From Cameroon to France, from Greece to Japan, Olivier Boumal’s career has taken him all across the world and now he’s a Newcastle Jet.
It’s been a long and successful road for the 31-year-old attacker, but he’s got no plans of slowing up. This is his journey so far.
THE BEGINNING
Olivier was born in the major city of Cameroon, Douala, where he also began his footballing career. At the age of 16, he moved to Paris, France to play with CFF Paris, and it wasn’t long before a bigger club, AS Saint-Etienne, noticed him.
He spent time playing in the youth and reserves team there before making a move to Greece to play with Panetolikos and Panionios.
In the time he spent at those two clubs, 2013 and 2016, Boumal scored 20 goals and 20 assists and from that, he earned himself a chance at a highly successful European club.
THE BREAKTHROUGH
In December 2015, Olivier secured a move to the 20-time Greek champions, Panathinaikos. He arrived with a bang, scoring on debut, but received a broken collarbone after only a couple of weeks at the club.
His time there was still successful though, achieving three goals, five assists and even appearances in the UEFA Europa League.
In 2017, Boumal made his way to Asia, after he was signed by Chinese club, Liaoning Whowin, for $3.5 million (AUD). From his time playing in both China, and Japan with Yokohama F.Marinos he managed five goals and six assists and his performances impressed enough to be selected in the Cameroon national team.
Olivier featured throughout the Africa Cup of Nations, World Cup qualification and the Confederations Cup, only losing one match from the six he’s played.
THE PRESENT
The creative attacker has now arrived in Newcastle and is training with the team following a two week quarantine period.
He’s strong, quick and has an ability to create goal scoring chances for his teammates – all reasons why Manager, Arthur Papas has brought him in.
Boumal has already shown he’s accustomed to adapting to new styles of play right around the globe in various leagues, and we’re confident his team in the A-League will be no different.
Olivier’s journey doesn’t stop now. The best is yet to come.
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