Kevin Mbabu

Born in Chêne-Bougeries, Canton of Geneva, Mbabu started his career at Servette and progressed through the youth team.

At the start of the 2012–13 season, he was promoted to the first team and appeared in number of matches for the side.{{cite web|url=https://enfantsduservette.ch/2012/07/26/europa-league-fc-gandzasar-servette-fc-live-comments/|title=EUROPA LEAGUE: FC GANDZASAR – SERVETTE FC: 1-3 (0-0) SCORE FINAL|publisher=Les Efants Du Servette|language=fr|date=26 July 2012|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701163032/https://enfantsduservette.ch/2012/07/26/europa-league-fc-gandzasar-servette-fc-live-comments/|archive-date=1 July 2018|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://enfantsduservette.ch/2012/08/01/3e-journee-fc-lausanne-sport-servette-fc-5-1-2-1-les-notes-du-match/|title=3E JOURNÉE : FC LAUSANNE-SPORT – SERVETTE FC 5-1 (2-1) : LES NOTES DU MATCH|publisher=Les Efants Du Servette|language=fr|date=1 August 2012|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701163025/https://enfantsduservette.ch/2012/08/01/3e-journee-fc-lausanne-sport-servette-fc-5-1-2-1-les-notes-du-match/|archive-date=1 July 2018|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://enfantsduservette.ch/2012/08/09/4e-journee-servette-fc-bsc-young-boys-1-1-1-1-les-notes-du-match/|title=4E JOURNÉE : SERVETTE FC – BSC YOUNG BOYS 1-1 (1-1) : LES NOTES DU MATCH|publisher=Les Efants Du Servette|language=fr|date=9 August 2012|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701163025/https://enfantsduservette.ch/2012/08/09/4e-journee-servette-fc-bsc-young-boys-1-1-1-1-les-notes-du-match/|archive-date=1 July 2018|url-status=live}} He made his professional debut as a 66th-minute substitute for Servette in a Swiss Super League match against Lausanne-Sport on 26 September 2012, which turned out to be his only appearance for the club.{{cite web|title=Servette bleibt weiter sieglos|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/servette-bleibt-weiter-sieglos|publisher=Suedo St Schweiz|date=26 September 2012|access-date=29 July 2012}}

After a successful trial at the age of 17, Mbabu signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Newcastle United, moving for an undisclosed fee on 31 January 2013.{{cite web|last=Marshall|first=Anthony|url=https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/united-sign-youngster-mbabu|title=United Sign Youngster Mbabu|publisher=Newcastle United F.C.|access-date=31 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701194742/https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/united-sign-youngster-mbabu|archive-date=1 July 2018|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|title=Newcastle United sign defender Kevin Mbabu from Servette|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/21284473|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 September 2014|date=31 January 2013}} Upon joining the club, he was immediately assigned to the development squad.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United sign Swiss teenager Kevin Mbabu|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/newcastle-united-sign-swiss-teenager-1352063|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=31 January 2013|access-date=7 July 2018}}

In the second half of the 2012–13 season, Mbabu made his home debut for the development squad on 1 April 2013, in a 2–1 win over Stoke City Development Squad.{{cite web|url=https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/swiss-starlet-selected-for-stoke|title=Swiss Starlet Selected For Stoke City|publisher=Newcastle United F.C.|date=1 April 2013|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701200525/https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/swiss-starlet-selected-for-stoke|archive-date=1 July 2018|url-status=live}} For the rest of the second half of the 2012–13 season, he quickly impressed for the side and made seven appearances for the development side.{{cite news|title=This Swiss won't roll when the going gets tough in Toon quest|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kevin-mbabus-looking-forward-progressing-4065137|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=5 June 2013|access-date=7 July 2018}} The 2013–14 season saw Mbabu appeared in the development squad despite suffering from injuries as the season progressed.{{cite web|url=https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/mbabu-to-continue-comeback-against-reds|title=Mbabu To Continue Comeback Against Reds|publisher=Newcastle United F.C.|date=26 March 2014|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702193738/https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/mbabu-to-continue-comeback-against-reds|archive-date=2 July 2018|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/mbabu-eyes-trophy-triumph|title=Mbabu Eyes Trophy Triumph|publisher=Newcastle United F.C.|date=21 April 2014|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702194709/https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/mbabu-eyes-trophy-triumph|archive-date=2 July 2018|url-status=live}}

