Stories and facts
Kamaldeen Sulemana, born on February 15, 2002, in Techiman in Ghana's Bono East Region, has emerged as one of football's most exciting young talents.
Known simply as Kamaldeen, he currently plays as a left winger or forward for Southampton in the Premier League and represents the Ghana national team on the international stage.
Kamaldeen’s football journey began at the renowned Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, a breeding ground for talented players. In January 2020, he took a significant step forward by joining FC Nordsjælland, the academy’s partner club in Denmark.
Signing a five-year contract on his 18th birthday, he debuted a week later in the Danish Superliga against SønderjyskE, coming off the bench in the second half.
His potential was quickly recognized, and in August 2020, he was handed the iconic number 10 jersey following the departure of Mohammed Kudus to Ajax.
During his time at Nordsjælland, Kamaldeen’s dazzling skills, blistering pace, and creativity earned him a reputation as one of the Danish Superliga’s brightest prospects.
European clubs, including Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen, took notice, though transfer talks did not materialize at the time. His performances culminated in being named the league’s Player of the Month in April 2021 after scoring five goals in five games.
In July 2021, Kamaldeen’s career took another leap when he joined Rennes in France’s Ligue 1 for a reported fee of €20 million, setting a new transfer record for players from the Danish league.
He wasted no time making an impact, scoring in his debut against Lens in a 1–1 draw on the opening day of the season.
The Premier League came calling in February 2023, with Kamaldeen signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with Southampton. He made his debut just days later, and by May, he had scored his first league goals in a thrilling 4–4 draw with Liverpool.
His time in England has not been without challenges. In September 2023, he received a red card in a match against Leicester City, though it was later overturned.
Later that year, he suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Bristol City, temporarily sidelining him.
Internationally, Kamaldeen first donned the Ghana national team jersey in October 2020 in a friendly against Mali.
He has since become a regular feature in the squad and was part of Ghana’s U-23 team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, underlining his commitment to representing his country on every stage.
Off the pitch, Kamaldeen’s roots reflect Ghana’s rich cultural diversity. His father is Gonja, and his mother is Dagomba, two prominent ethnic groups in northern Ghana.
A devout Muslim, Kamaldeen carries his values and heritage with pride, staying grounded despite his growing fame in the football world.
Kamaldeen Sulemana’s journey showcases his immense talent, hard work, and determination, establishing him as a rising star not only for Ghana but on the global football stage.
Explore the life of Kamaldeen Sulemana below.