Mamadou Doumbia (footballer, born 2006)

Mamadou Doumbia; (born 18 February 2006) is a Malian footballer who currently plays as a forward for Watford and the Mali national team.

Club career
Doumbia signed for English club Watford in February 2024, on a six-year contract, and officially joined on 1 July 2024.

U-17 Africa Cup of Nations
In the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Doumbia played Mali's first game, 1 May, in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso scoring the only goal. He would go on to score in 4 consecutive games as his team progressed to the semi-final in which they lost on penalties to Morocco. Following his performance, he was named in the best XI squad for the tournament and finished as the second-highest top goalscorer.

U-17 World Cup
In November 2023, Mamadou Doumbia was selected to take part in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He scored a hat-trick for Mali in their opening game against Uzbekistan earning the player of the match award. Mali reached the semi-final where they lost to France 2-1 and in the third place play-off, Doumbia scored the 2nd goal in a 3-0 win over Argentina granting Mali a 3rd finish in the tournament.

Senior
Doumbia made his international debut for Mali at 18 years old in a 2-0 win against Nigeria in a friendly on the 26 March 2024, coming on as a substitute in additional time.

Style of Play
Doumbia is a modern target man praised for his instinct, movement, and composure. He excels in linking play, making powerful runs, and maintaining possession with his strength and technique. His teammate Ange Martial Tia compared him to Erling Haaland, noting his versatility and effectiveness both in the air and on the ground.

U17 Mali

 * U-17 Africa Cup of Nations: 4th place (2023)
 * FIFA U-17 World Cup: 3rd place (2023)