Williams Joseph Gabriel Kokolo (born 9 June 2000) is a French professional footballer who plays as a left back for Ligue 2 club Laval.[2] He also plays on the left wing.

Williams Kokolo
Personal information
Full name Williams Joseph Gabriel Kokolo[1]
Date of birth (2000-06-09) 9 June 2000 (age 24)
Place of birth France
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s) Full-back, winger
Team information
Current team
Laval
Number 17
Youth career
0000–2017 Monaco
2017–2018 Sunderland
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2018–2020 Sunderland 0 (0)
2018–2019Darlington (loan) 9 (0)
2020–2022 Middlesbrough 1 (0)
2022–2023 Burton Albion 16 (1)
2023–2024 Swindon Town 28 (2)
2024– Laval 11 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:37, 3 November 2024 (UTC)

Club career

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Sunderland

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Kokolo signed for Sunderland in July 2017, having left Monaco at the age of 16.[3]

On 6 December 2018, Kokolo signed for National League North side Darlington on a "work experience loan".[4] He made his professional debut two days later, starting and playing the full match in a 2–1 loss to Nuneaton Borough.[5] During his tenure, Kokolo made 3 starts and 6 substitute appearances for the Quakers.[6]

Middlesbrough

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On 11 March 2020, Kokolo signed a two-year contract with local rivals Middlesbrough of the Championship, signing for the Teesside-based club on a free transfer.[7]

Burton Albion

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On 11 January 2022, Kokolo signed for EFL League One side Burton Albion.[8] He scored his first goal on 12 February 2022 in a 2-2 draw against Cambridge United[9]

Swindon Town

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On 11 November 2023, Kololo officially signed for EFL League Two side Swindon Town[10] on a three-month deal, valid until January 2024 following a two-week trial period, joining the club on a free transfer after being released from Burton Albion at the end of the 2022-23 season. On 5 January 2024, Kokolo signed an extension to his contract until the end of the season.[11]

Laval

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Kokolo returned to French football when he signed for Ligue 2 club Laval in July 2024.[12]

Personal life

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Kokolo was born in France and holds Congolese nationality.[13]

In August 2022, Kokolo was charged with three counts of rape. In June 2023 Kokolo was acquitted of all charges.[14]

References

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  1. ^ "Club List of Registered Players as at 21st May 2022" (PDF). English Football League. p. 47. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  2. ^ "W. Kokolo". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  3. ^ "Sunderland sign Kokolo". Chronicle Live. 6 December 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  4. ^ "Kokolo heads to Darlington on work experience loan". Chronicle Live. 6 December 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  5. ^ "Kokolo makes Darlington debut". Darlington. 8 December 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
  6. ^ "Middlesbrough complete signing of Sunderland youngster Williams Kokolo". Team Talk. 11 March 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  7. ^ "Middlesbrough sign former Monaco and Sunderland defender". Teesside Gazette. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  8. ^ "William Kokolo signs on a permanent deal from Middlesbrough". Burton Albion FC. 11 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  9. ^ "Brewers score first at last but pegged back for a draw". burtonmail. 12 February 2022. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  10. ^ "Town sign Williams Kokolo". www.swindontownfc.co.uk. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  11. ^ "Williams Kokolo signs contract extension". Swindon Town. 5 January 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  12. ^ Cotta, Martin (10 July 2024). "Ligue 2 : les défenseurs Williams Kokolo et William Bianda nouvelles recrues du Stade Lavallois" [Ligue 2: Stade Lavallois sign defenders Williams Kokolo and William Bianda]. France Bleu (in French). Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  13. ^ "Transfert: Burton Albion garde un œil sur William Kokolo". 11 January 2022.
  14. ^ "KOKOLO CLEARED ON ALL CHARGES". www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 June 2023.