A day with N'Koudou: Damac star on RSL, two Ronaldos, Eden Hazard and AFCON glory | OneFootball

After joining the Roshn Saudi League revolution in that famed summer of 2023, Georges-Kevin N’Koudou has become an incredible, and consistent, elite performer.

The Damac forward, who counts among his former clubs Olympique de Marseille, Tottenham Hotspur and Besiktas, is that unquantifiable mix of flair and speed, who also boasts the very quantifiable knack of finding the net.

As it stands, and during almost two seasons in Saudi Arabia now, N’Koudou has scored 28 goals from 58 appearances – some record for a player who principally operates out wide.

However, it’s not just the amount of goals, it’s the type: N’Koudou loves the spectacular.

To discover which he rates his best, or how he has adapted so seamlessly to life in the Kingdom, or why he can be tempted out on an evening at the very promise of local lamb, the Saudi Pro League spent a day with N’Koudou in the beautiful Asir Province.

Oh, and get his take on Cameroon’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ambitions, what he admires most about Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, and which legendary Brazilian trio he grew up wanting to emulate.

It’s all here – and more. Enjoy.

On embracing Saudi life

“When you come to a different country, you have to adapt to the culture. But your main focus is football.

"But it's true that when you have free time, you want to try to discover the culture, what people eat, for example, what they love in life, what they like to do every day. Then you understand a lot of things, especially how they think.”

On his formative years

“Football really started when I was very young. I don't even know how, to tell you the truth. I had an uncle who played football. Even in the neighbourhood where I lived, everyone played football. So it's something that I was immersed in, let's say. And then it stayed.

“The older you get, you know you have sacrifices to make. You have to work a lot if you want to reach a certain level. I understood that very quickly.

"It's more about talent and playing with the friends outside, playing five-a-side, the futsal, [where] you try to create. The skills I do on the pitch are the skills I did when I was younger.”

On footballing role models

“My role models? Ronaldinho, Robinho, Ronaldo the Brazilian. Then growing up, [Franck] Ribery and above all Eden Hazard. Eden Hazard is the player that has left the biggest impression on me.

"These are players who made us love football. It makes the fans happy; it brings people to the stadiums. Football is a pleasure, it's a game.”

On superstar Cristiano Ronaldo

“He's the GOAT. There are two, [Lionel] Messi and him, but what he does deserves respect. What he does on the pitch, even his way of life, you can only respect. These are the examples to follow.

“But not everyone can be a Cristiano; there's only one Cristiano. Unfortunately, people don't understand that. He shows that he's an example to follow. You can try to do like him: eat well, sleep well, recover. But having his discipline, Cristiano is the only one who has that.”

On representing Cameroon

“I did all my learning with the youth French teams. But as a Cameroonian, you know that in history, in Africa and even in the world, Cameroon has a special place.

"And when you wear the jersey, you already feel that it's not just any jersey you have on your back, [that] it's a very, very strong team, one of the most decorated in Africa.”

On 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

“We are going there to win it, as usual. The same speech I gave last year; it doesn't change. Last year we were a bit off - so bad. We had a great team, but this year we are a bit more united; we are a bit stronger.

“I hope we will all have the same desire, which is to write a story. That way we can also write our name in the history of this national team and try to bring the cup home. That’s always the goal.”

Georges-Kevin N'Koudou, seen here at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is targeting the 2025 AFCON title

On his time in RSL

“I feel good here; almost two years I feel well here. It's a family club, the people are super cool. The players, we have a good group; they're great guys. They're really listening; they're there for you no matter what, on and off the pitch. I find it a very family-orientated club.

“My goal was not to come here to be on holiday. I really wanted to leave my mark. I did everything I could to put together all the right ingredients. I think I did what I had to do. I don't know what the future holds for me, but I did what I had to do. I have no regrets.”

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Check out the full video below, which includes N’Koudou’s thoughts on his favourite goals he’s scored in the RSL, Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the league's bright future, and his love for Karak and Haneeth.