French / Malian · Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France · Born 2 September 1977Tall, elegant striker of Franco-Malian heritage whose goals and professionalism at Sevilla and West Ham made him one of Africa's most admired footballers.
Frédéric Oumar Kanoute was born in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France on 2 September 1977. A tall, graceful and technically gifted striker, Kanoute chose to represent Mali despite being born in France and having a French father. He began at Lyon before West Ham paid £5m for him in 1999. A £15m move to Tottenham in 2003 saw him continue his scoring. Sevilla signed him in 2005 and he became a cornerstone of one of European football's great periods — winning the UEFA Cup in 2006 and 2007 back-to-back, and later adding a Copa del Rey. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2007 while at Sevilla, scoring 18 goals in La Liga. He later played in China and the UAE. For Mali he earned 36 caps and scored 23 goals, captaining his country and raising his profile through charitable work in Africa. He was deeply devout and bought the land of a mosque threatened with demolition in Seville.
Back-to-back UEFA Cup victories with Sevilla in 2006 and 2007
He won back-to-back UEFA Cups with Sevilla in 2006 and 2007, was named African Footballer of the Year in 2007, and used his own money to save a mosque in Seville from demolition — a deeply admired act of faith and generosity.
Did You Know?How They Played
Tall, technical striker with excellent hold-up play and clinical finishing
Lasting Impact
Trailblazing striker who became the first player to score in consecutive UEFA Cup finals
Career Honours
- UEFA Cup 2006, 2007
- Copa del Rey 2010
- African Footballer of the Year 2007
- UEFA Cup 2006
- UEFA Cup 2007
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | 1998–2000 | 70 | 68 | #9 |
| Sevilla | 2005–2011 | 95 | 42 | #9 |
| Racing Club Strasbourg | 1997–1998 | 18 | 2 | — |
| Beijing Guoan | 2011–2012 | 22 | 14 | — |
| Raja Casablanca | 2012–2013 | 0 | 0 | — |
| West Ham United | 2000–2003 | 148 | 29 | #9 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2003–2005 | 78 | 24 | #9 |
 France | — | 39 | 23 | — |
French / Malian Athletes