However, in the 2014–15 season, Mbabu was plagued by injuries and affected the first half of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/mbabu-to-return-at-heaton|title=Mbabu To Return at Heaton|publisher=Newcastle United F.C.|date=1 October 2014|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702200052/https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/mbabu-to-return-at-heaton|archive-date=2 July 2018|url-status=live}} On 2 February 2015, Mbabu signed for Scottish Championship club Rangers on loan until the end of the 2014–15 season but he did not play in any games or even make it onto the bench once.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31099950|title=Rangers sign five Newcastle players on loan on deadline day|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 February 2015|access-date=10 February 2015}}
{{cite news|title=The sorry saga of Newcastle United's Rangers loan men doesn't reflect well on Magpies|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sport-opinion/sorry-saga-newcastle-uniteds-rangers-8911228|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=24 March 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=What are Newcastle United's defensive options against West Bromwich Albion?|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-newcastle-uniteds-defensive-options-9196020|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=6 May 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}}{{cite news|title=Kevin Mbabu a attendu longtemps ce moment|url=https://www.tdg.ch/sports/football/kevin-mbabu-attendu-longtemps-moment/story/31520213|publisher=Tribune de Geneva|language=fr|date=24 September 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}}

At the start of the 2015–16 season, Mbabu recovered from injury and continued to feature in the development squad.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren would love to add two more summer signings to his squad|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/newcastle-united-boss-steve-mcclaren-9859670|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=14 August 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Newcastle signing Ivan Toney set for home debut against Blackburn in second-string clash|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-signing-ivan-toney-set-9871284|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=17 August 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}} With lack of first team opportunities at the club, he was expected to be loaned out.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United's man of the moment Kevin Mbabu was nearly sent out on loan|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-uniteds-man-moment-kevin-10184617|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=3 October 2015|access-date=30 June 2018}} But he called up to the first team by Manager Steve McClaren following an injuries of defenders and made his Newcastle United debut against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup, coming on as a substitute for Daryl Janmaat on 23 September 2015.{{cite news|title=Newcastle 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday match report: Shameful United tumble out of the League Cup after woeful display|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/newcastle-0-1-sheffield-wednesday-10119900|publisher=Newcastle Chronicle|date=23 September 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Newcastle United 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday: The six things we learned from United's night of shame|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle-0-1-sheffield-wednesday-10122552|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=23 September 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}} Three days later, on 26 September 2015, Mbabu made his full Newcastle debut against Chelsea starting at left-back and the game finished 2–2. His performance against Chelsea was praised by pundits.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United media watch: Critics praise Kevin Mbabu after debut against Chelsea|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-media-watch-critics-10155551|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=29 September 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}} He then made another start in the league on 3 October 2015, in a 6–1 loss against Manchester City.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 6-1 Newcastle analysis: Newcastle United still haunted by their Ashley era losing mentality|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-6-1-newcastle-10193136|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=4 October 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}} However, he suffered a hamstring injury shortly after that kept him out throughout October.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United's injured XI: Tim Krul adds to growing list of sidelined Magpies|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-uniteds-injured-xi-tim-10237825|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=11 October 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}} It wasn't until on 7 November 2015 when he returned as a late substitute, in a 1–0 win against Bournemouth.{{cite news|title=AFC Bournemouth 0-1 Newcastle United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34686457|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 November 2015|access-date=7 July 2018}} Two months later, on 9 January 2016, Mbabu returned to the first team in the third round of FA Cup against Watford, where he started and played 52 minutes before being substituted, in a 1–0 loss.{{cite news|title=Watford 1-0 Newcastle United match report: Newcastle United dumped out of the FA Cup early AGAIN as fans turn on club|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/watford-1-0-newcastle-match-10707642|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=9 January 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} Following this, he missed the rest of the season after suffering injuries on two occasions.{{cite news|title=Kevin Mbabu injury blow: Newcastle United defender ruled out for weeks|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kevin-mbabu-injury-blow-newcastle-10739921|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=15 January 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Massadio Haidara targets next season after admitting he 'rushed back' from injury too soon|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/massadio-haidara-targets-next-season-11359220|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=19 May 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} However, Mbabu went on to make 5 appearances in all competitions, as Newcastle United were relegated from the Premier League after six seasons there.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United relegated from the Premier League: What went wrong?|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/10277925/newcastle-relegated-from-the-premier-league-what-went-wrong |publisher=Sky Sports|date=12 May 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} At the end of the 2015–16 season, Mbabu signed a two–year contract with the club.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United set to hand Kevin Mbabu a new two-year contract|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/newcastle-united-set-hand-kevin-11381209|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=24 May 2016|access-date=30 June 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Newcastle activate clause to keep Kevin Mbabu until 2018 but defender could be loaned out|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-activate-clause-keep-kevin-11400324|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=29 May 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} Two years after his departure, Mbabu reflected on his time at Newcastle United.{{cite news|title=Vom gescheiterten Talent zum Aufsteiger der Saison|url=https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/sport/fussball/ein-beispiel-fuer-das-scheitern-vieler-talente/story/23060530|publisher=Tag Senzeiger|language=de|date=2 April 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}}

