1. Overview
Osman Jovan Kakay (born August 25, 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Primeira Liga club Boavista. Born in England, he represents the Sierra Leone national team internationally.
2. Early Life and Background
Osman Kakay's early life and development as a footballer began in England before he embarked on his professional career.
2.1. Birth and Early Life
Osman Jovan Kakay was born on August 25, 1997, in Westminster, England.
2.2. Youth Career
Kakay joined the Queens Park Rangers academy in 2005 and spent ten years developing his skills within their youth system, remaining there until 2015.
3. Club Career
Kakay's professional career began with Queens Park Rangers and included several loan spells before his transfer to Boavista.
3.1. Queens Park Rangers F.C.
After progressing through the Queens Park Rangers academy, Kakay signed his first professional contract with the club in 2015. On January 29, 2016, he extended his contract with QPR for another year, securing his stay at the club until 2017. He made his first appearance for QPR in August 2016, starting out of his usual position on the right of midfield in an EFL Cup second-round victory against Rochdale. He was substituted after 73 minutes, receiving an ovation from the Queens Park Rangers supporters.
In November 2018, QPR offered Kakay another contract extension, which prolonged his deal at Loftus Road until 2021. His first professional goal came on September 5, 2020, during an EFL Cup match against Plymouth Argyle. Following this, he agreed to a new contract in September 2020, keeping him at the club until 2024. On May 1, 2021, Kakay scored his first Championship goal in a 2-0 away win against Stoke City. On May 6, 2024, Queens Park Rangers announced that Kakay would be departing the club in the summer upon the expiration of his contract.
3.2. Loan Spells
During his tenure at Queens Park Rangers, Osman Kakay gained further experience through several loan spells at other clubs.
3.2.1. Livingston F.C. (loan)
On January 29, 2016, Kakay joined Scottish club Livingston on loan until the end of the season. He made his professional debut the following day, on January 30, 2016, playing the full match in Livingston's 1-0 away loss to Dumbarton in the Scottish Championship.
3.2.2. Chesterfield F.C. (loan)
Kakay's second loan spell began on January 31, 2017, when he joined Chesterfield until the conclusion of the 2016-17 season.
3.2.3. Partick Thistle F.C. (loan)
On September 2, 2019, Kakay moved to Scottish club Partick Thistle on loan, a deal that lasted until January 2020. While at the Glasgow-based club, Kakay initially played as a right-back, but he transitioned to a right winger for the majority of his time there.
3.3. Boavista F.C.
On February 12, 2025, Kakay joined Primeira Liga club Boavista on a free transfer. He signed a contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2024-25 season.
4. International Career
Osman Kakay has represented Sierra Leone at the international level, making his debut in 2018 and participating in a major continental tournament.
4.1. Sierra Leone National Team
Kakay represents the Sierra Leone national team.
4.1.1. Debut
Osman Kakay made his international debut for Sierra Leone on September 9, 2018, in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia.
4.1.2. 2021 Africa Cup of Nations
In December 2021, Kakay was included in the Sierra Leone squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. This marked a significant moment for the nation, as it was their first appearance in the competition since 1996. Kakay played the full ninety minutes of Sierra Leone's opening match, where they secured a goalless draw against Algeria, one of the pre-tournament favorites and the reigning champions.
5. Career Statistics
This section provides an overview of Osman Kakay's professional career statistics at both club and international levels.
5.1. Club Statistics
| Club | Season | League | National cup | League cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Queens Park Rangers | 2015-16 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016-17 | Championship | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2017-18 | Championship | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | ||
| 2018-19 | Championship | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 7 | 0 | ||
| 2019-20 | Championship | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 7 | 0 | ||
| 2020-21 | Championship | 28 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | 29 | 2 | ||
| 2021-22 | Championship | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | - | 17 | 0 | ||
| 2022-23 | Championship | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 23 | 0 | ||
| 2023-24 | Championship | 23 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 25 | 0 | ||
| Total | 98 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 113 | 2 | ||
| Livingston (loan) | 2015-16 | Scottish Championship | 10 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | 12 | 0 | ||
| Chesterfield (loan) | 2016-17 | League One | 8 | 0 | - | - | - | 8 | 0 | |||
| Partick Thistle (loan) | 2019-20 | Scottish Championship | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Career total | 104 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 122 | 2 | ||
5.2. International Statistics
As of his participation in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Osman Kakay has made at least 10 appearances for the Sierra Leone national team, without scoring a goal.