Paul Akouokou

Edgar Paul Akouokou (born 20 December 1997) is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Ligue 1 club Lyon, and the Ivory Coast national team.

Club career Early career Akouokou started his career with Finnish side Ekenäs IF in 2016, playing in the second-tier level Ykkönen. In January 2017, he went on a trial at Ligue 1 side Angers SCO.

On 27 August 2017, Akouokou moved to Israeli Premier League side Beitar Jerusalem on a loan deal until May 2018. After being sparingly used, he moved to Hapoel Rishon LeZion of the Liga Leumit in the following February, also on loan.

Betis On 21 November 2018, Akouokou left Finland after agreeing to a deal with La Liga side Real Betis for an undisclosed fee; he was initially assigned to the club's reserve team in Tercera División. On 10 September 2020, after helping the B-team to achieve a promotion to Segunda División B, he renewed this contract with Betis until 2024, and was promoted to the first team.

Akouokou made his La Liga debut on 20 September 2020, replacing goalscorer William Carvalho late into a 2–0 home win over Real Valladolid.

Lyon On 1 September 2023, Akouokou signed a four-year contract with Ligue 1 side Lyon. Transfer fee was announced to be €3 million and Betis have a sell-on clause.

On March 6, 2025, Paul Akouokou made his return to official competition with Olympique Lyonnais by coming on in added time of a Europa League match in Bucharest, more than a year after his last appearance in the Lyon jersey. His previous match dates back to February 23, 2024, during a brief appearance against FC Metz in Ligue 1. Recruited on September 1, 2023 from Real Betis, he only played eight games with OL during his first season, before disappearing from the match sheets. Not registered on the UEFA list for the first part of the 2024-2025 season, he was reinstated in the squad following the departure of several players during the winter transfer window.

On 10 April 2025, Akouokou was named in the starting lineup for the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg against Manchester United, partnering Jordan Veretout in central midfield. This marked his first start for the club in over sixteen months, the previous one dating back to 6 December 2023, against Olympique de Marseille.

Loan to Zaragoza On 1 September 2025, Akouokou returned to Spain after agreeing to a one-year loan deal with Real Zaragoza in Segunda División.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Betis Copa del Rey: 2021–22

Lyon Coupe de France runner-up: 2023–24