FootballerMalianDefenderInternational

Salif Coulibaly

Salif Coulibaly is a Malian professional central defender who has played for prominent clubs across Africa and Asia and represented his national team in multiple Africa Cup of Nations.

1. Overview

Salif Coulibaly (born 13 May 1988) is a Malian professional footballer who plays as a central defender. His career has seen him play for several prominent clubs across Africa and Asia, including Djoliba AC, Esteghlal Khuzestan F.C., TP Mazembe, Al Ahly SC, and currently Horoya AC. Coulibaly has also represented the Mali national football team on the international stage, participating in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

2. Early Life and Club Career

Salif Coulibaly's early life and professional journey in club football are marked by his beginnings in Mali and subsequent stints with various clubs across different leagues.

2.1. Birth and Background

Salif Coulibaly was born on 13 May 1988, in Bamako, the capital city of Mali. Details about his early life and upbringing beyond his birthplace are not extensively documented, but his rise in football began in his home country.

2.2. Club Career

Coulibaly began his professional club career with Djoliba AC in Mali. He later moved to Esteghlal Khuzestan F.C. in Iran, where he played for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Following his time in Iran, he joined the Congolese powerhouse TP Mazembe. His career then took him to Egyptian club Al Ahly SC. In January 2019, Coulibaly was set to transfer to the Iraqi club Al-Shorta SC, but this move was ultimately called off. He subsequently joined Horoya AC.

2.2.1. Club Statistics

As of 2 October 2014, Salif Coulibaly's club statistics for his tenure with Esteghlal Khuzestan F.C. are detailed below:

Club PerformanceLeague
SeasonClubLeagueAppearancesGoals
IranLeague
2013-14Esteghlal KhuzestanPro League162
2014-15110
Total272

3. International Career

Salif Coulibaly has been an integral part of the Mali national football team, representing his country in various international competitions since his debut.

Coulibaly made his international debut for Mali in 2012. He has since participated in several major tournaments, including the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, where Mali achieved a third-place finish. He was also part of the Mali squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

3.1. International Goals

Salif Coulibaly has scored at least one goal for the Mali national team. The scores and results list Mali's goal tally first.

#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.13 June 2015Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako, MaliSouth Sudan2-02-02017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

4. Playing Style and Position

Salif Coulibaly primarily plays as a central defender, a position that requires strong defensive capabilities, tactical awareness, and physical presence. His role involves organizing the defense, intercepting passes, winning aerial duels, and initiating attacks from the back.

5. Achievements and Honors

Salif Coulibaly has achieved significant team honors during his international career:

  • 2013 Africa Cup of Nations: Third Place (with Mali national football team)

6. Assessment and Legacy

Salif Coulibaly's career showcases a journey across various top-tier African and Asian clubs, cementing his status as a notable Malian footballer. His consistent presence in the Mali national football team for multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including their third-place finish in 2013, highlights his reliability and contribution to his national side. As a central defender, he has been a key player in the defensive lines of his teams, contributing to their stability and success on the field. His legacy is one of steady performance and dedication to both club and country in the competitive landscape of African football.