Karamoko Dembélé
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Karamoko Kader Dembélé[1] | ||
Date of birth | 22 February 2003 | ||
Place of birth | London, England | ||
Height | 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) [2] | ||
Position(s) | Winger | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Celtic | ||
Number | 77 | ||
Youth career | |||
2008–2013 | Park Villa BC | ||
2013– | Celtic | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2019– | Celtic | 1 | (0) |
International career | |||
2016– | Scotland U16 | 8 | (1) |
2016– | England U15 | 3 | (0) |
2018– | Scotland U17 | 2 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:14, 20 February 2019 (UTC) |
Karamoko Kader Dembélé (born 22 February 2003) is a footballer who plays as a winger for Celtic, and has been called up to represent both Scotland and England at youth level. He attracted media attention in October 2016 when he made his debut for Celtic's under-20 development team at the age of 13.
Early life
Dembélé was born in 2003 in Lambeth, South London. His parents were born in the Ivory Coast. His family moved north to Scotland, to Govan in Glasgow, when he was one year old.[3] Dembélé, or "Kaddy" as he is known, attended St Constantine’s Primary School in Drumoyne.[4][5]
Club career
Dembélé started playing football for Park Villa Boys Club at the age of five and was recognised as a prodigy from a young age.[6] He joined Celtic aged 10 in 2013.[7] In July 2016, Dembélé was named as player of the tournament when representing Celtic U13 at the St Kevin's Boys Academy Cup.[8] 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.[9][10][11]
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.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] 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.[19] 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."[20] 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.[10][21][22][23][24][25]
On 2 June 2017, Dembélé signed a youth registration contract to stay at Celtic.[26]
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.[27] 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[28] and beating the same opposition by the same scoreline in the second.[29]
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.[30] His performance was praised by manager Neil Lennon.[31] 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.[32]
International career
Dembélé is eligible to represent Scotland, England or the Ivory Coast internationally.[3][33] On 19 October 2016, he was called up to the Scotland national under-16 football team for the 2016 Victory Shield.[34][35] He made his debut for the Scotland U16s on 1 November, coming on as a second-half substitute during a 2–2 draw against Wales. Coach Brian McLaughlin commented, "He [Dembélé] gave us a little bit of energy. He's very, very brave on the ball".[36] Dembélé made a further appearance a few days later in a 3–0 defeat against the Republic of Ireland, again coming on as a second-half substitute.[37]
However, prior to participating in the Victory Shield, Dembélé traveled south in October 2016 to train with England under-15s at St George's Park.[38][39] On 18 November 2016, Dembélé confirmed his intention to join up with the England U15s ahead of a match against Turkey that December.[40] 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.[41][42][43] On 16 February 2017, Dembélé made his first start for England U15 in a match against Belgium [44]
Nevertheless, he also continued to represent Scotland, playing an integral part in the Scotland U16 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.[45] 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 2 days later against Russia.[46][47]
Personal life
Dembélé has an older brother, winger Siriki Dembélé, who plays for Peterborough United.[48] Both are eligible to play for England, Scotland or Ivory Coast respectively as they are of Ivorian descent.[33] Another brother, Hassan, was playing for the Celtic under-9s in November 2017.[49] Their sister Macoula studied law and was signed to a Scottish modelling agency.[50]
Honours
Celtic
- Scottish Cup: 2018–19[32]
- Glasgow Cup: 2018–19[29]
References
- ^ Young, Graeme (4 October 2016). "Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele 'very similar to Lionel Messi' says former coach". Mirror Online. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Smith, Anna (25 December 2018). "Karamoko Dembele Height, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Biography & More".
