Toulouse FC Forwards 2024/25

As the 2024/25 football season unfolds, Toulouse FC boasts a dynamic and diverse attacking lineup. The club’s forwards hail from various backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and experiences to the pitch. This article provides an in-depth look at each forward, detailing their nationalities, career trajectories, transfer details, and contributions to the team.

1. Zakaria Aboukhlal

Born on February 18, 2000, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Zakaria Aboukhlal is a professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Toulouse FC and the Moroccan national team. Standing at 1.79 meters, Aboukhlal began his youth career at GVV Unitas and GVV Raptim before joining PSV Eindhoven‘s academy in 2009. He made his professional debut with Jong PSV in 2018, appearing in the Eerste Divisie. In August 2019, he transferred to AZ Alkmaar, where he played 69 matches and scored nine goals. On June 24, 2022, Aboukhlal signed with Toulouse FC for a reported fee of €2 million. In his first season, he made 37 Ligue 1 appearances, netting ten goals and providing five assists. Notably, he scored in the 2023 Coupe de France final, contributing to Toulouse’s 5–1 victory over Nantes. Internationally, Aboukhlal represented the Netherlands at youth levels before committing to Morocco, earning 21 caps and scoring three goals as of February 2024.

2. Yann Gboho

Gnantin Yann-Alexandre Gboho, born on January 14, 2001, in Man, Ivory Coast, is a forward for Toulouse FC. At 1.73 meters tall, Gboho’s professional journey began with Stade Rennais, where he signed his first contract in May 2018. He debuted in the 2019 Trophée des Champions and scored his first Ligue 1 goal in October 2019 against Toulouse. In July 2021, Gboho was loaned to Vitesse in the Netherlands, gaining valuable experience. He then moved to Cercle Brugge in August 2022 on a three-year deal. Toulouse FC secured his services on January 8, 2024, for a reported €2.5 million. Since joining, Gboho has made 29 appearances and scored five goals, showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess.

3. Frank Magri

Frank Mario Magri, born on September 4, 1999, in Agen, France, is a forward for Toulouse FC and the Cameroon national team. Standing at 1.78 meters, Magri began his career with Angers‘ reserves in 2019. In January 2022, he transferred to Bastia in Ligue 2, where he made an immediate impact, scoring 13 goals in 24 appearances during the 2022–2023 season. His impressive performance caught the attention of Toulouse FC, leading to his transfer on July 21, 2023. In his debut Ligue 1 season, Magri played 29 matches, contributing five goals and two assists. Internationally, he chose to represent Cameroon, earning 12 caps and scoring two goals as of November 2024.

4. Joshua King

Joshua King, born on January 15, 1992, in Oslo, Norway, is a seasoned forward for Toulouse FC. At 1.80 meters tall, King has had an extensive career across several European leagues. He began his professional journey with Manchester United in 2009 but found more playing time during loan spells with clubs like Preston North End, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Hull City, and Blackburn Rovers. In 2015, he signed with AFC Bournemouth, where he enjoyed a prolific period, scoring 48 goals in 161 appearances over five seasons. Subsequent stints included Everton and Watford before he made a move to Toulouse FC in June 2023. In his first season with Toulouse, King has brought experience and leadership to the squad, contributing three goals in Ligue 1. On the international stage, he has been a stalwart for the Norwegian national team since 2012, earning over 60 caps and netting 20 goals.

5. Shavy Babicka

Shavy Babicka, born in 2000, is a Gabonese forward who joined Toulouse FC in January 2024. Before his move to France, Babicka played for Aris Limassol FC in Cyprus, where he showcased his goal-scoring abilities with three goals in five appearances during the 2023–2024 season. Since joining Toulouse, he has made an impact by scoring three goals in five Ligue 1 matches in the 2024–2025 season. Babicka’s agility and finishing skills have added a new dimension to Toulouse’s attacking lineup.

6. Niklas Schmidt

Niklas Schmidt, born on March 1, 1998, in Kassel, Germany, is an attacking midfielder and forward for Toulouse FC. Standing at 1.83 meters, Schmidt developed through the youth systems of FC Kilia Kiel and Werder Bremen. He made his professional debut with Werder Bremen II in 2015 and later featured for the first team. In the 2022–2023 season, Schmidt played 24 matches in the Bundesliga, scoring three goals. Seeking new challenges, he transferred to Toulouse FC in July 2023. In his debut Ligue 1 season, Schmidt made 22 appearances, contributing one goal and one assist. Known for his vision and playmaking abilities, he adds creativity to Toulouse’s forward line.

Conclusion

Toulouse FC’s forward lineup for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youthful exuberance, and tactical versatility. Each attacker brings something different to the squad, whether it’s Aboukhlal’s dribbling prowess, Magri’s clinical finishing, or Gboho’s dynamic movement. The club has worked diligently to assemble a front line that is capable of competing at the highest level in Ligue 1 and beyond. As the season progresses, Toulouse will rely on these forwards to deliver goals, create chances, and keep opposing defenses on edge. The combination of emerging talents and seasoned professionals provides a balanced attack that can adapt to various tactical setups. With players from different backgrounds and footballing cultures, the squad is well-equipped to challenge for higher league positions and make an impact in cup competitions.