career alongside his brothers.[2] [4]

Club career

Adelaide United

Toure joined A-League club Adelaide United in 2020, starting in the Adelaide United Youth squad that played in A-League Youth and NPL South Australia.[5] [6] On 8 February 2020, Toure made his A-League debut in a 2–1 win against Brisbane Roar becoming the third youngest debutant in the league at 15 years and 320 days old behind Teeboy Kamara (15 years, 212 days) and Idrus Abdulahi (15 years, 216 days).[7] [8] Additionally, he became the second youngest debutant for Adelaide United.[9] On 13 February 2020, Toure signed his first professional contract with Adelaide United, a three-year scholarship deal that would keep him at the club until 2023.[10] Bruce Djite, the club's director, expressed his praise for Toure, stating that he believes the scholarship contract will provide Toure with a clear pathway to continue his development as a professional player.[11]

On 14 February 2020, Toure scored his first goal for the club in the 84th minute of a 2–0 home win against Central Coast Mariners. At the age of just 15 years and 325 days, he became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the A-League.[12] [13] [14] In an Original Rivalry match, on 23 January 2021, Toure scored the winning goal to secure 1–0 win for his side by full time.[15] [16] On April 2, 2022, Mohamed Toure started in the Original Rivalry match against Melbourne Victory, to where Adelaide United suffered a 1–0 defeat.[17] Unfortunately, in the 21st minute of the match, he suffered a dislocated shoulder that forced him out of the game and the rest of the season. This injury would eventually mark the end of his time with the club, as he had already agreed to a transfer to another team.[18]

Reims

On 10 June 2022, Toure, alongside his Adelaide teammate and cousin Yaya Dukuly, transferred to Ligue 1 club Reims, for an undisclosed fee.[19] [20] Adapting to the French culture and language, Toure was initially put into the reserve team that played in Championnat National 2.[21] After showing impressive form in Reims B team, scoring 8 goals in 14 league appearances, Toure made his Ligue 1 debut for the club on 6 May 2023 in a 1–0 home win against Lille, coming off the bench in the 84th minute for Folarin Balogun.[22] With his debut, he became the second Australian to play in the top flight of France in recent years since Denis Genreau for Toulouse in 2022.[23]

2023–present: Loan to Paris FC

On 3 August 2023, it was confirmed that Toure was sent on loan to Ligue 2 side Paris FC, who had monitored him prior to the announcement.[24] [25] He received the number 19 ahead of the 2023–24 Ligue 2 season.[26]

Toure made his club debut as a substitute on 13 August in a 2–0 defeat to Grenoble Foot at Stade des Alpes.[27] [28]

International career

Toure is eligible to represent Australia, having lived there through his childhood, Guinea, through his birth and Liberia, through his parents.[29] [30] [31] He had been contacted by Australia for training camps but was injured at the time. He had also come in contact with Guinea and Liberia but a decision was not made.[32]

In August 2023, Toure received his first call-up for Australia in their U23 campaign of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.[33]

Style of play

Toure is a skilful forward who utilizes his pace and physical strength effectively in the attacking third.[34] He is capable of scoring goals in various styles and also enjoys contributing to the build-up play.[35] At Adelaide United, he often received the ball near the line, using his pace and strength to beat defenders and deliver the ball into the box for his teammates. Toure's impressive physique, speed, and dribbling skills allow him to carry the ball for long distances without being dispossessed, sometimes resulting in fouls being the only way to stop him.[35]

Personal life

Family

Toure has an older brother, Al Hassan Toure, and a younger brother, Musa Toure who both had made league appearances with Adelaide United.[36] He also has a sister, Mariam, who plays in the South Australian women’s football league.[37] His father was also a footballer in Guinea before taking the role of a teacher and an uncle who had played in NPL South Australia.[1]

Philanthropy

On 22 June 2023, Toure, alongside Croydon’s technical director Mark Brazzale, arranged a charity match involving Australian football players of African descent in order to inspire African kids to play football and raise money to pay for the kids' fees in football. The game involved the likes of his two brothers, Al Hassan and Musa, Panashe Madanha, Charles M'Mombwa and Yaya Dukuly whilst the kits were supplied by Awer Mabil.[38]

Career statistics

Club! rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueCupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Adelaide United2019–20[39] A-League910091
2020–21[40] A-League15300153
2021–22[41] A-League18320203
Total42720447
Reims B2022–23Championnat National 2148148
Reims2022–23[42] Ligue 1300030
Paris FC (loan)2023–24Ligue 21011000111
Career total691630007216

