Kurt Zouma is a French professional footballer born on October 27, 1994, in Lyon, France. He plays as a centre-back and is currently on loan at Al-Orobah FC from West Ham United. Zouma began his career at AS Saint-Étienne, making his professional debut at the age of 16 and winning the Coupe de la Ligue in 2013.

Chelsea Career

Zouma joined Chelsea in January 2014 for a transfer fee of approximately £12 million but was loaned back to Saint-Étienne for the remainder of that season. He made his competitive debut for Chelsea on September 24, 2014, scoring in a League Cup match against Bolton Wanderers. Over his seven years with Chelsea, he won several major honors, including:

• Premier League Titles: 2014–15, 2016–17
• EFL Cup: 2015
• UEFA Champions League: 2020–21
• UEFA Super Cup: 2021

Zouma’s versatility was evident as he played both as a defender and occasionally in midfield during key matches, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s successes during his tenure.

Move to West Ham United

In August 2021, Zouma transferred to West Ham United on an initial four-year contract. He quickly became an integral part of the team, helping them reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals and winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in June 2023.

Recent Developments

As of August 31, 2024, Zouma has been loaned to Al-Orobah FC in the Saudi Pro League. This move marks another chapter in his career after establishing himself in the Premier League with West Ham.

Honors and Achievements

Zouma has received numerous accolades throughout his career:

Additionally, he was part of the France U20 team that won the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2013.Zouma’s journey reflects a successful career marked by significant contributions at both club and international levels.

Kurt Zouma had several memorable moments during his time at Chelsea, showcasing his contributions both on and off the pitch. Here are some highlights:

Key Moments

• Debut Goal: Zouma made a significant impact early in his Chelsea career by scoring the opening goal in a 2–1 victory against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup on September 24, 2014. This marked his first competitive appearance for the club and set the tone for his future contributions.
• Versatile Performances: In the 2015 League Cup Final against Tottenham Hotspur, Zouma demonstrated his versatility by playing as a defensive midfielder due to team injuries. His performance helped Chelsea secure a 2–0 victory and win the trophy.
• Premier League Breakthrough: Zouma scored his first Premier League goal on September 19, 2015, against Arsenal, heading in a cross from Cesc Fàbregas during a 2–0 win. This goal was pivotal in establishing him as a key player in the squad.
• Injury Comeback: After suffering a serious knee injury in February 2016 that sidelined him for six months, Zouma made a successful return to the team, contributing to Chelsea’s title-winning campaign in the 2016-17 season. His resilience was celebrated by fans and teammates alike.
• Champions League Success: Zouma played an essential role in Chelsea’s successful UEFA Champions League campaign during the 2020-21 season, contributing to five matches, although he did not feature in the final against Manchester City. The team’s triumph marked a significant achievement in his career.
• FA Cup Semi-Final Reaction: During the 2017 FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham, Zouma was captured on camera celebrating enthusiastically from the bench after Nemanja Matic scored a stunning long-range goal to seal a 4–2 victory. This moment highlighted his passion and camaraderie with teammates.
• Final Season Highlights: In his final season with Chelsea (2020-21), Zouma scored crucial goals, including one against Brighton & Hove Albion that helped propel Chelsea to an early lead in the league standings. His contributions were vital as Chelsea secured their second Champions League title during this period.