- ^ a b Pattullo, Alan (5 October 2016). "Scotland call for Celtic 'wonderkid' Karamoko Dembele". The Scotsman. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Marjoribanks, Brian (5 October 2016). "Celtic look to have child prodigy on their hands in Dembele". Mail Online. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
- ^ Burlaga, Kate (12 October 2016). "Karamoko Dembele: the lowdown on Celtic's 13-year-old prodigy". Sky Sports. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
- ^ Friel, David (5 October 2016). "Karamoko Dembele: Celtic's wonderkid 'nutmegged midwife', could do 100 kick-ups at five years old and had coaches fighting over him". The Sun. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Marjoribanks, Brian (5 October 2016). "Karamoko Dembele – the story behind Celtic's latest Bhoy". Mail Online. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Kyle, Gregor (5 August 2016). "Karamoko Dembele – is this the next Celtic star in the making?". Glasgow Live. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ McGreechan, John (14 October 2016). "Karamoko Dembélé in the right place with master of psychology Brendan Rodgers guiding his progress". Mail Online. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ "Scott Brown hails Celtic starlet Karamoko Dembele". Sky Sports. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ McCafferty, Gavin (4 October 2016). "Celtic: Karamoko Dembele plays for Under-20s side at the age of 13". The Independent. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Young, Henry (4 October 2016). "Karamoko Dembele: Who is Celtic's 13-year-old prodigy?". CNN International. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Young, Graeme (5 October 2016). "Celtic starlet Karamoko Dembele makes Under-20 debut at the age of 13". Daily Record. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ "Celtic hand 13-year-old Karamoko Dembele his debut for U20 side". Sky Sports. 8 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Tweedale, Alistair (4 October 2016). "Celtic 13-year-old Karamoko Dembele makes Under-20s debut". The Telegraph. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Fraser, Dave (19 November 2016). "Who is Karamoko Dembele? Celtic's 13-year-old whizz who made his debut in the Under-20s last night and is ALREADY on Brendan Rodgers' radar". The Sun. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ "Karamoko Dembele: Celtic give 13-year-old debut for U20s Development side". BBC Sport. 3 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ "Celtic's 13-year-old starlet Karamoko Dembélé makes debut for U20s". The Guardian. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Newton, Matthew (3 October 2016). "Young Hoops break Hearts with thrilling comeback". Celtic FC. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
- ^ Sutherland, Jonathan (13 October 2016). "Moussa Dembele on Karamoko Dembele – We didn't want to kick him". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Stop exploiting kids: Plea to footie clubs days after Dembele, 13, makes Celtic Under-20s debut". The Sun. Archived from the original on 20 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ 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.
- ^ Wright, Angus (2 June 2017). "Karamoko Dembele signs youth registration contract with Celtic". The Scotsman. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
- ^ Donnelly, Joe (24 December 2018). "Delight as Celtic sign Karamoko Dembele on first professional deal". Celtic F.C. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
- ^ Crawford, Kenny (25 April 2019). "Rangers beat Celtic 3-2 in Scottish Youth Cup final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ a b "Celtic 3 Rangers 2: Recap as young Hoops win Glasgow Cup in dramatic style". Daily Record. 30 April 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Celtic 2-1 Hearts: Mikey Johnston hits double in champions' win". BBC. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
- ^ "Karamoko Dembele: Celtic boss Neil Lennon hails 'glimpse of the future'". 19 May 2019 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ a b "Heart of Midlothian 1-2 Celtic". BBC Sport. 25 May 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
- ^ a b "Scotland Under-16s call up 13-year-old Celtic youngster Karamoko Dembele". BBC Sport. 19 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ "Celtic's teen sensation Karamoko Dembele gets Scotland call". Sky Sports. 19 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Wilson, Fraser (19 October 2016). "Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele called into Scotland Under-16 squad for Victory Shield". Mirror Online. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Marjoribanks, Brian (1 November 2016). "Karamoko Dembele weaves his magic on Scotland U16s debut as boss Brian McLaughlin praises display: 'He was brave on the ball and gave us energy'". Mail Online. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
- ^ McGreechan, John (4 November 2016). "Karamoko Dembele earns second cap for Scotland Under 16s in Victory Shield defeat to Republic of Ireland". Mail Online. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
- ^ Berry, J (25 October 2016). "Celtic kid Karamoko Dembele trains with England youngsters days after he was given Scotland call up". The Scottish Sun. Archived from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ McCarthy, David (26 October 2016). "Regan says SFA will fight to get Karamoko Dembele into Scotland set-up". Daily Record. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Richards, Alex (20 December 2016). "Celtic whizkid Karamoko Dembele makes England bow as international tug-of-war continues". Mirror Online. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
- ^ Maltby, Matt (20 December 2016). "Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele makes England debut as international tug-of-war with Scotland continues". Mail Online. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
- ^ Richards, Alex; Cooney, Darren (20 December 2016). "Celtic starlet Karamoko Dembele makes his England debut". Daily Record. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
- ^ "Teamsheet – England Men's Under 15 International Match" (jpg). Football Association. 16 February 2017.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Russia U17 0-1 Scotland U17". Scottish FA. 19 August 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
- ^ "Russia U17 0-2 Scotland U17". Scottish FA. 21 August 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
{{cite web}}
: line feed character in|title=
at position 25 (help) - ^ "Dembele Makes Posh Move". Peterborough United FC. 22 June 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
- ^ Woodcock, Ian (22 November 2017). "Siriki Dembele: Grimsby Town striker wins EFL Young Player of the Month award". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
- ^ Greenaway, Heather (1 January 2017). "Stunning sister of Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele signs for top Scottish modelling agency". Daily Record. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
External links
- 2003 births
- Living people
- Scottish footballers
- Black English sportspeople
- Black Scottish sportspeople
- Scotland youth international footballers
- Celtic F.C. players
- Association football forwards
- England youth international footballers
- English footballers
- English people of Ivorian descent
- Scottish people of Ivorian descent
- Sportspeople from London
- Sportspeople from Glasgow
- People educated at St Ninian's High School, Kirkintilloch