Karamoko Dembélé
Dembele (left) playing for England U17 in 2019
Personal information
Full name Karamoko Kader Dembélé[1]
Date of birth (2003-02-22) 22 February 2003
Place of birth Lambeth, South London, England
Height 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)[2]
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Blackpool
(on loan from Brest)
Number 11
Youth career
2008–2013 Park Villa Boys Club
2013–2019 Celtic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019–2022 Celtic 8 (1)
2022– Brest 16 (0)
2023– → Blackpool (loan) 15 (2)
International career‡
2016–2017 Scotland U16 8 (1)
2016–2017 England U15 3 (0)
2018 Scotland U17 2 (0)
2019 England U17 4 (1)
2021 England U18 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13:01, 17 December 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21:36, 29 March 2021 (UTC)

Karamoko Kader Dembélé (born 22 February 2003) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for EFL League One club Blackpool, on loan from Ligue 1 club Brest. Born in Lambeth, London, Dembélé has been called up to represent both Scotland and England at youth level, most recently representing the latter.

Dembélé attracted media attention in October 2016 when he made his debut for Celtic's under-20 development team at the age of 13. After having played eight matches and scored one goal for Celtic at a professional level, he signed for French club Brest in July 2022.

Early life

Dembélé was born in 2003 in Lambeth, South London to parents from Ivory Coast. His family moved north to Scotland, to Govan in Glasgow, before his first birthday.[3] Dembélé, or "Kaddy" as he is known, attended St Constantine's Primary School in Drumoyne. He started at St Ninian's High School in Kirkintilloch (the affiliated school for Celtic's academy players) in 2015.[4]

Club career

Celtic

Dembélé started playing football for Park Villa Boys Club at the age of five and was recognised as a prodigy from a young age.[5] He joined Celtic aged 10 in 2013.[6] In July 2016, Dembélé was named as player of the tournament when representing Celtic U13 at the St Kevin's Boys Academy Cup.[7] Soon after his appointment as Celtic head coach, Brendan Rodgers invited Dembélé to participate in a light technical training session with the first team squad.[8][9]

On 3 October 2016, Dembélé gained widespread media attention after making his debut for Celtic's under-20 side aged 13 playing with and against players who were up to seven age groups above him.[10][11][12][13][14][15] He was named on the bench because several regular starters were away playing for Scotland's under-19 team and was brought in during the 81st minute, replacing the youngest first-team player in Celtic's history, the 16-year-old Jack Aitchison.[16] A match report on the official Celtic website stated that "the diminutive playmaker didn't look out of place and played his part in the closing stages."[17] The response to Dembélé's U20 debut included concern about the physical and mental impact of such a young player being fast-tracked through the developmental ranks.[8][18][19][20][21] On 2 June 2017, Dembélé signed a youth registration contract to stay at Celtic.[22]

On 24 December 2018, Dembélé signed his first professional contract at 15-years-old with Celtic, set to keep him at the club until 2021.[23] In April 2019, he featured for Celtic's academy team in the seasonal finals of both the Scottish Youth Cup and the Glasgow Cup, losing out 3–2 to Rangers in the first[24] and beating the same opposition by the same scoreline in the second.[25]

Dembélé made his senior debut on 19 May 2019 in a 2–1 victory against Hearts, coming on as a second-half substitute. After the match, Dembélé collected his winners' medal and helped to lift the Scottish Premiership trophy as Celtic ended the season 9 points clear at the top of the league.[26] His performance was praised by manager Neil Lennon.[27] Six days later, he was named in the squad for the 2019 Scottish Cup Final, also against Hearts. This time he did not leave the bench, but collected a winner's medal following Celtic's 2–1 victory.[28] In October 2019, L'Équipe named Dembélé as one of six "outstanding young players set to revolutionise the game", a list that also included Barcelona's Ansu Fati.[29] On 12 December 2019, Dembélé became the youngest ever footballer to play for a Scottish team in European competition when he came on as a substitute in Celtic's 2–0 loss away against Romanian side CFR Cluj.[30]

