14 Facts About Seydou Keita

Seydou Keita started his youth career in Mali and his professional career with Marseille.

Seydou Keita represented Mali since the age of 18, appearing in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and winning 102 caps.

Seydou Keita played mainly for the reserve squad during his three-year spell.

Seydou Keita signed for Lorient in Ligue 2, being instrumental as the team promoted to the top level in 2001.

Seydou Keita appeared slightly less due to injury in the following season, which ended in immediate relegation, but brought the conquest of the Coupe de France, the club's first-ever; he played the full 90 minutes in the final against SC Bastia.

On 7 July 2012, Seydou Keita announced he would be leaving Barcelona after four seasons, invoking a clause in his contract allowing him to leave the club even though he still had two years left.

On 30 January 2014, Seydou Keita returned to Spain after signing with Valencia, with the 34-year-old agreeing to a six-month contract with the option for an additional year.

Seydou Keita scored Valencia's fastest-ever goal on 27 March 2014, netting after nine seconds at Almeria.

On 5 June 2014, Seydou Keita signed a one-year contract with Serie A club Roma.

Seydou Keita agreed to a new one-year deal in the 2015 off-season.

Seydou Keita retired at the age of 37, after one season in the Qatar Stars League with El Jaish.

Seydou Keita helped Mali's under-20s finish third at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria, scoring the only goal in the last match against Uruguay, and being named the tournament's best player.

Seydou Keita made his senior debut for Mali on 9 April 2000, in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Libya.

Seydou Keita played, amongst others, for Saint-Etienne, Marseille, Valencia and Sporting CP, and was once voted African Footballer of the Year.