Salomon Kalou: Forgotten Ivorian footballer now playing in Djibouti 

• At one point one of the biggest stars in the football world, Salomon Kalou is a name that many fans are familiar with
• The Ivorian is best known for his six seasons at Chelsea during which he won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League
• Kalou has been playing for Djibouti Premier League club Arta/Solar7 since 2022

At one point one of the biggest stars in the football world, Salomon Kalou is a name that many fans are familiar with.

Born in Ivory Coast, Salomon Armand Magloire Kalou’s story is of humble beginnings – a small village boy turned international soccer star. He grew up in Oume and developed an interest in football at a young age, just like his older brother Bonaventure who also played professionally.

Salomon Kalou. Photo Sky Sports.

Kalou began his football career with local club ASEC Mimosas and soon attracted the interest of scouts from abroad. The young striker, who could also play on the flanks, arrived in Europe for the first time in 2003, signing with Dutch club Feyenoord.

Fast forward three years later, Salomon Kalou arrived at Chelsea as one of the best young forward in Europe. What followed was a solid partnership with international teammate Didier Drogba and years of success at Stamford Bridge.

As Kalou left Chelsea in 2012 to continue his career in the Bundesliga, a good number of football fans forgot about him. Ten years later, majority don’t know his whereabouts.

Kalou’s Glory Days at Chelsea

On 30 May 2006, Salomon Kalou joined Premier League giants Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. In his first training session with the Blues, he brought a camera because he couldn’t believe he was going to rub shoulders with the likes of John Terry, Michael Ballack and Drogba.

Kalou was at the time just 20 years old and being in a star-studded team led by Jose Mourinho was a dream come true for him. In his first match for Chelsea, the Ivorian grabbed a hat-trick in a 5-0 thrashing of Portsmouth in a reserve game. He made his competitive debut in the 2006 FA Community Shield, which Chelsea lost 2-1 to Liverpool.

Kalou proved to be an important signing in his first season, scoring crucial goals in the league and cup competitions. At the end of that season, Chelsea won the FA Cup and Football League Cup.

While he did won a title every campaign he was at Chelsea, his most successful stint was during the 2009-10 season when he won the English Premier League. The Ivorian also boasts being part of the team that won the UEFA Champions League in the 2011-12 campaign after beating Bayern Munich in the final.

At the end of the season, Chelsea announced that Kalou’s contract with the Blues had come to an end. He left the Blues that summer after scoring 60 goals in over 250 appearances. He also won a total of eight trophies.

Kalou After Chelsea

Salomon Kalou with Hertha BSC. Photo/ Goal.com.

Following the expiration of his contract, Salomon Kalou was linked to numerous clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United. Despite the interests from English clubs, the Ivorian opted to continue his career in France where he joined Lille. He scored in his first competitive match for the Ligue 1 outfit and ended up recording 16 goals at the end of the season.

During the summer transfer window of 2014, Kalou secured a transfer to German club Hertha BSC. He spent six years playing in the Bundesliga and left during the COVID-19 pandemic after being released from training and playing duties.

Kalou moved to Brazil in July 2020 and joined Botafogo in a 18-month deal. He left by mutual consent in early 2021. The biggest highlight of Kalou’s career since leaving Chelsea was winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 with his country Ivory Coast. The Elephants would again triumph in the 2023 AFCON played this month.

Where Is Salomon Kalou Now?

After being a free agent for over one year, Salomon Kalou signed with Djibouti Premier League club Arta/Solar7. He was expected to bring his massive experience, especially in the continental matches. At Arta/Solar7, he played alongside other prominent African footballers Alexandre Song, Idris Carlos Kameni and Diafra Sakho who have since left the club.

Salomon Kalou, 38, plays for Djibouti Premier League club Arta/Solar7. Photo/ Abidjan.net.