SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that it has signed defender Nouhou to a new three-year contract with a team option for the 2026 season. Originally coming to the organization as a member of Sounders FC 2 in 2016, Nouhou has been a mainstay for the Rave Green since joining the First Team in 2017, earning 2021 MLS All-Star and 2022 Concacaf Champions League Best XI honors.
“We are pleased to announce this well-earned new contract for Nouhou,” said Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “In addition to solidifying himself as one of the most reliable defenders in our league, Nouhou has been central to so many massive moments for the club. We look forward to more moments to come.”
Nouhou has 172 appearances for Sounders FC across all competitions since signing with the First Team prior to the 2017 season. His 143 MLS regular-season appearances rank second in club history among defenders, trailing only Chad Marshall’s 156. In addition to eight career assists, Nouhou scored his first professional goal in a 2-1 win over the Houston Dynamo on September 4, 2022. He was one of six Sounders FC players that started the 2021 MLS All-Star Game, as well as one of seven to be named to the 2022 Concacaf Champions League Best XI. Originally signing with the organization as a member of Sounders FC 2, Nouhou led the squad with 24 USL appearances in 2016 before signing with the First Team the following season.
“Congratulations to Nouhou, who has done his part for the club, helping us win many games and trophies,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “This is a player who began with the second team seven years ago, and now has grown into one of the best defensive players in MLS. It’s a tremendous story for both Nouhou and the club.”
The Douala native has 20 career caps for the Cameroon National Team dating back to 2018. He played every minute of Cameroon’s three games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, including Les Lions Indomptables’ historic 1-0 win over Brazil. Nouhou started five of six appearances during 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, as well as all six of his appearances during Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations fourth-place tournament run in early 2022.
After suffering its first loss of the season at FC Cincinnati, Seattle Sounders FC (2-1-0, 6 points) hosts reigning MLS Cup champion Los Angeles FC (2-0-0, 6 points) on Saturday, March 18 on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (1:00 p.m. PT / Apple TV, FOX, iHeart Media, Sirius XM FC, El Rey 1360 AM).