File:Kevin Mbabu Young Boys.jpg ahead of a match against Dynamo Kyiv on 19 October 2017.]]

On 23 August 2016, Mbabu completed a season-long loan move to Swiss Super League-club Young Boys.{{cite web|last=Marshall|first=Anthony|url=http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20160823/mbabu-joins-young-boys-on-loan_2281670_5831114|title=Mbabu Joins Young Boys on Loan|publisher=Newcastle United F.C.|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809173212/https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/mbabu-joins-young-boys-on-loan|archive-date=9 August 2017|url-status=dead}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.bscyb.ch/news-events?nID=6996|title=Kevin Mbabu wechselt leihweise zu Young Boys|publisher=BSC Young Boys|language=de|date=23 August 2016|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705192722/https://www.bscyb.ch/news-events?nID=6996|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=live}}

However, Mbabu's start of his Young Boys saw him appear on the substitute bench in the first two months there.{{cite news|title=YB dreht nach schwachen 40|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2016-09-18/yb-dreht-nach-schwachen-40|publisher=Suedotschweiz|language=de|date=18 September 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} It wasn't until on 2 October 2016 when he made his Young Boys debut, coming on as a late substitute, in a 2–2 draw against FC St. Gallen.{{cite news|title=Nur vier Tore aus zahllosen Chancen|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2016-10-02/nur-vier-tore-aus-zahllosen-chancen|publisher=Suedotschweiz|language=de|date=2 October 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} Several weeks later, on 23 October 2016, Mbabu made his first start and played the whole game, in a 4–0 win over Grasshopper.{{cite news|title=Die Young Boys können wieder Tore schiessen|url=https://tageswoche.ch/allgemein/die-young-boys-koennen-wieder-tore-schiessen/|publisher=Tages Woche|language=de|date=23 October 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} Three days later, on 26 October 2016, Mbabu scored his first goal for the club in the last 16 of Swiss Cup, in a 5–0 win over Grasshoppers.{{cite news|title=YB mit Kantersieg gegen GC|url=https://tageswoche.ch/allgemein/yb-mit-kantersieg-gegen-gc/|publisher=Tages Woche|language=de|date=26 October 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} After missing one match in late–October, he was sent–off in a follow–up match on 3 November 2016, in a 1–0 loss against APOEL in the Group Stage of the UEFA Europa League.{{cite news|title=Höchste Zeit für St. Gallen und Zinnbauer|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2016-10-30/hoechste-zeit-fuer-st-gallen-und-zinnbauer|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=30 October 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Die drei schwarzen Minuten der Young Boys in Nikosia|url=https://tageswoche.ch/allgemein/die-drei-schwarzen-minuten-der-young-boys-in-nikosia/|publisher=Tages Woche|language=de|date=3 November 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} Mbabu then scored his first league goal for the club a month later on 3 December 2016, in a 3–1 win over FC Basel.{{cite news|title=3:1 – Hoarau und die Young Boys ziehen dem FCB den Zahn|url=https://tageswoche.ch/sport/31-hoarau-und-die-young-boys-ziehen-dem-fcb-den-zahn/|publisher=Tages Woche|language=de|date=3 December 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}} Following this, Mbabu continued to establish himself in the starting eleven, playing in the right–back position for the number of matches.{{cite news|title=YB schlägt Thun auch im 7. Duell in Folge|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/2016-12-11/yb-schlaegt-thun-auch-im-7-duell-in-folge|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=11 December 2016|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=YB festigt Platz 2 gegen Sion|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/2017-02-05/yb-festigt-platz-2-gegen-sion|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=5 February 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Young Boys gewinnen Berner Derby nach 0:2-Rückstand|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-03-04/young-boys-gewinnen-berner-derby-nach-02-rueckstand|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=4 March 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}} Despite being suspended on three occasions later in the season,{{cite news|title=GC mit einer weiteren Pleite|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-02-25/gc-mit-einer-weiteren-pleite|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=25 February 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Lausanne verpasst Chance gegen flügellahmes YB|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-03-12/lausanne-verpasst-chance-gegen-fluegellahmes-yb|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=12 March 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Vaduz besiegt lustloses YB|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-05-17/vaduz-besiegt-lustloses-yb|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=17 May 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}} Mbabu went on to make 24 appearances and scoring 2 times in all competitions.{{cite news|title=Newcastle defender Kevin Mbabu's loan spell ends in victory but how did he perform at Young Boys?|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-defender-kevin-mbabus-loan-13133117|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=3 June 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}} At the end of the 2016–17 season, Mbabu signed a permanent contract with the club.{{cite news|title=Kevin Mbabu explains why he left Newcastle United and hints he may have stayed|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/kevin-mbabu-explains-left-newcastle-13195451|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=16 June 2017|access-date=30 June 2018}} It was reported that he signed a three–year contract with the club, as Newcastle United agreed to sell him.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United make decision to sell Kevin Mbabu to balance their squad|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/newcastle-united-make-decision-sell-13189753|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=15 June 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}

File:Kevin Mbabu 2017.jpg clashing over a ball during a BSC Young Boys and CSKA Moscow match on 15 August 2017.]]