Dembélé rarely featured for the first team after that,[31] but he did come on as a substitute against St Johnstone on 12 May 2021, and scored his first senior goal in a 4–0 win for Celtic,[32] latching onto a pass from David Turnbull and scoring from a tight angle.[33] He sustained a fractured ankle during a pre-season friendly against Bristol City in July 2021, and eventually had to undergo an operation in October 2021.[34][35] He made his return to action on 13 February 2022, playing in Celtic B's 4–0 win over Vale of Leithen in a Lowland Football League fixture.[35] After being an unused substitute in three first-team games,[36] as well as scoring for the B side in a Glasgow Cup tie against Queens Park,[37] Dembélé finally returned to first team action on 2 March 2022 when he came on as a substitute for Jota near the end of Celtic's 2–0 win over St Mirren.[36]

Brest

Having left Celtic after nine years following the expiration of his contract, Dembélé joined French club Brest on a free transfer on 5 July 2022, signing a four-year contract with the Ligue 1 side.[38][39][40]

Loan to Blackpool

On 30 August 2023, Dembélé signed for EFL League One club Blackpool on a season-long loan.[41]

International career

Dembélé is eligible to represent Scotland, England or the Ivory Coast internationally.[3][42] On 19 October 2016, he was called up to the Scotland national under-16 football team for the 2016 Victory Shield.[43][44] He made his debut for the Scotland under-16s on 1 November, coming on as a second-half substitute during a 2–2 draw against Wales. Coach Brian McLaughlin commented, "He was excellent. He looked confident and it's a very good group to come into."[45] Dembélé made a further appearance a few days later in a 3–0 defeat, as a 63rd minute substitute against the Republic of Ireland.[46]

However, prior to participating in the Victory Shield, Dembélé travelled south in October 2016 to train with England under-15s at St George's Park.[47] On 18 November 2016, Dembélé confirmed his intention to join up with the England under-15s ahead of a match against Turkey that December.[48] On 17 December 2016, Dembélé came off the bench against Turkey to make his England debut and assisted a goal in a 5–2 victory.[49][50] On 16 February 2017, Dembélé made his first start for England under-15 in a match against Belgium.[51]

Nevertheless, he also continued to represent Scotland, playing an integral part in the Scotland under-16 squads for two UEFA development tournaments in 2017, both of which Scotland won. Most notably, Dembélé featured in a Scotland victory over England in July 2017.[52] On 19 August 2018 he made his debut for Scotland under-17's in a 1–0 away win against Russia, coming on as a 50th minute substitution for Connor Barron, and went on to start two days later against Russia.[53][54]

On 10 October 2019, Dembélé made his debut for England under-17 during a 3–3 draw with Germany at the Pinatar Arena in Spain.[55] Dembélé scored his first goal for this age group during a 1–1 draw with Spain on 14 October 2019.[56] During the same month, it was reported that Dembélé had committed to representing England internationally, and Dembélé has only represented England since.[57]

On 29 March 2021, Dembélé made his debut for England U18s during a 2–0 win away to Wales at the Leckwith Stadium.[58]

Personal life

Dembélé's older brother, Siriki Dembélé, plays as a winger for Birmingham City.[59] Another brother, Hassan, was playing for Celtic's academy in November 2017.[60]

Career statistics

As of Match played 25 November 2023[36][61]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Celtic 2018–19[62] Scottish Premiership 100000000010
2019–20[63] 100000100020
2020–21[64] 510000000051
2021–22[65] 101000000020
Total 8110001000101
Brest 2022–23[66] Ligue 1 15020000000170
2023–24[67] 100000000010
Total 16020000000180
Blackpool (loan) 2023–24[67] League One 1221100002[lower-alpha 1]0153
Career total 36341001020434
  1. ↑ Appearances in the EFL Trophy

