Yakou Méïté


Yakou Méïté is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a winger and striker for Championship side Reading and Ivory Coast.

Club career

Paris Saint Germain

Born in Paris, Méïté started his professional career at Paris Saint-Germain. He made his professional debut on 9 April 2016 in the Ligue 1 against Guingamp replacing Jean-Kévin Augustin after 91 minutes in a 0–2 away win.

Reading

On 29 July 2016, Méïté signed a three-year contract with English side Reading. Méïte made his debut for Reading as a substitute in an EFL Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle on 9 August 2016, with his first goal for the club coming on 21 January 2017, during a 3–2 defeat to Derby County in the Championship.
On 8 July 2017, Méïté moved to Sochaux on a season-long loan deal.
On 3 October 2018, Reading announced that Méïte had signed a new contract with Reading, until the summer of 2022. On his return to Reading he became a mainstay as the club's striker and scored 6 goals in 5 games, impressing manager Paul Clement.
In August 2019 Méïté spoke out about racist abuse he received on social media. He said he chose to do so due to the impact it had on players. On 4 July 2020 he scored four goals in a 5–0 win away at Luton Town.

International career

Méïté was born and raised in France to Ivorian parents. He has played for the Ivory Coast U17s and the U20s. He debuted for the Ivory Coast U23s in a friendly 5–0 win over the Togo U23s on 27 March 2018.
Méïté was also called up to the senior Ivory Coast squad for a friendly against Togo in March 2018. He was selected for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea on 18 November 2018. He made his debut for Ivory Coast on 26 March 2019 in a 1–0 victory over Liberia, playing 73 minutes before being replaced by eventual goalscorer Jonathan Kodjia.

Style of play

Méïté is a physically strong player. He has impressive strength, ability in the air, speed and tireless stamina. Paul Clement praised him for his workrate and willingness to battle for every ball.

Career statistics

International

Statistics accurate as of match played 13 October 2019