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Burnett . Adam . Special Feature: Born in a mud hut in a refugee camp, to dreaming of dominating Australian football . Optus Sport . 22 March 2023.
  2. Web site: Tripathi . Saumy Deepak . Who is Mohamed Toure: Australian Star at Stade Reims . FootTheBall . 18 October 2022.
  3. Web site: McGuire . Michael . How Adelaide's Toure family fled war in Africa to set up a new life in Australia . Adelaide Now . The Advertiser . https://archive.today/20230614220940/https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/sa-weekend/the-toure-family-fled-war-in-africa-to-set-up-a-new-life-in-australia/news-story/fcd50b970e5c41a26e4d07b2c864db81?amp&nk=9a10b11da2da7e044c90fd44716f4acb-1686780596 . 14 June 2023 . 13 April 2020.
  4. Web site: Mohamed Toure - Player Statistics . GameDay . en.
  5. Web site: Mohamed Toure - Player Statistics . GameDay . en.
  6. Web site: Y-League cancelled for 2021 as APL flags reform for Australia's talent pipeline . ESPN . en . 24 January 2021.
  7. Web site: 15-year-old Adelaide star Mohamed Toure lights up A-League with stunning debut . . en . 8 February 2020.
  8. Web site: Lewis . Dave . Adelaide's plan to ensure Mohamed Toure is no flash in the pan . SBS Sport . en . 10 February 2020.
  9. Web site: Teenage talent Mohamed Toure debuts as Adelaide United suffers more injuries in 12 loss to Brisbane . 9 February 2020.
  10. Web site: Signing news: Mohamed Toure earns scholarship contract deal MyFootball . MyFootball . en . 13 February 2020.
  11. Web site: Reds sign Mohamed Toure to scholarship deal . Adelaide United . KEEPUP . 13 February 2020.
  12. Web site: 15 years, 325 days: Mohamed Toure becomes the Hyundai A-League's youngest goalscorer . KEEPUP . en-AU . 14 February 2020.
  13. Web site: Twice the Toure . Adelaide United . KEEPUP . 15 February 2020.
  14. Web site: Big Moments: Toure becomes youngest A-League goal-scorer . Adelaide United . KEEPUP . 26 August 2021.
  15. Web site: Lynch . Michael . Teenage prodigy gets Reds home against Victory . The Sydney Morning Herald . en . 23 January 2021.
  16. Web site: 'Never seen a 16yo like him': 'No limits' for match-winning A-League freak . Fox Sports . en . 24 January 2021.
  17. Web site: Filosi . Gianluca . What went right, what went wrong vs Melbourne Victory . Adelaide United . 2 April 2022.
  18. Web site: Gagliardi . Lee . Veart confirms A-League star Toure is leaving . FTBL . 11 April 2022.
  19. Web site: Filosi . Gianluca . Reds agree transfer fee for Mohamed Toure and Yaya Dukuly with French club . Adelaide United . 3 June 2022.
  20. Web site: Mohamed Touré et Yaya Dukuly rejoignent le groupe Pro 2 Stade de Reims . . 10 June 2022.
  21. Web site: Aussie teen out to replace Arsenal gun after 'surreal' debut – but he could pick another country . KEEPUP . en-AU . 26 May 2023.
  22. Web site: Reims vs. Lille - 6 May 2023 . Ligue1 . en . 6 May 2023.
  23. Web site: A former A-Leagues teen star makes his Ligue 1 debut! . KEEPUP . en-AU . 6 May 2023.
  24. Web site: Lewis . Dave . Aussie export Toure swaps Reims for Paris FC . FTBL . 3 August 2023.
  25. Web site: D'Urbano . Nick . Adelaide wonderkid's next move confirmed, Socceroos coach reveals Ten Hag job offer . KEEPUP . en-AU . 4 August 2023.
  26. Web site: Mohamed Touré loaned to Paris FC - Paris FC . Paris FC . 3 August 2023.
  27. Web site: Aussie 'sensation' has blown fans away after just 57 minutes of football at new club . KEEPUP . en-AU . 14 August 2023.
  28. Web site: Grenoble Foot 38 vs. Paris FC . Soccerway . 13 August 2023.
  29. Web site: Guinée : Le message énigmatique de Mohamed Touré . Africa Foot United . fr-FR . 19 May 2023.
  30. Web site: The young Australian impressing Will Still at Reims . beIN SPORTS Australia . en-au . 21 February 2023.
  31. Web site: MOHAMED TOURE - . 2023-11-07 . www.unfp.org.
  32. Web site: Guinea bid to pip Australia for dual nationality Toure . FTBL . 16 March 2023.
  33. Web site: First Aussie call-up for highly-rated teen in Olyroos squad for U23 Asian Cup qualifiers . KEEPUP . en-AU . 17 August 2023.
  34. Web site: Lewis . Dave . Toure brothers link with Patrick Vieira's agent to fast-track European futures . SBS Sport . en . 25 February 2021.
  35. Web site: Tripathi . Saumy Deepak . Mohamed Toure's potential and style of play . FootTheBall . 18 October 2022.
  36. Web site: Toure v Toure: The special family eager to inspire young African-Australian footballers . KEEPUP . en-AU . 16 October 2022.
  37. Web site: Mohamed Toure's French dream . The Roar . 23 May 2022.
  38. Web site: Making sure their community can afford football: our night out at an extraordinary event . KEEPUP . en-AU . 21 June 2023.
  39. Web site: Mohamed Toure (Forward, Adelaide United): 2019-20 season . Ultimate A-League . en.
  40. Web site: Mohamed Toure (Forward, Adelaide United): 2020-21 season . Ultimate A-League . en.
  41. Web site: Mohamed Toure (Forward, Adelaide United): 2021-22 season . Ultimate A-League . en.
  42. Web site: Mohamed Toure - Ligue1 . Ligue1 . en.