Malick Yalcouyé

Malick Junior Yalcouyé (born 18 November 2005) is a professional footballer who plays for club Brighton & Hove Albion. Primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder, Yalcouyé can also play as a central midfielder or winger. Born in Mali, he is a youth international for the Ivory Coast.

Club career

Early career Yalcouyé came through the academy at Center De Formation Étoiles De Sahel Abobo. He then played for ASEC Mimosas. Yalcouyé made his debut in the CAF Champions League for ASEC Mimosas against Coton FC on 20 August 2023.

He joined IFK Göteborg from ASEC Mimosas in the 2023–24 winter transfer window, agreeing to a contact until 31 December 2028. He made his competitive debut for the club against Nordic United FC in 2023–24 Svenska Cupen on 18 February 2024. He made his debut in Allsvenskan against Djurgårdens IF on 1 April 2024. He scored his first league goal for the club on 29 April 2024 against IF Brommapojkarna.

Brighton & Hove Albion On 12 July 2024, Yalcouyé joined Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, signing a contract until June 2029. In August 2024, he joined Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz on a season-long loan deal. On 14 August 2025, Yalcouyé joined EFL Championship club Swansea City on a season-long loan.

Following his return to Brighton, Yalcouyé scored his first Premier League goal in a 4–3 away defeat against Chelsea on 30 August 2026.

International career Born in Mali and raised in Ivory Coast, Yalcouyé holds dual Ivorian and Malian citizenship. He is eligible to represent Ivory Coast, through having been raised there. On 27 May 2025, he was called up to the Ivory Coast U23s for a friendly. He debuted with the Ivory Coast U23s in a friendly 3–0 loss to the Netherlands U23s on 6 June 2025.

Career statistics

Honours Sturm Graz Austrian Bundesliga: 2024–25

Individual Austrian Bundesliga Newcomer of the Season: 2024–25 Austrian Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2024–25