Kurt Zouma
French footballer.
Kurt Happy Zouma currently plays as a centre-back for West Ham United in the Premier League. He joined the Hammers in August 2021 on a four-year contract from Chelsea for a reported fee of £29.8 million. Zouma quickly established himself as a key player in West Ham's defense and was appointed club captain at the start of the 2023/24 season, highlighting his leadership qualities and importance to the team. His first two seasons with West Ham have been marked by significant achievements, including reaching the UEFA Europa League semi-finals in 2022 and winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023, the club's first major trophy in 43 years.Prior to joining West Ham, Zouma spent seven successful years with Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles (2014/15 and 2016/17), one EFL Cup (2015), the UEFA Champions League (2021), and the UEFA Super Cup (2021).
His time at Chelsea was interspersed with loan spells at Stoke City and Everton, where he gained valuable Premier League experience. Zouma's career at Chelsea saw him make over 150 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals.Zouma's journey to the Premier League began in France with Saint-Étienne, where he made his professional debut at just 16 years old. During his time at Saint-Étienne, he won the Coupe de la Ligue in 2013, showcasing his potential as a young defender. His performances for Saint-Étienne caught the attention of Chelsea, who signed him in January 2014 for £12 million before loaning him back to the French club for the remainder of the season.At West Ham, Zouma has continued to develop his game, becoming known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and composure on the ball.
His leadership on the pitch has been crucial in West Ham's recent successes, and he has played a significant role in the team's defensive stability. As of the 2023/24 season, Zouma remains a cornerstone of West Ham's defense, contributing to the team's ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
Early life & youth football
Kurt Zouma was born on October 27, 1994, in Lyon, France, to parents who had immigrated from the Central African Republic. His early life was deeply influenced by football, with his older brother Lionel also becoming a professional player. Zouma's journey in football began at the age of nine when he joined local fifth division side FC Vaulx-en-Velin.His talent was quickly recognized, and he moved to Le Pôle Espoirs Football de Dijon, an academy run in conjunction with the French Football Federation. This move was crucial in developing Zouma's skills and exposing him to a higher level of training and competition.In 2009, at the age of 15, Zouma's prodigious potential was identified by Saint-Étienne, who signed him to their youth academy.
This move marked the beginning of his path to professional football. At Saint-Étienne, Zouma's development accelerated rapidly. The club took measures to protect their young talent, initially having him play without a name on his shirt to shield him from media attention.Zouma's progress through the youth ranks was swift, and he signed his first professional contract with Saint-Étienne at the end of the 2010/11 season. This early commitment to professional football underscored the club's belief in his potential and set the stage for his senior debut.On August 31, 2011, at just 16 years old, Zouma made his professional debut for Saint-Étienne in a Coupe de la Ligue match against Bordeaux.
He played the full 90 minutes, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years.
Professional career
On April 2, 2011, Zouma signed his first professional contract with Saint-Étienne, agreeing to a three-year deal. This marked the beginning of his senior career, and he was promoted to the first team by manager Christophe Galtier ahead of the 2011-12 season. Recognizing the need to protect their young talent from excessive media attention, the club initially had Zouma play without a name on his shirt.Zouma made his professional debut on August 31, 2011, in a Coupe de la Ligue match against Bordeaux.
At just 16 years old, he played the entire 90 minutes in a 3-1 win, showcasing his maturity and ability to compete at the senior level. His Ligue 1 debut followed shortly after, on September 17, in a 3-0 loss at Lorient.The young defender's first professional goal came on November 19, 2011, when he scored in a 2-0 win against Nice. This goal, coming after he replaced Paulão in the 9th minute, demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively, particularly from set-pieces.
Zouma finished his debut season with 21 league appearances, including 13 starts, and scored another goal in a 1-0 win against Sochaux on January 14, 2012.One of the highlights of Zouma's time at Saint-Étienne came on April 20, 2013, when he played in the club's 1-0 victory over Rennes in the Coupe de la Ligue final. This triumph marked Saint-Étienne's first major trophy in over 30 years and provided Zouma with his first taste of silverware at the professional level.Zouma's performances at Saint-Étienne began to attract attention from bigger clubs.
His combination of physical presence, defensive skills, and potential for further development made him an attractive prospect. On January 31, 2014, Chelsea announced the signing of Zouma for a reported fee of around £12 million (€14.6 million). As part of the deal, he was immediately loaned back to Saint-Étienne for the remainder of the 2013-14 season.
In total, Zouma made 73 appearances for Saint-Étienne across all competitions, scoring 4 goals. His time at the club was marked by steady progression, from a promising youth player to a first-team regular and eventually to a player coveted by one of Europe's top clubs.Zouma's journey at Saint-Étienne was not without challenges. On November 7, 2013, he received a 10-match ban following a challenge that left Sochaux's Thomas Guerbert with a broken right leg and a dislocated ankle.
