Niels Nkounkou

Lore & Background

Nkounkou started his career with Cergy Pontoise, signing for Marseille in 2017. He joined Everton on a free transfer in July 2020. In January 2023, he signed for Ligue 2 club Saint-Étienne on loan; the deal was eventually made permanent. On 1 September 2023, he signed a five-year contract with Eintracht Frankfurt. He scored on his debut for the club, an 87th-minute equaliser in a 1–1 draw vs Köln. On 1 September 2025, he moved on loan to Torino in Italy, with an option to buy and a conditional obligation to buy.

Reader's Guide

Nkounkou is a left-back who can also play further up the left flank. He is strong, has a great engine, can patrol the whole flank, and has a decent shot and cross. He made his professional debut for Everton in a 3–0 EFL Cup victory against Salford City and provided a back-heeled assist in a 5–2 win over Fleetwood Town. He made his first league appearance for Everton on 1 November 2020 against Newcastle United.

Did You Know?

• Nkounkou made his international debut for the France Olympic team at Tokyo 2020.
• He was capped twice for France's U19 side.
• He was named in the UNFP Ligue 2 Team of the Year for 2022–23.
• He rejected a professional contract from Marseille due to an unconvincing sporting plan.