Mamadou Doumbia (footballer, born 2006)
Mamadou Doumbia (born 18 February 2006) is a Malian professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL Championship club Watford[2] and the Mali national team.[3]
Club career
Doumbia signed for English club Watford in February 2024, on a six-year contract, and officially joined on 1 July 2024.[4] Doumbia made his senior debut on 13 August 2024, coming on as a substitute for Mileta Rajović in a 5–0 EFL Cup victory over Milton Keynes Dons.[5]
On 5 April 2025, Mamadou scored his EFL Championship goal in a 2-1 loss against Bristol City.[6]
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 went on to score in four 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[7]and finished as the second-highest top goalscorer.[8]
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.[9][10] Mali reached the semi-final where they lost to France 2–1 and in the third place play-off, Doumbia scored the second goal in a 3–0 win over Argentina granting Mali a third finish in the tournament.[11]
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.[12]
On 19 November 2024, Doumbia scored his first senior international goal in the 89th minute against Eswatini in a 6-0 score line during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match. [13]
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.[14]
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 21 April 2025
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Watford | 2024–25 | EFL Championship | 17 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 2 |
| Career total | 15 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 1 | ||
International
- As of match played 19 November 2024[12]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mali | 2024 | 4 | 1 |
| Total | 4 | 1 | |
- Scores and results list Mali's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Doumbia goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 19 November 2024 | Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako, Mali |  Eswatini |
6–0 | 6–0 | 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
Honours
Mali U17
- U-17 Africa Cup of Nations fourth place: 2023[8]
- FIFA U-17 World Cup third place: 2023[11]
References
- ^ "A Conversation With: Mamadou Doumbia". Watford FC. 22 March 2025.
- ^ "Doumbia To Join Hornets". Watford FC. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Mali Coach Unveils 28-man Squad For Super Eagles Friendly". Leadership News. 28 March 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ "Watford sign Mali striker Doumbia on six-year deal". BBC Sport. 20 February 2024.
- ^ "Watford 5-0 MK Dons". Watford FC. 13 August 2024.
- ^ "Bristol City 2-1 Watford". Watford FC. 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Senegal's dominance shines in TotalEnergies U17 AFCON Best XI" – via cafonline.com.
- ^ a b "TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations".
- ^ Mondial U17 : le Mali étrille l’Ouzbékistan, Doumbia voit triple
- ^ "Hat-trick hero Doumbia hailed as Mali hit the heights" – via cafonline.com.
- ^ a b "FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023".
- ^ a b "2-0 Nigeria (26, March 2024)" – via espn.co.uk.
- ^ "Mali vs Eswatini: Africa Cup of Nations Qualification". BBC Sport. 19 November 2024.
- ^ "Young African striker signs six-year contract with Watford". Watford Observer. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.