This incident, while regrettable, served as a learning experience for the young defender.Saint-Étienne played a crucial role in Zouma's development, providing him with the platform to showcase his talents and the opportunity to compete at the highest level of French football. The experience he gained at the club, including playing in European competitions, prepared him for the challenges he would face in his subsequent move to the Premier League with Chelsea. Zouma joined Chelsea on January 31, 2014, for a reported fee of around £12 million (€14.
6 million), signing a five-and-a-half-year contract. As part of the deal, he was immediately loaned back to Saint-Étienne for the remainder of the 2013-14 season. This arrangement allowed him to continue gaining valuable first-team experience in Ligue 1 while Chelsea monitored his development.Upon returning to Chelsea for the 2014-15 season, Zouma quickly made an impact.
He made his competitive debut on September 24, 2014, in a League Cup match against Bolton Wanderers, scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 victory. His performance showcased his potential and ability to contribute offensively, which would become a hallmark of his playing style.Zouma's Champions League debut came on October 21 against Maribor in a 6-0 win, where he showcased his defensive skills and composure under pressure. His Premier League debut was as a late substitute against Manchester United on October 26, 2014, marking a significant milestone in his career.
As the season progressed, Zouma's role in the team expanded. He scored in an FA Cup match against Watford on January 4, 2015, further solidifying his place in the squad. A notable moment came in the League Cup Final on March 1, where he played as a defensive midfielder in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Tottenham. This versatility demonstrated Zouma's adaptability and tactical intelligence, qualities that would serve him well throughout his career.
Zouma ended the season as a Premier League champion, contributing significantly to Chelsea's success. His performances earned him the club's Young Player of the Year award, a testament to his potential and impact during his debut season with the first team.The 2015-16 season started brightly for Zouma, who continued to be an important part of Chelsea's squad. He scored his first Premier League goal on September 19, 2015, against Arsenal in a 2-0 victory, showcasing his growing confidence and ability to contribute offensively.
However, the season took a dramatic turn when Zouma suffered a serious knee injury on February 7, 2016, during a match against Manchester United. The injury, which involved a torn anterior cruciate ligament, ruled him out for the remainder of the season and also prevented him from participating in the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament with the French national team. This setback was a significant blow for Zouma, who had been enjoying a promising season.Despite the injury, Zouma remained a part of the Chelsea squad, supporting his teammates from the sidelines.
His recovery process was challenging, but he demonstrated resilience and determination to return to the pitch. The club provided him with the necessary support, ensuring he had access to top medical care and rehabilitation.After a lengthy recovery, Zouma returned to action in Chelsea's EFL Cup match against West Ham on October 26, 2016. He made a total of nine appearances in Chelsea's Premier League-winning campaign under manager Antonio Conte.
Although he faced competition for a starting spot, Zouma's versatility allowed him to contribute to the team's success.Chelsea's tactical shift to a three-at-the-back formation suited Zouma's strengths, as his physicality and aerial ability became valuable assets in a more defensive setup. He played a crucial role in the team's defensive stability, helping Chelsea secure the Premier League title for the second consecutive time.Despite limited playing time, Zouma's contributions were recognized, and he remained a respected figure within the squad.
His experience and leadership qualities began to shine through, earning him the trust of his teammates and coaching staff.To gain more regular first-team football, Zouma was loaned to Stoke City for the 2017-18 season. This move provided him with the opportunity to play consistently in the Premier League, which was essential for his development.At Stoke, Zouma made 34 Premier League appearances, showcasing his defensive skills and ability to adapt to a different playing style.
He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his strong tackles, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game. However, despite his efforts, Stoke struggled throughout the season and ultimately faced relegation to the Championship.Zouma's time at Stoke was a valuable learning experience. He faced challenges on and off the pitch, but his resilience and determination to improve shone through.
His performances caught the attention of other clubs, and he returned to Chelsea with renewed confidence and experience.Zouma spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Everton, where he continued to develop as a player. He made 32 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and forming a solid defensive partnership with fellow centre-back Michael Keane. His performances at Everton were praised, and he quickly became a fan favorite at Goodison Park.
During his time at Everton, Zouma showcased his ability to contribute offensively as well. He scored a memorable goal against Manchester United in a thrilling 4-0 victory, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile defender. His performances helped Everton secure an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, and Zouma's contributions were instrumental in the team's success.Zouma's loan spell at Everton also allowed him to gain valuable experience playing in high-pressure situations.