Honours

Celtic

    See also

    References

    1. ↑ Young, Graeme (4 October 2016). "Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele 'very similar to Lionel Messi' says former coach". Mirror Online. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    2. ↑ "K. Dembélé". Soccerway. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
    3. 1 2 Pattullo, Alan (5 October 2016). "Scotland call for Celtic 'wonderkid' Karamoko Dembele". The Scotsman. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    4. ↑ Burlaga, Kate (12 October 2016). "Karamoko Dembele: the lowdown on Celtic's 13-year-old prodigy". Sky Sports. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
    5. ↑ "Coach reveals some incredible facts about Celtic's Karamoko Dembele". 5 October 2016.
    6. ↑ "Watch Celtic youngster Karamoko Dembele dazzle with tricks and flicks on debut". 20 May 2019.
    7. ↑ Kyle, Gregor (5 August 2016). "Karamoko Dembele – is this the next Celtic star in the making?". Glasgow Live. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    8. 1 2 Parks, Gordon (14 October 2016). "Brendan Rodgers reveals even he didn't know Karamoko Dembele would run out for Celtic U20 side". Daily Record. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    9. ↑ "Scott Brown hails Celtic starlet Karamoko Dembele". Sky Sports. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    10. ↑ McCafferty, Gavin (4 October 2016). "Celtic: Karamoko Dembele plays for Under-20s side at the age of 13". The Independent. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    11. ↑ Young, Henry (4 October 2016). "Karamoko Dembele: Who is Celtic's 13-year-old prodigy?". CNN International. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    12. ↑ Young, Graeme (5 October 2016). "Celtic starlet Karamoko Dembele makes Under-20 debut at the age of 13". Daily Record. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    13. ↑ "Celtic hand 13-year-old Karamoko Dembele his debut for U20 side". Sky Sports. 8 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    14. ↑ Tweedale, Alistair (4 October 2016). "Celtic 13-year-old Karamoko Dembele makes Under-20s debut". The Telegraph. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    15. ↑ "Karamoko Dembele: Celtic give 13-year-old debut for U20s Development side". BBC Sport. 3 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    16. ↑ "Celtic's 13-year-old starlet Karamoko Dembélé makes debut for U20s". The Guardian. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    17. ↑ Newton, Matthew (3 October 2016). "Young Hoops break Hearts with thrilling comeback". Celtic FC. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
    18. ↑ Sutherland, Jonathan (13 October 2016). "Moussa Dembele on Karamoko Dembele – We didn't want to kick him". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    19. ↑ Macpherson, Graeme (6 October 2016). "Celtic's Karamoko Dembele may become a star, but for now he's a kid and should be treated that way". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    20. ↑ Cameron, Neil (4 October 2016). "Celtic have done well to keep Karamoko Dembele out of the limelight until now – this lad could be special". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    21. ↑ Coast, Tom (19 October 2016). "Celtic slammed in Italy for handing Karamoko Dembélé U20 debut, branded 'a terrible choice, period'". Sport Witness. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    22. ↑ Wright, Angus (2 June 2017). "Karamoko Dembele signs youth registration contract with Celtic". The Scotsman. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
    23. ↑ Donnelly, Joe (24 December 2018). "Delight as Celtic sign Karamoko Dembele on first professional deal". Celtic F.C. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
    24. ↑ Crawford, Kenny (25 April 2019). "Rangers beat Celtic 3–2 in Scottish Youth Cup final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
    25. 1 2 "Celtic 3 Rangers 2: Recap as young Hoops win Glasgow Cup in dramatic style". Daily Record. 30 April 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
    26. ↑ "Celtic 2–1 Hearts: Mikey Johnston hits double in champions' win". BBC Sport. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
    27. ↑ "Karamoko Dembele: Celtic boss Neil Lennon hails 'glimpse of the future'". BBC Sport. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
    28. 1 2 "Heart of Midlothian 1–2 Celtic". BBC Sport. 25 May 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
    29. ↑ Young, Graeme (10 October 2019). "Karamoko Dembele earns prestigious Celtic accolade as starlet hailed by European football's harshest critics". Daily Record. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
    30. ↑ Oates, Kathleen (12 December 2019). "Karamoko Dembele enters history books as Celtic youngster makes European debut against CFR Cluj". The Scotsman. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
    31. ↑ Young, Graeme (23 April 2021). "Karamoko Dembele and the Celtic 'not what we thought' verdict fans must be allowed to make for themselves". Daily Record. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
    32. ↑ Reed, Matthew (13 May 2021). "Celtic 4 - 0 St Johnstone". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