In the 2017–18 season, Mbabu started the season well when he started the match and helped the side beat regaining Champions side FC Basel 2–0 in the opening game of the season.{{cite news|title=YB startet mit einem Sieg gegen den Meister|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-07-22/yb-startet-mit-einem-sieg-gegen-den-meister|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=22 July 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}} He then helped the side keep three more clean sheets in the next two matches against Grasshoppers, Dynamo Kyiv and Lausanne-Sport.{{cite news|title=Young Boys im Letzigrund gegen GC souverän|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-07-29/young-boys-im-letzigrund-gegen-gc-souveraen|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=29 July 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Starkes YB eliminiert Kiew|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-08-02/starkes-yb-eliminiert-kiew|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=2 August 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=YB zu gut für Lausanne Sport|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-08-06/yb-zu-gut-fuer-lausanne|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=6 August 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}} He continued to establish himself in the starting eleven for the side, playing in the right–back position.{{cite news|title=Remember Kevin Mbabu? How he's gone from Newcastle reject to Man United 'target' inside 12 months|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/remember-kevin-mbabu-how-hes-14768596|publisher=Chronicle Live|date=11 June 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Der ewige Zweite darf hoffen|url=https://tageswoche.ch/sport/der-ewige-zweite-darf-hoffen/|publisher=Tages Woche|language=de|date=26 February 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title="Ich bin seit August Single"|url=https://www.blick.ch/sport/fussball/superleague/nati-kampfansage-von-yb-mbabu-ich-will-mir-den-platz-gegen-lichtsteiner-ergattern-id8219091.html|publisher=Blick|language=de|date=7 April 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}} His performance became recognised that there were calls for him to be called up by the national team squad.{{cite news|title=Marco Streller: "Die Young Boys haben die Leichtigkeit und wir die schweren Beine"|url=https://tageswoche.ch/sport/yb-hat-die-leichtigkeit-und-wir-die-schweren-beine/|publisher=Tages Woche|language=de|date=1 March 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}}{{cite news |date=28 February 2018 |title=Berner Mbabu rast über rechts Richtung Moskau |language=de |publisher=Blick |url=https://www.blick.ch/sport/fussball/cup/soll-der-yb-ueberflieger-in-die-nati-berner-mbabu-rast-ueber-rechts-richtung-moskau-id8048945.html |access-date=7 July 2018}} He then scored his first goal of the season on 1 October 2017, as well as, setting up one of the goals, in a 6–1 win over FC St. Gallen.{{cite news|title=YB lässt St. Gallen im Spitzenspiel keine Chance|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-10-01/yb-laesst-st-gallen-im-spitzenspiel-keine-chance|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=1 October 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}} Between the three matches on 29 October 2017 and 19 November 2017, Mbabu set up three goals in three separate matches against FC Sion, Basel and FC Zürich.{{cite news|title=Berner Schaulaufen bei Gabris Debüt|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-10-29/berner-schaulaufen-bei-gabris-debuet|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=29 October 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Wenig Torszenen, aber zwei schöne Tore|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-11-05/wenig-torszenen-aber-zwei-schoene-tore|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=5 November 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Die Young Boys gewinnen den Spitzenkampf gegen den FCZ|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-11-19/die-young-boys-gewinnen-den-spitzenkampf-gegen-den-fcz|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=19 November 2011|access-date=7 July 2018}} After missing one game through suspension, Mbabu scored on his return on 10 December 2017, in a 1–1 draw against Grasshoppers.