Lionet soumaila kanoute

A legendary figure in Malian football!

Lionel Soumaila Kanouté, commonly known as Kanouté, is a retired Malian professional footballer who played as a striker. He is considered one of the greatest players in Malian football history.

Born on May 26, 1975, in Saint-Pierre, Réunion, Kanouté began his professional career in France with clubs like Nîmes Olympique and FC Sion. He then moved to Spain, where he played for Real Valladolid and Atlético Madrid, winning the UEFA Cup with the latter in 2006.

Kanouté's most successful period was with Sevilla FC, where he played from 2005 to 2012. During his time at the club, he won three UEFA Cups, two La Liga titles, and the Copa del Rey. He was also named the African Footballer of the Year in 2007.

Kanouté earned 38 caps for the Mali national team, scoring 23 goals. He represented his country at the 2002, 2004, and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

After retiring from professional football in 2013, Kanouté went on to become a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Kanouté Foundation, which focuses on promoting education and healthcare in Mali.

Kanouté's impressive career and achievements have made him a beloved figure in Malian football, and he is often referred to as "The Lion of Mali".