Cameroonian footballer Georges-Kevin Nkoudou has contributed to 23 goals during 1.5 seasons in the Saudi Pro League.
Despite being 29 years old, he has experienced a significant breakthrough in his career during this period. The professional footballer credits this success to the advice of Harry Kane.
Nkoudou played alongside Kane at Tottenham Hotspur between 2016 and 2019. Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, the African winger had this to say about the prolific striker:
“I learn a lot from watching Harry because, as a goalscorer, I have never seen anyone like him. I know I can get myself in good positions. [But] some goals I have scored with Damac are because I think about Kane. He is such a clever guy in front of goal.
He (Kane) always told me, ‘You need to be calm.’ I’m a winger, so I wasn’t used to being in front of goal. Now I’m more calm, more confident, because I remember this advice.”
The 29-year-old winger struggled to secure regular playing time during his time at Spurs. However, he believes that this challenging period was instrumental in his development. In 2022, while playing for Turkish side Beşiktaş, Nkoudou made his debut for the Cameroon national team. Sharing the story behind his decision to represent Cameroon, he explained:
“Since I was young, my family wanted me to play for Cameroon, but I grew up French. However, when I spoke to my family and friends, I knew it was going to be a big honour for me. It was an easy decision.”
“Honestly, nothing is like the World Cup. As an African team, it is a little bit different because you’re not the favourite, but you need to give everything for your shirt and for your country.”
After a long gap, Nkoudou was named man of the match during the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Zimbabwe. In the 2-1 victory, he contributed with one goal and one assist. Reflecting on his performance and mentality, he said:
“I’m a quieter guy in the dressing room and don’t always show myself so much, but when a new coach comes, at the beginning, you need to prove yourself. I know what I can do, and I think football never lies. If you keep working, then opportunities come.
I like competition, and I like a challenge. I know when I play, I can do great things for a team.”
Nkoudou believes the upcoming AFCON tournament presents a strong opportunity for Cameroon to reclaim the title. He highlighted the team’s progress under the new coach:
“We have almost the same players, but the quality now on the pitch is higher, and you can see the results. Everyone knows better what they need to do and what the coach wants from us.
I think really the next AFCON can be a great opportunity for Cameroon to get back the crown.”