Chasing Dream Across Continents: Abdel Kader Coulibaly
The Striker Igniting Dreams in Cambodian Football
From a small town in Ivory Coast to the ASEAN stage and a face-off with a Premier League giant—Abdel Kader Coulibaly's journey is a testament to unwavering determination, adaptability, and self-belief.
His status as a naturalized Cambodian national team player not only strengthens the national squad but also serves as a significant inspiration for football in Cambodia.
Football Roots in Ivory Coast
Abdel Kader Coulibaly's early football life began in M'Bahiakro (pronounced: Em-Ba-Ya-Kro), a small town in Ivory Coast. He grew up with a deep admiration for global football stars like Didier Drogba, the iconic Ivorian striker whom many aspiring footballers of his generation looked up to as an idol, and Coulibaly was one of them.
Drogba's inspiration profoundly influenced his drive on the field. Beyond individual players, Coulibaly also revealed his favorite club is "Real Madrid," a team where legends like Zinedine Zidane once made history and was another of his idols.
Before Cambodia: Experience in Senegal
"I played in my hometown, then I went to Senegal," Coulibaly recounts.
Before arriving in Cambodia, Coulibaly's playing career included stints with Niarry Tally FC and Mbour Petite Cote FC, both clubs in Senegal.
"I never thought I would have the opportunity to become a national team player, let alone in Cambodia."
His decision to come to Southeast Asia was not part of a pre-planned strategy.
"I just came to extend my visa, but my friend recommended I try training with a team. And unbelievably, everything today started from that point."
Growth and Development in the Cambodian League
Coulibaly made his debut in the Cambodian football league in 2018 and has steadily progressed since—playing for several clubs including Asia Euro United, Ministry of Interior FA, ISI Dangkor Senchey, and most recently, Angkor Tiger FC. With his versatile attacking abilities, he can play both as a central striker and on the wing.
Coulibaly observes, reflecting on the evolution of Cambodian football, that the league has given him more than just professional growth. He stated,
"The league here has developed rapidly, it's professional, and it's starting to be known in Asia. Now, there are players coming from all over the world."
"It makes me feel alive and has helped me rediscover my joy for football."
Joining the Cambodian National Team – A Moment of Pride
Coulibaly's consistency paid off in 2024 when he earned a call-up to the Cambodian national team.
"It was incredible," he said of that moment.
"Five years ago, I never imagined this, but year by year, as time passed, I started to see the path clearly."
Soon after joining the national team, he scored goals against Malaysia and Thailand in the AFF Championship.
"It's a dream," he simply stated.
The path to becoming a national team player wasn't easy but the pride he feels today makes all the effort worthwhile.
His strong desire to be a role model is clear.
"When I wear the national team jersey, I want to be an inspiration. I want young players to look at me and believe that they too can reach that level," he said.
Facing Manchester United in the ASEAN All-Stars Team
This year (2025), Abdel Kader Coulibaly was selected as one of Cambodia's representatives to join the ASEAN All-Stars team, playing against English giants Manchester United in a friendly match in Malaysia.
He described the feeling of stepping onto the pitch alongside global stars as
"Unbelievable." Coulibaly even had to pause and ask himself, "Is this real?"
He recounted the moment he was called up for the team, saying,
"When they called me, I was surprised, but not completely shocked, because I've always believed that everything is possible in the world of football. If you work hard enough, anything can come true."
Coulibaly shared a room with Mohammed Faiz Khan, a fellow defender from the Cambodian league. Despite the team only coming together for a short time, everyone adapted well, and many friendships quickly formed.
"Ashraf Halim, the right-back from Penang FC, is very funny and makes everyone smile," Coulibaly stated.
Even in that brief period, after the game, he had the opportunity to speak with and exchange jerseys with Amad Diallo, a superstar from his home country of Ivory Coast. 🇨🇮
This interaction became a memorable moment that Coulibaly will never forget, and Amad Diallo himself shared the story on his Instagram.
Friendships, Language, and Life Off the Field
Coulibaly is a multilingual player, speaking both French and English. He formed a close bond with Joao Pedro (Timor-Leste) during their time together at Angkor Tiger. They call each other "mon ami" (my friend) and "mon frère" (my brother), referencing the French terms they use.
Future Aspirations
At 32 years old, he remains physically strong and highly skilled. While he's no longer a young boy, he still has clear goals to play at a higher level in the next year or two, though he acknowledges his playing career won't extend indefinitely.
"I intend to be a role model for the younger generation. I want them to look at me and believe that they too can reach that level."
"After that, I might enter coaching or team management after retiring. I want to make my family proud," he shared.
From M'Bahiakro, Ivory Coast, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Coulibaly didn't just find a team—he found a home, a new home that came with a new purpose in life.
As he stated:
"If you work hard, great things can happen, and football can make your dreams come true."
Follow him on Instagram: abdelkader.coulibaly.5
📸: Abedel Kader Coulibaly, Angkor Tiger FC, ASEAN All Stars, AFF
