Kevin Danso

Kevin Danso (born 19 September 1998) is an Austrian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Sunderland, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and the Austria national team.

After playing in various English academies, Danso joined German club FC Augsburg in 2014 and made his first team debut in 2016. Following loans to Southampton and Fortuna Düsseldorf, Danso would join French Ligue 1 club RC Lens in 2021. In his second season at Lens, the club achieved their highest league finish in 21 years and Danso was named in the UNFP's Ligue 1 Team of the Season. Danso joined English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on loan in February 2025 where he won the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League, signing permanently for Tottenham 10 days following the final.

Danso made his debut for the Austria national team in 2017 after previously playing at youth level from under-15 to under-21, going on to represent Austria at UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Early life Danso was born in Austria to Ghanaian parents before moving to Milton Keynes in England at the age of six.

Club career

Early years Danso joined the academy of Milton Keynes Dons at under 9 level having previously been a striker in the Reading academy, staying at the club until 2014 before moving to FC Augsburg in Germany.

FC Augsburg On 3 March 2017, Danso made his Bundesliga debut for FC Augsburg at the age of 18 years and 165 days, becoming the youngest player to make a league appearance in the club's history. A week later, he signed a new four-year contract with the club.

Southampton loan On 9 August 2019, the day after the Premier League transfer window closed, it was announced that Danso signed for Southampton on a one-year loan, with the option to buy at the end of the 2019–20 season.

Fortuna Düsseldorf loan On 18 August 2020 he went to Fortuna Düsseldorf on loan. He left Fortuna upon the expiration of his contract on 24 May 2021.

Lens On 6 August 2021, Danso joined Ligue 1 side RC Lens. On 19 March 2022, he scored his first goal with Lens against Clermont. During the 2022–23 season, he played a crucial role in helping his team secure second place in the league and qualify for the following season's Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur On 2 February 2025, Danso joined Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on loan for the remainder of the season with an obligation to buy at the end of the season. He made his first appearance for Spurs on 6 February in a 4–0 defeat away to Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-final. Danso was selected in the squad that played the 2025 UEFA Europa League final, entering the game as a substitute, and helping Tottenham to win their first trophy for seventeen years.

On 31 May 2025, Danso joined Tottenham Hotspur permanently from Lens for £21 million.

Danso started in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, playing the full match against PSG as Tottenham lost on penalties after the match ended 2–2. Danso was used as a long throw-in specialist in the match, drawing significant media attention.

Danso Scored his first and only goal for Tottenham on the 26th of August in a 5-1 victory against Charlton in the 2nd Round of the EFL Cup.

Sunderland loan On 1 September 2026, Danso joined fellow Premier League club Sunderland on loan on a season-long loan.

International career

Danso was eligible to represent Ghana or Austria internationally. He represented Austria's U15, U16, U17, Austria U18, and U19 youth teams.

In May 2017, he received his first call-up to the senior national team. In the group stage, Danso started in Austria's 1–0 defeat to France and made a substitute appearance in their 3–1 win over Poland , progressing to the knockouts. In the knockout round, Danso would start in Austria's 2-1 Round of 16 defeat against Turkey

In October 2025, he was part of “Austrian football history” as he played the entire match in a 10–0 victory over San Marino, Austria's biggest win in international football.

On 18 May 2026, Danso was selected in Ralf Rangnick’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking Austria’s first appearance in the tournament since 1998. In the group stage, Danso would start against Argentina, and made substitute appearances against Algeria and Jordan , qualifying for the knockouts. In the knockout round, Danso would start in Austria's 3-0 Round of 32 defeat to Spain.

Career statistics Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2015–16 Regionalliga Bayern

2017–18 Premier League

Fortuna Düsseldorf (loan) 2020–21 Premier League

2025–26 Premier League

2026–27 Premier League

34!!0!!2!!0!!4!!1!!10!!0!!1!!0!!51!!1 Sunderland (loan) 2026–27

Honours Tottenham Hotspur UEFA Europa League: 2024–25

Individual UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2022–23