| Intro | Spanish footballer |
| Is |
Athlete Football player Association football player |
| From | Senegal |
| Type | Sports |
| Gender | male |
| Birth |
19 January 1996, Blanes, Selva, Comarques Gironines, Girona Province |
| Age | 24 years |
Mamadou Tounkara (born 19 January 1996) is a Spanish footballer who plays as a forward for Italian club Lazio.
Club career
Early career
Born in Blanes, Girona, Catalonia, to Senegalese parents, Tounkara first began playing football with FC Barcelona’s youth academy. In 2011, he was loaned to Centre D’Esports Farners in Selva. Tounkara had a release clause of 3 million euro written into his Barcelona contract but injuries saw the club lose interest in the striker.
Lazio
After his Barcelona contract expired, Serie A club Lazio signed Tounkara to a three-year deal in August 2012. In Rome, he joined his former Barcelona teammate Keita Baldé Diao. Tounkara spent his first two seasons with the club playing in the Primavera youth team, first under Alberto Bollini and later under Simone Inzaghi. As a promsing player, he was also selected to join the senior squad at pre-season camp in Auronzo di Cadore.
Having been training with the first team, Tounkara made his Serie A debut in the final match of the 2013–14 season, which Lazio won 1–0 at the Stadio Olimpico against Bologna. Tounkara came off the bench to replace Miroslav Klose in the 81st minute of the game.
Crotone (loan)
In July 2015, Mamadou Tounkara was transferred to Crotone on loan. The deal included a buy-out option for Crotone, while Lazio have a buy-back option.
Salernitana (loan)
On 1 February 2016, Tounkara joined Salernitana on loan until the end of the season.
I am Senegalese, and I support our national team. It’s true that I am binational, but I’ve already discussed with all my family. I am ready to come and defend the colours of my country.
–Mamadou Tounkara
International career
Tounkara is eligible to represent both Spain and Senegal at international level. In 2012, he received a call-up to the Spanish under-17 side. Four years later, Tounkara revealed his decision to play for Senegal.