As a Mali international – the African side nicknamed ‘The Eagles’ – it was like it was meant to be. “I’m a believer,” he laughed. “It’s destiny and destiny always does nice things. I’ve been an Eagle since my childhood so this is a good thing.”
The 22-year-old midfielder arrived with a big reputation, having been a crucial part of the Lens side that finished seventh in Ligue 1 just a year after promotion from the second division.
Doucouré cut his teeth at the AS Real Bamako Academy in his native Mali. The side has produced a number of talented Malian internationals, including the likes of RB Salzburg’s Mohamed Camara and Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma.
He signed for Lens in the 2017/18 season and quickly established himself in the first-team at 18 years old. Playing in his preferred central midfield role, he helped the side reach a Ligue 2 promotion play-off final in his first full season in northern France.
The midfielder’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed as his performances earned him a callup to the Mali national team in November 2018, where he made his debut against Gabon in the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifying.
On his arrival in south London, Doucouré said: “I know that the Palace fans will expect a lot from me. I'm going to work hard and I will make sure they’re happy to have me as a Palace player. I can't wait to start training with Palace and meet my new teammates.”
Indeed, Doucouré did work hard and the fans were happy to have him as a Palace player. The midfielder won the Player of the Season award for the 22/23 campaign - with 25.2% of the vote, beating teammates Marc Guéhi (21.8%) and Michael Olise (19.2%). He averaged 1.6 interceptions per Premier League match in 22/23, the third highest in the league.
Doucouré started his second season in south London well, though it was cut short after suffering a season-ending injury against Luton Town in November 2023. He only recorded 11 appearances in 2023/24 due to the injury, however he did sign a new contract extension in February 2024 to see him commit his long-term future to the club.
The midfielder made 13 appearances in 2024/25, before undergoing knee surgery in early January which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
As he continued his recovery into 2025/26, Doucouré returned to action with the Under-21s in March, playing 45 minutes in a 2–1 Premier League 2 win over Blackburn Rovers before stepping up to 70 minutes in a 2–2 draw with Wolves U21s the following week.
However, he was unfortunately unable to make a competitive first-team appearance before the season concluded.
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