Kevin Zougoula: Ivorian league star turned gateman allegedly abandoned by wife for not sending her enough money

Kevin Zougoula, once celebrated as a shinning star at the Ivorian league football, found himself in an unexpected role as a security officer, having reflected on a tumultuous journey that led to his current predicament.

The former Ivory Coast international now spends his days guarding gates, a stark contrast to his glory days in Burkina Faso.

Zougoula's fall from grace began with financial strains, as he candidly revealed in a 2023 interview with NCI Sport.

"I was earning 225,000f in Burkina. I was sending 125,000f to my wife (staying in Côte d'Ivoire) and saving the change for my needs."

However, his efforts to support his family were met with discontent, as his wife allegedly demanded more than what he could afford.

In a heartbreaking twist, Zougoula recounted, "One day she threatened to leave me but I didn't take her seriously." Yet, upon his return to Côte d'Ivoire for vacation, he was met with a devastating reality.

Zougoula’s wife had abandoned their home, taking all their belongings with her, leaving Zougoula alone and bewildered.

Reflecting on his failed marriage, Zougoula said, "We were legally married under the community of good."

Despite his efforts, the former footballer revealed the whereabouts of his wife was unknown.

During his playing days, Zougoula was the top scorer of the Côte d'Ivoire Ligue 1 in consectuvie seasons in 2011 and 2012.

His first club was Centre de formation Sylla et Frères of Adjamé.

He then joined Sabé Sports de Bouna, which was at the Côte d'Ivoire first division at the time.

In 2007, he was signed for lower league side AS AGIR of Guibéroua.

Zougoula signed for Romanian club Dinamo Bucharesti in August 2013, only to end up leaving the club that same year.

At international level, Zougouala played for the Ivory Coast B team at the 2011 African Nations Championship in Sudan, where the team was eventually eliminated in the group stage.