PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kamaldeen Sulemana |
| Date of Birth | 15/02/2002 (Age: 24) |
| Place of Birth | Techiman, Ghana |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Height | 1.74–1.75 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 69 kg |
| Position | Winger / Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #7 (Atalanta) |
| Current Club | Atalanta BC |
| Previous Clubs | FC Nordsjælland, Rennes, Southampton |
| International Caps | 30 |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2029 |
| Market Value | €18.5M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America was supposed to be Kamaldeen Sulemana’s stage. Having already featured in the 2022 tournament as a teenager, the 24-year-old winger arrived in North America with expectations weighing on his shoulders. Ghana had been drawn into a challenging Group L alongside England and Croatia, and Sulemana was seen as a key attacking weapon.
His tournament began with promise. He started Ghana’s opening match against Panama, playing 58 minutes in a 1-0 victory. The fans in Toronto saw flashes of his electrifying pace and dribbling ability—the qualities that had earned him a €17.5 million move to Atalanta just months earlier.
But then came the disappointment. Against England, he was an unused substitute as Ghana held the Three Lions to a 0-0 draw. He started against Croatia in Philadelphia, playing 71 minutes in a 2-1 defeat. Ghana finished third in the group, level on points with Croatia but eliminated on goal difference—their World Cup campaign over after just three matches.
For Sulemana, who had scored just one international goal in 30 caps, it was another tournament without finding the net. The “anonymous World Cup” that followed was described in the Italian press as “a season below par” for the Nerazzurri winger. He returned to Bergamo to face an uncertain future under new manager Maurizio Sarri.
Origins
Born on February 15, 2002, in Techiman, Ghana, Kamaldeen Sulemana’s football journey began in the heart of the country. He started his youth career at Techiman Liberty FC before joining the renowned Right to Dream Academy, the same breeding ground that produced the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah.
His move to Europe came in 2020, when he joined Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjælland—a club known for its progressive approach to developing African talent. Sulemana made an immediate impact, scoring 14 goals and providing 5 assists in 42 league appearances across two seasons. His performances in Denmark caught the attention of scouts across Europe.
The European Forge
FC Nordsjælland (2020-2021):
Sulemana’s professional breakthrough came at Nordsjælland, where he showcased his explosive speed and dribbling ability. In his debut season, the 2019/20 campaign, he made 13 appearances and scored 4 goals in the Danish Superliga. The following season, 2020/21, he established himself as one of the league’s most exciting talents, making 29 appearances, scoring 10 goals, and providing 4 assists.
Stade Rennais (2021-2023):
In 2021, Sulemana made the move to Ligue 1, signing with Rennes. His first season in France was productive: 20 appearances, 4 goals, and 2 assists. The 2022/23 season saw his playing time reduce—14 appearances, 1 goal—but his potential remained evident. In total for Rennes, he made 34 appearances, scoring 5 goals.
Southampton (2023-2025):
In January 2023, Sulemana joined Southampton in a club-record transfer, reportedly valued at around €17 million. He made an immediate impression in the Premier League, scoring 2 goals in 18 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign. The 2023/24 season saw him feature 25 times in the Championship, registering 3 assists.
The 2024/25 Premier League season was his most significant at Southampton. He made 26 appearances (17 starts), scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist in 1,402 minutes. Across his three seasons at Southampton, he made 69 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists.
Atalanta BC (2025-Present):
On July 9, 2025, Sulemana completed a transfer to Italian Serie A side Atalanta BC in a deal worth €17.5 million plus €4 million in add-ons. The move reunited him with Ivan Juric, his former manager at Southampton.
The 2025/26 season marked his debut in Italian football. He made 25 Serie A appearances (9 starts), scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist in 1,011 minutes. He also featured in the UEFA Champions League, making 9 appearances. Across all competitions for Atalanta, he made 37 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists.
Ghana National Team (2020-Present):
Sulemana made his senior debut for Ghana in 2020 and has since earned 30 caps for the Black Stars, scoring 1 international goal. He has represented Ghana at two World Cups (2022 and 2026) and was part of the squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The World Cup Campaigns:
At the 2022 World Cup, Sulemana made 2 appearances, playing 58 minutes. At the 2026 tournament, he featured in two of Ghana’s three group matches: starting against Panama (58 minutes) and Croatia (71 minutes). He was an unused substitute against England. Ghana finished third in Group L and were eliminated.
The Anatomy of His Game
Kamaldeen Sulemana is an explosive, right-footed winger known for his blistering pace, dribbling ability, and creativity. Standing at 174 cm, he uses his low centre of gravity and quick feet to beat defenders.
In Possession:
Sulemana’s pace and dribbling are his greatest weapons. He has scored 24 goals and provided 13 assists in 170 career appearances across five leagues. In the 2025/26 Serie A season, he recorded 2 goals, 1 assist, and 4 yellow cards. He averaged 1.0 shots per 90 minutes in Serie A with a pass completion rate of 84.8%.
Out of Possession:
Sulemana contributes to pressing phases, though his primary value remains in attacking transitions. His disciplinary record shows 29 yellow cards and 2 red cards in 199 career appearances.