    33. ↑ "Adam Montgomery and Karamoko Dembele shine as Celtic beat St Johnstone". FourFour/two. 12 May 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
    34. ↑ Pirie, Mark (21 October 2021). "Karamoko Dembele reveals Celtic injury setback as star goes under the knife after ankle rehab blow". Daily Record. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
    35. 1 2 Macdonald, Aidan (14 February 2022). "Celtic star Karamoko Dembele finally makes his return from injury after seven months out". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
    36. 1 2 3 "K. Dembélé". Soccerway. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
    37. ↑ Gould, Louise (22 February 2022). "Resilient B team fight back to earn draw against Queen's Park". Celtic F.C. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
    38. ↑ "Karamoko Kader Dembélé, c'est fait !". Stade Brestois 29 (in French). 5 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
    39. ↑ Palmer, Ben (6 July 2022). "Karamoko Dembélé leaves Celtic for Brest six years after bursting on to the scene as 13-year-old sensation". The Times. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
    40. ↑ McGinley, John (5 July 2022). "Confirmed: Karamoko Dembele signs for new club after leaving Celtic". 67 Hail Hail. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
    41. ↑ "Blackpool sign Brest forward Dembele on loan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
    42. ↑ "Scotland Under-16s call up 13-year-old Celtic youngster Karamoko Dembele". BBC Sport. 19 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    43. ↑ "Celtic's teen sensation Karamoko Dembele gets Scotland call". Sky Sports. 19 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    44. ↑ Wilson, Fraser (19 October 2016). "Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele called into Scotland Under-16 squad for Victory Shield". Mirror Online. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
    45. ↑ "Karamoko Dembele: Celtic forward, 13, features for Scotland Under-16s". BBC Sport. November 2016.
    46. ↑ "Scotland U16 0-3 Ireland U16: Irish boys lift Victory Shield".
    47. ↑ McCarthy, David (26 October 2016). "Regan says SFA will fight to get Karamoko Dembele into Scotland set-up". Daily Record. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
    48. ↑ Young, Graeme (19 November 2016). "Karamoko Dembele to play for England against Turkey in December after announcing switch on social media". Daily Record. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
    49. ↑ Richards, Alex (20 December 2016). "Celtic whizkid Karamoko Dembele makes England bow as international tug-of-war continues". Mirror Online. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
    50. ↑ Richards, Alex; Cooney, Darren (20 December 2016). "Celtic starlet Karamoko Dembele makes his England debut". Daily Record. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
    51. ↑ "Teamsheet – England Men's Under 15 International Match" (jpg). Football Association. 16 February 2017.
    52. ↑ Haggerty, Anthony (27 July 2017). "Scotland U16s 2 England U16s 0 as Karamoko Dembele helps young Scots see off the Auld Enemy". Daily Record. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
    53. ↑ "Russia U17 0–1 Scotland U17". Scottish FA. 19 August 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
    54. ↑ "Russia U17 0–2 Scotland U17". Scottish FA. 21 August 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
    55. ↑ "A late equaliser from Nathan Young-Coombes secures a draw for the young Lions". TheFA.com. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
    56. ↑ "Karamoko Dembele's goal ruled out by a stoppage-time equaliser from Spain in Pinatar". TheFA.com. 14 October 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
    57. ↑ "DECISION Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele 'chooses' to represent England over Scotland at international level". TALKsport.
    58. ↑ "TWO SECOND-HALF GOALS SEAL WIN FOR ENGLAND MEN'S UNDER-18S OVER WALES IN CARDIFF". TheFA.com. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
    59. ↑ "BIRMINGHAM CITY SECURE SIGNING OF SIRIKI DEMBELE". AFCB. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
    60. ↑ Woodcock, Ian (22 November 2017). "Siriki Dembele: Grimsby Town striker wins EFL Young Player of the Month award". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
    61. ↑ "Karamoko Dembélé". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
    62. ↑ "Games played by Karamoko Dembélé in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
    63. ↑ "Games played by Karamoko Dembélé in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
    64. ↑ "Games played by Karamoko Dembélé in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
    65. ↑ "Games played by Karamoko Dembélé in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
    66. ↑ "Games played by Karamoko Dembélé in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
    67. 1 2 "Games played by Karamoko Dembélé in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
    68. ↑ "Dundee United 1–1 Celtic: Ange Postecoglou's side reclaim league title". BBC Sport. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
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