Issouf Macalou

Issouf Macalou is an Ivorian forward born in Abidjan on 27 December 1998. He developed in France and entered senior football with Sochaux before moving on in 2019. Macalou joined Valenciennes in January 2021 and made his professional debut in Ligue 2 during a 1–0 victory over Dunkerque. He then gained competitive experience on loan at Le Mans in 2021–22 and Red Star in 2022–23, both in the French National. After returning to Sochaux, he moved abroad in January 2025 to join Universitatea Cluj. At Cluj, Macalou has operated as an attacker in wide roles, carrying the ball into the final third and providing a physical outlet. His 1.85-metre frame also supports his link play and presence in aerial contests, continuing a gradual rise through French football to Romania’s top flight.