Calvin Zola-Makongo (born 31 December 1984), often known simply as Calvin Zola, is a Congolese former professional footballer who played as a forward. Born in Kinshasa, Zaire, he began his career as a youth player at Newcastle United. Zola went on to have spells at Tranmere Rovers, Crewe Alexandra, Burton Albion and Aberdeen. His last club was Stevenage, who released him in May 2015 due to injury setbacks.
Career Zola began his career Newcastle United, and he spent a loan spell at Oldham Athletic before moving to Tranmere Rovers, where problems were discovered with his visa and he was unable to work (i.e. play) until a solution was reached. In May 2005 he was granted a full permit and returned in time for training for the 2005–06 season.
In June 2008, he signed with League One club Crewe Alexandra for a transfer fee of £200,000. On 18 January 2011, he signed on loan to Burton Albion until the end of the season. In May 2011, Zola was released from his contract at Crewe Alexandra. and agreed to join Burton on a permanent basis the following month.
On 18 June 2013, Zola signed a two-year deal with Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen. He scored his first goal for Aberdeen on 14 September 2013, in a 3–0 win against Partick Thistle. Zola had his contract cancelled by Aberdeen after the 2013–14 season, during which he had scored three goals.
Zola joined Stevenage on 20 June 2014 following his release from Aberdeen.
After an injury hit season, Zola was released by Stevenage on 20 May 2015, along with 12 other players.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsNewcastle United2001–02Premier League00000000002002–03Premier League00000000002003–04Premier League0000000000Total0000000000Oldham Athletic (loan)2003–04Second Division255110021287Tranmere Rovers2004–05League One1521021111942005–06League One2240000102342006–07League One2951010003152007–08League One305401000355Total961660412110818Crewe Alexandra2008–09League One2754010203452009–10League Two341511111137182010–11League Two6100101081Total67215131417924Burton Albion (loan)2010–11League Two183110000194Burton Albion2011–12League Two361211111039142012–13League Two31114310223816Total85266521329634Aberdeen2013–14Scottish Premiership203103000243Stevenage2014–15League Two7000001080Career total3007119712312534386
References
External links Calvin Zola player profile at Burton Albion F.C. Calvin Zola Makongo player profile at crewealex.net