{{cite news|title=Das Wiedersehen drei Tage nach dem Cupmatch|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-12-03/das-wiedersehen-drei-tage-nach-dem-cupmatch|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=3 December 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=YB-Enttäuschung im letzten Heimspiel des Jahres|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2017-12-10/yb-enttaeuschung-im-letzten-heimspiel-des-jahres|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=10 December 2017|access-date=7 July 2018}} By the conclusion of the first half of the season, the club became a title contender, having been at the top of the table.{{cite news|title=YB und die Ruhe vor dem Sturm auf den Titel|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/node/2195671|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=2 February 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}} At the SFL Award Night 2017, Mbabu were among several players to be named Team of the Year.{{cite news|title=Lang räumt den Gabentisch ab und Fischer geht leer aus|url=https://tageswoche.ch/sport/lang-raeumt-den-gabentisch-ab-und-fischer-geht-leer-aus/|publisher=Tages Woche|language=de|date=30 January 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}} From 17 December 2017 and 17 March 2018, he was involved in the team that saw the side go eight matches winning streak in the league.{{cite news|title=YB siegt in Lausanne ohne Probleme|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/node/2203276|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=11 February 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Young Boys gewinnt mit Hängen und Würgen|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2018-02-24/young-boys-gewinnt-mit-haengen-und-wuergen|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=24 February 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Die Young Boys schlagen auch die Grasshoppers|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/node/2230390|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=11 March 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=YB gewinnt in Zürich mit Glück|url=https://www.nzz.ch/sport/yb-gewinnt-in-zuerich-mit-glueck-ld.1367031|publisher=Neue Zürcher Zeitung|language=de|date=17 March 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}} During the streak, Mbabu was later chosen Player of the Month for this display.{{cite news|title=Das ist der Fussballer des Monats Februar|url=https://www.blick.ch/sport/fussball/superleague/er-machte-die-beste-figur-das-ist-der-fussballer-des-monats-februar-id8103400.html|publisher=Blick|language=de|date=13 March 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}} Despite suffering two injuries later in the season,{{cite news|title=Thun macht YB das Leben schwer|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2018-04-18/thun-macht-yb-das-leben-schwer|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=18 April 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=YB baut vor Cupfinal nochmal Spannung auf|url=https://www.suedostschweiz.ch/sport/fussball/2018-05-13/yb-baut-vor-cupfinal-nochmal-spannung-auf|publisher=Suedostschweiz|language=de|date=13 May 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}} Mbabu, nevertheless, was part of the Young Boys squad that won the 2017–18 Swiss Super League, their first league title for 32 years.{{cite news|title=Soccer - Young Boys end 32-year wait for Swiss title and end Basel dominance|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKKBN1HZ0YS|publisher=Reuters|date=28 April 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Ein Basler Schnitzelbank, eine blutige Nase und eine "fucking Legende" – YB feiert den Titel|url=https://tageswoche.ch/sport/geklauter-torpfosten-eine-fucking-legende-und-eine-blutige-nase-yb-feiert-den-ersten-titel-seit-32-jahren/|publisher=Tages Woche|language=de|date=28 April 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}}

