Odilon Kossounou

Odilon Kossounou was born on January 4, 2001, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He started playing football at a young age and developed his skills at local football academies. As he grew, it became apparent that he had significant potential as a defender, attracting interest from several clubs. His journey in the world of professional football began from these humble beginnings in his home country.

In early 2019, Odilon Kossounou joined Hammarby IF, a Swedish football club, marking his entry into European football. This move was significant for his career as it provided him with the opportunity to showcase his talent on a larger stage and compete in more advanced leagues. At Hammarby, Odilon further developed his skills and became a crucial part of the team's defense.

On July 12, 2019, Odilon Kossounou transferred to Club Brugge KV, a top Belgian club, for a significant transfer fee. This move marked a major step in his career as it allowed him to participate in the Belgian Pro League and gain exposure in European competitions. His performance at Club Brugge played a vital role in the team's successes domestically and in European tournaments.

Odilon Kossounou made his UEFA Champions League debut on October 20, 2020, playing for Club Brugge against Zenit Saint Petersburg. Playing in the prestigious UEFA Champions League was a milestone for Kossounou, allowing him to compete against some of the best talents in Europe and showcasing his defensive abilities on a significant stage.

In July 2021, Odilon Kossounou signed with Bayer Leverkusen, a renowned club in the German Bundesliga. The transfer deal was reportedly worth around €23 million, making it one of the big moves for the player and a record transfer for Club Brugge. At Leverkusen, Kossounou continued to demonstrate his talent in one of Europe's top leagues.

During the 2022 Bundesliga season, Odilon Kossounou delivered an impressive performance that solidified his role in Bayer Leverkusen's defense. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions was noted by analysts and fans alike. These performances helped establish him as one of the promising young defenders in the league.

On March 18, 2023, Odilon Kossounou made his return to competitive play after recovering from an injury that had sidelined him for several weeks. His return was highly anticipated by Bayer Leverkusen fans who were eager to see him fortify the team’s defensive line. Kossounou's comeback was marked by a strong performance that contributed to his team's victory in the Bundesliga match that followed.

Odilon Kossounou earned another international cap for the Ivory Coast national team on September 8, 2023, in a crucial match that strengthened his reputation as a regular international player. His performances on the international stage continued to impress, reflecting his development and experience gained from playing in European leagues.

On October 5, 2023, Odilon Kossounou played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s victory in a UEFA Europa League match, demonstrating his defensive skills and tactical awareness. His contribution was vital to the team securing an important win as they advanced in the group stage of the competition, highlighting Kossounou’s growing importance to the team.