Cheick, Cheick, Cheick
“I couldn’t sign anywhere other than Palace,” announced Cheick Doucouré after completing his switch from Lens to the Premier League in July 2022.
28CheickDoucouré
out on loan
Mid
Midfielder
Date of Birth
08.01.0008 January 2000
Country
Joined Team
11.07.2211 July 2022
Awards & Honours
Player of the Season
Crystal Palace, 2022/23
As a Mali international – the African side nicknamed ‘The Eagles’ – it was like it was meant to be. “I’m a believer,” he laughed. “It’s destiny and destiny always does nice things. I’ve been an Eagle since my childhood so this is a good thing.”
The 22-year-old midfielder arrived with a big reputation, having been a crucial part of the Lens side that finished seventh in Ligue 1 just a year after promotion from the second division.
Doucouré cut his teeth at the AS Real Bamako Academy in his native Mali. The side has produced a number of talented Malian internationals, including the likes of RB Salzburg’s Mohamed Camara and Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma.
He signed for Lens in the 2017/18 season and quickly established himself in the first-team at 18 years old. Playing in his preferred central midfield role, he helped the side reach a Ligue 2 promotion play-off final in his first full season in northern France.
The midfielder’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed as his performances earned him a callup to the Mali national team in November 2018, where he made his debut against Gabon in the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifying.
On his arrival in south London, Doucouré said: “I know that the Palace fans [will] expect a lot from me. I'm going to work hard and I will make sure they’re happy to have me as a Palace player. I can't wait to start training with Palace and meet my new teammates.”
Indeed, Doucouré did work hard and the fans were happy to have him as a Palace player. The midfielder won the Player of the Season award for the 22/23 campaign - with 25.2% of the vote, beating teammates Marc Guéhi (21.8%) and Michael Olise (19.2%). He averaged 1.6 interceptions per Premier League match in 22/23, the third highest in the league.
Doucouré started his second season in south London well, though it was cut short after suffering a season-ending injury against Luton Town in November 2023. He only recorded 11 appearances in 2023/24 due to the injury, however he did sign a new contract extension in February 2024 to see him commit his long-term future to the club.
Doucouré highlights
View All Videos- 08:47
'TEAM RATES' | Palace players rate themselves
- 00:41
Player of the Season Winner | Cheick Doucouré
- 01:26
Every player touches the ball for Eze's opener against the cherries
- 01:32
Doucoure on Everton draw and settling into the PL
- 01:22
This or That with Cheick Doucoure
- 09:38
Cheick Doucoure talks about his start to the season
- 00:00
Doucoure speaks after win over Leeds. Edouard joins in!
- 04:37
Cheick Doucoure: In focus during Ipswich friendly
- 06:03
Cheick Doucoure's first day behind the scenes at The Academy.
- 03:27
First interview with Cheick Doucouré
- Cheick Doucouré joins community Iftar at Selhurst Park
- Team Rates: How do Palace players rank themselves?
- Happy birthday, Cheick Doucouré!