On 25 April 2019, Mbabu signed a four-year contract with VfL Wolfsburg, with the player joining the club in July ahead of the 2019–20 season.{{cite web|title=Mbabu to Join Wolves|url=https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/news-detail/news-detail/detail/news/mbabu-to-join-wolves/|publisher=VfL Wolfsburg|language=en|date=25 April 2019}} Mbabu opted to wear the No.19 shirt for Wolfsburg in honour of Junior Malanda who died following a car accident in northern Germany on 10 January 2015.

File:Kevin Mbabu - Wolfsburg (cropped).jpg in 2021]]

On {{dts|2020.07.25|format=dmy}}, during the coronavirus pandemic, it was reported that a COVID-19 test Mbabu had taken on {{dts|2020.07.22|format=dm}} had returned positive.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/bb06ed95d2e614254c123357a758b7d7|title=Wolfsburg defender Kevin Mbabu tests positive for COVID-19|website=Associated Press|date=25 July 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/a-54313704|title = Coronavirus latest: Thousands of Israelis protest Netanyahu's pandemic response | DW | 25.07.2020|website = Deutsche Welle}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rts.ch/sport/football/11490503-football-kevin-mbabu-positif-au-covid19.html|title=Bundesliga: Kevin Mbabu positif au Covid-19|date=25 July 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.polsatsport.pl/wiadomosc/2020-07-25/kevin-mbabu-z-vfl-wolfsburg-ma-koronawirusa/|title = Kevin Mbabu z VFL Wolfsburg ma koronawirusa - Polsat Sport}} Mbabu was placed in quarantine at home, and would likely miss a scheduled game on {{dts|2020.08.05|format=dm}} in Kyiv that had been postponed due to the pandemic.{{r|pandemic.ap}} As a precaution, testing was carried out on the athletes before they resumed training, and all other tests carried out on {{dts|2020.07.22|format=dm}} and {{dts|2020.07.25|format=dm}} had returned negative.{{r|pandemic.ap}}

