Mali midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré joins Charlotte FC after NEOM SC departure

Malian international midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré has completed a move to Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC.

The experienced midfielder joins the club as a free agent after parting ways with Saudi Arabian outfit NEOM SC. He signed a contract that runs until the end of the 2026 MLS season.

The 33-year-old brings considerable experience to the American side, having spent several years competing at the highest level of European football, particularly in the English Premier League.

Doucouré established himself as a key performer during his four-season spell at Watford, where he played between the 2016/17 and 2019/20 campaigns. He made 141 appearances for the Hornets, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists while demonstrating his ability to contribute both defensively and in attack.

His performances at Watford earned him a move to Everton ahead of the 2020/21 season, where he continued to play an important role in midfield.

During his time at Goodison Park, the Malian made 166 appearances, scoring 21 goals and registering 14 assists across competitions. His energy, physical presence and ability to arrive in the opposition’s penalty area made him a valuable option for the Merseyside club.

After leaving Everton at the end of the 2024/25 season, Doucouré moved to Saudi Arabia to join NEOM SC before becoming a free agent, paving the way for his latest career move.

The midfielder has also featured for French side Rennes and Spanish club Granada, gaining experience across several European leagues before making the switch to MLS.

His arrival represents an opportunity for Charlotte FC to strengthen their midfield with a player whose experience spans the Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga and Saudi Arabian football.

For Doucouré, the move to the United States opens a new chapter in his career as he looks to make an immediate contribution during the remainder of the 2026 MLS campaign.