Psychological Edge:
Sulemana’s mental resilience has been tested throughout his career. He has moved between clubs, faced the pressure of a record transfer, and struggled with goal-scoring form at international level. His determination to “grow, learn, and give something extra to the team” at Atalanta speaks to his ambition and professionalism.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 25 (9/16) | 1,003 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| UEFA Champions League | 9 (2/7) | 288 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Coppa Italia | 3 | — | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup | 2 (2/0) | 129 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 39 | 1,420+ | 3 | 2 | 4 |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Nordsjælland | Danish Superliga | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| 2020-21 | Nordsjælland | Danish Superliga | 29 | 10 | 4 |
| 2021-22 | Rennes | Ligue 1 | 20 | 4 | 2 |
| 2022-23 | Rennes | Ligue 1 | 14 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022-23 | Southampton | Premier League | 18 | 2 | 1 |
| 2023-24 | Southampton | Championship | 25 | 0 | 3 |
| 2024-25 | Southampton | Premier League | 26 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025-26 | Atalanta | Serie A | 25 | 2 | 1 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 199 | 27 | 17 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 (2/0) | 127 | 0 | Group Stage |
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 2 (0/2) | 58 | 0 | Group Stage |
| Africa Cup of Nations 2021 | 3 | 205 | 0 | — |
| Ghana Senior Career | 30 | 1,511 | 1 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Senior Debut | FC Nordsjælland |
| 2020 | International Debut | Ghana national team |
| 2021 | Rennes Transfer | Move to Ligue 1 |
| 2022 | World Cup Debut | Represented Ghana |
| 2023 | Southampton Transfer | Club-record fee |
| 2025 | Atalanta Transfer | €17.5m + add-ons |
| 2025 | Champions League Debut | Atalanta |
| 2026 | Second World Cup | Started 2 matches, 129 minutes |
What these figures reveal is a player who has experienced the highs and lows of elite football. At just 24, Sulemana has accumulated nearly 200 professional appearances across five leagues. His 27 goals and 17 assists highlight his creative output, though his international goal return of 1 in 30 caps remains an area for improvement.
The Present Tense
Kamaldeen Sulemana is 24 years old and at a critical stage in his career. He is an Atalanta player, a two-time World Cup representative, and one of Ghana’s most high-profile footballers. However, his immediate focus is on regaining the trust of his new manager.
The Atalanta Story:
Sulemana joined Atalanta in July 2025 in a €17.5 million deal, reuniting with former Southampton manager Ivan Juric. The 2025/26 season was his first in Italian football, and he made 25 Serie A appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist. Juric was sacked during the campaign and replaced by Maurizio Sarri, leaving Sulemana’s future uncertain.
The World Cup Campaign:
Sulemana represented Ghana at the 2026 World Cup, starting matches against Panama and Croatia. He played 129 minutes in the tournament but failed to score. Ghana were eliminated in the group stage, finishing third in Group L.
International Record:
Sulemana has 30 caps for Ghana, with 1 international goal. He has represented his country in two World Cups and the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Sarri Challenge:
Following his return from the World Cup, Sulemana faces a new challenge: earning the trust of Maurizio Sarri. The Italian coach is reportedly assessing the Ghanaian winger as he prepares for the 2026/27 season. The Italian press has described Sulemana as a “mysterious object,” reflecting the inconsistency that has defined his career to date.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Kamaldeen Sulemana is defined by his journey from Techiman to the top of European football. Born in the Ghanaian city of Techiman, he joined the Right to Dream Academy and moved to Denmark at 18. His rise from the Ghanaian youth system to a €17.5 million transfer to Atalanta is a testament to his talent and ambition.
Sulemana has been open about his desire to improve: “I’m not here to replace anyone, but to grow, learn, and give something extra to the team. Atalanta is a huge opportunity.” His determination to succeed at the highest level remains undimmed despite the challenges he has faced.
The Verdict from the Camp
Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ghana and Atalanta winger:
“I’m not here to replace anyone, but to grow, learn, and give something extra to the team. Atalanta is a huge opportunity, Juric knows me, knows how I work and what I can do. The National Team? It’s always been my dream.”
Quotidiano Sportivo (Italian press):
“The 24-year-old Ghanaian returned to Zingonia… an anonymous World Cup that closed a season below par for ‘Dino’ Sulemana, who arrived in Bergamo last summer and remained partly a mysterious object.”
Statistic:
Sulemana has 30 caps for Ghana with 1 international goal.
Statistic:
Sulemana made 25 Serie A appearances in the 2025/26 season, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist.
Statistic:
Sulemana has made 199 senior club appearances across five European leagues, scoring 27 goals.
Statistic:
Sulemana’s transfer to Atalanta was valued at €17.5 million plus €4 million in add-ons.
Where Next?
Kamaldeen Sulemana is 24 years old and at a crossroads in his career. Under new manager Maurizio Sarri, he has an opportunity to prove his worth at Atalanta and establish himself as a key player in Serie A. However, the Italian press has described his first season as “below par,” and he must earn Sarri’s trust to secure regular playing time.
For Ghana, Sulemana remains a key figure. With 30 caps and two World Cups under his belt, he is one of the most experienced members of the squad. His ability to unlock defences with his pace and dribbling remains a valuable asset for the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
From Techiman to the World Cup, from Right to Dream to Serie A, Kamaldeen Sulemana’s journey is one of talent, ambition, and the pursuit of consistency. The boy who moved to Denmark at 18 has become a €17.5 million European footballer and a two-time World Cup representative—and his story is far from over.