On 27 July 2022, Mbabu joined newly promoted Premier League club Fulham for a reported fee of €5.5 million with and additional €2 million in add-ons,{{Cite web |last=Rutzler |first=Peter |title=Fulham sign Kevin Mbabu from Wolfsburg |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3450733/2022/07/27/fulham-transfer-news-mbabu/ |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=The Athletic |language=en}} on a three-year deal, with the option to extend for a further twelve months. "Kevin is a player whom we've pursued for several years. He brings great physical tools to our Club in addition to his vast experience," said club owner Tony Khan.{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Fulham |title=Fulham Sign Mbabu |url=https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/july/27/fulham-sign-mbabu/ |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=Fulham FC}}

On 13 February, Mbabu returned to his youth club Servette FC on loan for the remainder of the 2022–23 season.{{cite web|url=https://servettefc.ch/kevin-mbabu-de-retour-dans-son-club-formateur/|title=Kevin Mbabu de retour dans son club formateur|publisher=Servette FC |date=2023-02-13 |access-date=2023-02-13}}

On 1 September 2023, Mbabu joined Bundesliga club Augsburg on a season-long loan.{{cite web |url=https://www.fcaugsburg.de/article/fca-verpflichtet-kevin-mbabu-auf-leihbasis-18620 |title=FCA verpflichtet Kevin Mbabu auf Leihbasis |publisher=FC Augsburg |language=de |date=1 September 2023 }}

On 30 August 2024, Mbabu joined Danish side Midtjylland.{{cite web|url= https://www.fcm.dk/nyheder/kevin-mbabu-skifter-til-fc-midtjylland/|title=Kevin Mbabu skifter til FC Midtjylland|date=30 August 2024|website=FC Midtjylland|language=da}}

Due to his mixed descent, Mbabu was eligible to play for Switzerland, DR Congo and France.{{cite news |date=29 October 2017 |title="Ich kenne meinen Vater nicht" |language=de |publisher=Blick |url=https://www.blick.ch/sport/fussball/superleague/das-traurige-geheimnis-vom-yb-sunnyboy-mbabu-ich-kenne-meinen-vater-nicht-id7524653.html |access-date=30 June 2018}}{{cite news|title=Ist das unser nächster Nati-Stern?|url=http://www.blick.ch/sport/fussball/international/premierleague/mbabu-verzaubert-die-insel-ist-das-unser-naechster-nati-stern-id4224956.html|publisher=Blick|language=de|date=2 October 2015|access-date=30 June 2018}} He was a youth international for Switzerland, from the under–16 to under–21 side.{{cite web|url=http://fr.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=250046574/profile/index.html|title=Kevin Mbabu|publisher=UEFA Official Website|language=fr|access-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303123815/http://fr.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=250046574/profile/index.html|archive-date=3 March 2017|url-status=dead}}

In May 2018, Mbabu was named in the Switzerland's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.{{cite news|title=COUPE DU MONDE: MBABU ET SOW DANS LE CADRE ÉLARGI|url=https://www.lematin.ch/sports/football/coupe-monde-mbabu-sow-cadre-elargi/story/31396715|publisher=Le Matin|language=fr|date=15 May 2018|access-date=7 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708015604/https://www.lematin.ch/sports/football/coupe-monde-mbabu-sow-cadre-elargi/story/31396715|url-status=dead}} However, he was cut from the squad after Switzerland's preliminary squad was cut to 26.{{cite news|title=Mehmedi verzichtet auf die WM|url=https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/sport/fussball/Mehmedi-verzichtet-auf-die-WM/story/27607043|publisher=Tages Anzeiger|language=de|date=25 May 2018|access-date=7 July 2018}} He made his debut on 8 September 2018, in the starting lineup against the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League match against Iceland.