He faced some of the league's top strikers and demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion. This experience would prove beneficial upon his return to Chelsea.Returning to Chelsea under new manager Frank Lampard, Zouma found himself back in contention for a starting role. He made his 100th appearance for Chelsea on January 1, 2020, in a 1-1 draw with Brighton.
Zouma made 28 Premier League appearances this season, helping Chelsea secure a top-four finish.Zouma's performances were characterized by his physicality, aerial ability, and improving ball skills. He formed a solid defensive partnership with fellow centre-back Antonio Rüdiger, providing stability to Chelsea's backline. His ability to read the game and anticipate danger became crucial in high-pressure situations.
In addition to his defensive contributions, Zouma showcased his goal-scoring ability, netting crucial goals throughout the season. His first goal of the season came in a 4-0 win against Sheffield United, where he scored with a powerful header from a corner kick. This goal highlighted his aerial prowess and ability to contribute to set-pieces.The 2020-21 season proved to be Zouma's most successful season at Chelsea in terms of goal-scoring.
He scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea in over five years in the opening match against Brighton on September 14, 2020. Zouma went on to score five goals in his first 17 appearances of the season, making him the highest-scoring defender in the Premier League at that point.Zouma played a pivotal role in Chelsea's Champions League campaign, making five appearances as Chelsea went on to win the trophy. His defensive contributions were vital in securing clean sheets against top teams, and he demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level in European competition.
In the FA Cup, Zouma played a key role in Chelsea's run to the final, where they faced Leicester City. Although Chelsea lost the match, Zouma's performances throughout the tournament were commendable, showcasing his defensive skills and leadership qualities.Throughout his time at Chelsea, Zouma's physical presence, aerial ability, and improving ball skills made him a valuable asset to the team. He showed versatility by playing as both a centre-back and occasionally as a defensive midfielder.
His ability to score goals, particularly from set-pieces, added an extra dimension to his game.Zouma's Chelsea career came to an end in August 2021 when he transferred to West Ham United. His final appearance for Chelsea came in their UEFA Super Cup victory against Villarreal on August 11, 2021, where Chelsea won on penalties after a 1-1 draw.In total, Zouma made 151 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions, scoring 10 goals.
His trophy haul with the club included two Premier League titles (2014-15 and 2016-17), one League Cup (2015), the UEFA Champions League (2021), and the UEFA Super Cup (2021).Zouma's time at Chelsea saw him develop from a promising young defender into an established Premier League centre-back. Despite facing challenges such as serious injury and periods out on loan, he showed resilience and adaptability, ultimately playing a role in some of Chelsea's most significant successes of the period. His journey at Chelsea prepared him well for the next stage of his career at West Ham United, where he continues to make an impact in the Premier League.
Zouma signed for West Ham United from Chelsea on August 28, 2021, for a reported fee of £29.8 million, agreeing to a four-year contract. His arrival was seen as a significant coup for the Hammers, bringing Premier League and Champions League-winning experience to the squad.Zouma made his debut for West Ham in a 2-0 UEFA Europa League Group H win at Dinamo Zagreb on September 16, 2021.
His Premier League debut for the club came shortly after, and he quickly established himself as a key figure in West Ham's defense.On November 7, 2021, Zouma scored his first goal for West Ham, netting the winning goal in a 3-2 victory over Liverpool. This match was a highlight of West Ham's strong start to the season and showcased Zouma's ability to contribute offensively from set-pieces.Throughout the season, Zouma formed a solid partnership with fellow center-back Craig Dawson, helping West Ham maintain a strong defensive record.
His performances were crucial in West Ham's run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Eintracht Frankfurt.However, Zouma's season was marred by controversy when a video emerged of him kicking and slapping his pet cat. This incident led to widespread condemnation and a £250,000 fine from West Ham. Despite the controversy, Zouma remained a part of the team, though he was dropped by sponsor Adidas.
Zouma's second season with West Ham saw him continue as a regular starter in defense. He made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute in West Ham's UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round win at Viborg FF in Denmark on August 25, 2022.On October 24, 2022, Zouma scored in West Ham's 2-0 Premier League home win over AFC Bournemouth, demonstrating his continued threat from set-pieces. His defensive performances remained solid throughout the season, helping West Ham secure their Premier League status despite a challenging campaign.
The highlight of Zouma's season, and indeed his West Ham career so far, came in the UEFA Europa Conference League. He started both legs of West Ham's round of 16 win over AEK Larnaca in March 2023 and played a crucial role in the team's progression through the knockout stages.On June 7, 2023, Zouma started in West Ham's UEFA Europa Conference League final victory over Fiorentinaa in Prague. He played for 61 minutes before being substituted due to injury, but his contribution helped West Ham secure their first major trophy in 43 years.
