Malick Martin Fofana (born 31 March 2005) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a winger for club Sunderland and the Belgium national team.
Club career Gent Fofana started playing football at Eendracht Aalst before joining Gent's youth academy at the age of nine. He signed his first professional contract there in January 2022.
After he already participated in the pre-season friendlies, Fofana made his professional debut for Gent on the 30 July 2022, replacing Hugo Cuypers during a 1–1 home Division A draw against Sint-Truiden. Only one week later, he was awarded his first start against Westerlo, leading his team to a 2–1 home victory.
Lyon On 10 January 2024, Fofana joined Ligue 1 side Lyon for a fee of €17 million, plus €5 million in add-ons, and a 20% sell-on clause on a future sale in favor of Gent; he signed a contract until June 2028 with the French club. In the process, he became the third Belgian player in the history of Lyon, following Éric Deflandre and Jason Denayer.
Sunderland On 1 September 2026, Fofana signed a long-term contract with Premier League side Sunderland. The transfer fee was reportedly £25.7m.
International career Fofana is a youth international for Belgium, having first established himself as a regular goalscorer with the under-17 national team, with whom he played the 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
In October 2024, Fofana received his first call-up to the senior Belgium national team for their 2024–25 UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and France. He debuted against the former opponent on 14 October.
Personal life Born in Belgium, Fofana is of Guinean, French and Filipino descent. Fofana holds Guinean and French nationalities from his parents.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals Jong Gent2022–23Belgian Division 1134————134Gent2022–23Belgian Pro League22031—70103312023–24Belgian Pro League19220—102—314Total41251—17210645Lyon2023–24Ligue 117341———2142024–25Ligue 129520—106—41112025–26Ligue 112200—40—1622026–27Ligue 121——41—62Total601161—187—8319Sunderland2026–27Premier League30001010—50Career total11717112103691016628
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsBelgium202410202541202610Total61
Scores and results list Belgium's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Fofana goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Malick FofanaNo.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition 1 4 September 2025 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein 2 6–0 6–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
Honours Lyon Coupe de France runner-up: 2023–24
References
External links
Belgium profile at Belgian FA