About Kurt Zouma

Kurt Happy Zouma (born 27 October 1994) is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah, on loan from Premier League club West Ham United, and the France national team.

He began his career at Saint-Étienne, making his professional debut aged 16. Zouma won the Coupe de la Ligue with the club in 2013, and joined Chelsea for £12 million in January 2014. Chelsea loaned him back to his first club for the remainder of the season, and in his first full campaign in England, Zouma helped Chelsea win the League Cup and the Premier League.

Zouma has represented France at youth levels, up to under-21. He made his senior international debut against Denmark on 29 March 2015.

Born in Lyon, Zouma joined Saint-Étienne in 2009. On 2 April 2011, he signed his first professional contract, agreeing to a three-year deal. He was, subsequently, promoted to the senior team by manager Christophe Galtier ahead of the 2011–12 season. Zouma made his professional debut on 31 August 2011 in a Coupe de la Ligue match against Bordeaux. He played the entire match in a 3–1 win.

On 20 April 2013, Zouma played in Saint-Étienne's 1–0 win over Rennes in the final of the Coupe de la Ligue.

On 7 November 2013, Zouma was banned for 10 games following a challenge that left Sochaux's Thomas Guerbert with a broken right leg and a dislocated ankle.