This triumph was a significant moment in Zouma's career and cemented his place in West Ham's history.Following the departure of club captain Declan Rice, Zouma was appointed as West Ham's new captain for the 2023-24 season. This appointment highlighted his leadership qualities and importance to the team, despite some criticism from certain quarters due to the previous season's cat incident.Zouma's first match as captain came on August 12, 2023, in an away game against AFC Bournemouth.
He embraced the responsibility, leading the team both on and off the pitch.On September 1, 2023, Zouma scored the winning goal in a 2-1 Premier League victory at Luton Town, showcasing his continued ability to contribute crucial goals. He followed this up with another goal in a 3-1 Premier League win at Everton on March 2, 2024.Zouma's leadership was particularly evident in West Ham's European campaign.
He captained the side in both legs of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 win over SC Freiburg and the quarter-final defeat by Bayer Leverkusen in spring 2024.On April 2, 2024, Zouma netted his third goal of the Premier League season in a 1-1 home draw with Tottenham. His consistent performances and goal-scoring ability from defense continued to make him a valuable asset for West Ham.Throughout the 2023-24 season, Zouma made 39 appearances, 38 of them starts, scoring three goals across all competitions.
His leadership and defensive stability were crucial in West Ham's campaign across multiple fronts.
National team
Zouma's first major international tournament came in 2011 when he participated in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. Later that same year, he was part of the French squad for the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup. These tournaments provided Zouma with crucial experience in international competition and helped him develop his skills against top young talents from around the world.In 2013, Zouma was part of the French under-20 team that won the FIFA U20 World Cup in Turkey.
This victory was a significant milestone in his young career. During the tournament, Zouma played a key role, starting every game from the final group fixture onwards. He even contributed offensively, scoring a goal in the quarter-finals against Uzbekistan in a 4-0 victory.Zouma's performances at the youth level caught the attention of senior France manager Didier Deschamps, who saw potential in building a defense around Zouma and fellow youngster Raphaël Varane. On March 19, 2015, Zouma received his first call-up to the senior France squad for friendlies against Brazil and Denmark.His senior international debut came on March 29, 2015, in a 2-0 win against Denmark.
Fittingly, this match was played at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, the home ground of his former club Saint-Étienne. Zouma came on as a substitute, replacing Morgan Schneiderlin for the last eight minutes of the game.However, Zouma's international career faced a setback when he suffered a serious knee injury in February 2016, ruling him out of contention for France's UEFA Euro 2016 squad. This injury interrupted what could have been a significant tournament for the young defender on home soil.
After recovering from his injury, Zouma returned to the France squad in August 2017, replacing the injured Raphaël Varane for a World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands. Although he was put on standby for France's 2018 FIFA World Cup squad, he didn't make the final selection for the tournament in Russia.Zouma earned his first France cap in over three years on October 11, 2018, coming on as a substitute in a 2-2 friendly draw with Iceland. He made an impact in this match, winning the penalty that led to France's equalizing goal.A significant moment in Zouma's international career came on June 11, 2019, when he made his first start for the France senior team. He played every minute of the match and scored his first senior international goal in a 4-0 away win over Andorra in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying match.
As of 2024, Zouma has earned over 10 caps for France. While he hasn't been a regular starter for the national team, he remains in contention for selection, providing depth and competition in France's talented defensive pool
Player’s style
Kurt Zouma's style of play is characterized by his physical presence, aerial ability, and composure on the ball. Standing at 1.90 meters (6 ft 3 in), Zouma uses his height and strength to dominate aerial duels, making him a formidable defender in both defensive and offensive set-pieces.Defensively, Zouma is known for his strong tackling and intercepting skills.
He reads the game well, often anticipating and cutting out opposition attacks before they develop. His pace allows him to recover quickly when caught out of position, making him effective against fast attackers.On the ball, Zouma displays confidence and composure. He is comfortable in possession and capable of playing out from the back, a skill that has become increasingly important in modern football.
His passing range, while not exceptional, is reliable, allowing him to contribute to his team's build-up play.One of Zouma's key strengths is his versatility. While primarily a centre-back, he has shown the ability to play as a defensive midfielder when required, demonstrating his tactical understanding and adaptability.In the air, Zouma is a significant threat from set-pieces, often contributing goals from corners and free-kicks.
His aerial prowess is also crucial in defending against opposition set-pieces.Leadership is another important aspect of Zouma's game. His appointment as West Ham's captain in 2023 highlights his ability to organize and motivate his teammates on the pitch.However, like all players, Zouma has areas for improvement.
His decision-making can occasionally be rash, leading to unnecessary fouls or positional errors. Consistency has also been a challenge at times, with periods of excellent form interspersed with occasional lapses.