 |
Blaise NkufoSwiss footballer of Zairean origin
Date of Birth: 25.05.1975
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Early Life and Immigration
- Professional Career
- Seattle Sounders (2010-Present)
- International Career
- Name Confusion
Early Life and Immigration
Blaise Isetsima Nkufo was born on 25 May 1975, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). When he was seven years old, his family immigrated to Switzerland. Nkufo became a naturalized Swiss citizen at the age of 20.
Professional Career
European Clubs (1993-2010)Nkufo began his professional football career with Lausanne Sport in 1993. He subsequently played for Echallens, Al-Arabi (Qatar), Yverdon-Sport, Lausanne Sport again, Grasshopper Club Zürich, Lugano, and Lucerne before moving to Germany in 2002.
He spent time with Mainz and Hannover in Germany before joining the Dutch club Twente in 2003. With Twente, Nkufo became the club's all-time top goalscorer, spending six seasons with the team.
Seattle Sounders (2010-Present)
In February 2010, it was reported that Nkufo had signed with the Seattle Sounders. The team confirmed the move on 4 March 2010. Nkufo joined the Sounders on July 13, 2010.
International Career
Nkufo made his international debut for Switzerland in 2002. He was not selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad but represented Switzerland at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Name Confusion
There has been some confusion in the media regarding Nkufo's name. It should be spelled "Nkufo", not "N'Kufo". The "N" is not pronounced. Nkufo's name has also been spelled differently on his shirt at various times, including "Nkufo", "N'Kufo", and "Nkufu".