In May 2019, he played in 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, where his team finished 4th.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48191915|title=Pickford the hero in England shootout win|work=BBC Sport}}

In 2021, he was called up to the national team for the 2020 UEFA European Championship, where the team upset favorites France en route to the quarter-finals, where they lost to Spain.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-28 |title=France 3-3 Switzerland (aet; pens 4-5): Euro 2020 last 16 – as it happened |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/jun/28/france-v-switzerland-euro-2020-last-16-score-updates-live |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Switzerland vs. Spain – Football Match Summary – July 2, 2021 – ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/560300 |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Mbabu was born in Chêne-Bougeries, Switzerland, to a Congolese mother and a French father, He has two sisters (one of which is his step–sister) and one brother. However, Mbabu revealed that he never met his biological father and when his mother was remarried, his Austrian step–father raised him and played a role of introducing him to football. As he was introduced to football, he played in the forward position before switching to the defender position.{{cite web |date=24 July 2013 |title=Kevin Mbabu : " En famille d'accueil à Newcastle " |url=http://kickoff.blogs.lequipe.fr/?p=887 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727114904/http://kickoff.blogs.lequipe.fr/?p=887 |archive-date=27 July 2013 |access-date=7 July 2018 |publisher=L'Equipe |language=fr}}

Alongside his native French, Mbabu reportedly speaks English and German (though he acknowledged the difficulty of the language).{{cite web |date=31 January 2013 |title=Mbabu Hoping To Emulate Hottiger |url=https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/mbabu-hoping-to-emulate-hottiger |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701203048/https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/archive/mbabu-hoping-to-emulate-hottiger |archive-date=1 July 2018 |access-date=7 July 2018 |publisher=Newcastle United F.C.}}

{{updated|match played 25 May 2025}}{{cite web|title=Kevin Mbabu|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=65578|website=Soccerbase|access-date=18 December 2015}}{{Soccerway|kevin-mbabu/235506|access-date=16 October 2017}}

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{updated|match played 15 November 2024|{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=30414|title=Kevin Mbabu|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=15 November 2021}}}}

Young Boys

• Swiss Super League: 2017–18,[https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/schweizer-meister-yb_in-bern-ist-das-glueck-zu-gast/44142186 Schweizer Meister YB – In Bern ist das Glück zu Gast] 2018–19

Individual

• Axpo Swiss League Player of the Year: 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/kevin-mbabu-who-is-wolfsburg-s-new-right-back-switzerland-5002|title=Kevin Mbabu: Who is Wolfsburg's Switzerland international defender?|publisher=Bundesliga|access-date=27 July 2019}}
• Swiss Super League Player of the Year: 2018–19{{Cite web |last=Ren |date=2018-01-31 |title=SAFP GOLDEN 11 2017 - Die Gewinner |url=https://golden11.ch/awards/2017 |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Golden11 |language=en-US}}
• Swiss Super League Team of the Year: 2017–18,{{Cite web |date=2018-01-31 |title=SAFP GOLDEN 11 2017 - Die Gewinner |url=https://golden11.ch/awards/2017 |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=Golden11 |language=en-US}} 2018–19{{Cite web |last=Ren |date=2018-01-31 |title=SAFP GOLDEN 11 2017 - Die Gewinner |url=https://golden11.ch/awards/2017 |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Golden11 |language=en-US}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Soccerway|kevin-mbabu/235506}}
• [http://www.servettefc.ch/fr/saison/joueur.php?player_id=189 Kevin Mbabu profile]{{Dead link|date=February 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} at servettefc.ch
• {{ESPN FC|176497}}

{{FC Midtjylland squad}}

{{Switzerland squad UEFA Euro 2020}}

{{ASF-SFV football awards}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mbabu, Kevin}}

Category:1995 births

Category:Living people

Category:Swiss people of Democratic Republic of the Congo descent

Category:Swiss people of French descent

Category:People from Chêne-Bougeries

Category:Footballers from the canton of Geneva

Category:Swiss men's footballers

Category:Men's association football fullbacks

Category:Servette FC players

Category:Newcastle United F.C. players

Category:Rangers F.C. players

Category:BSC Young Boys players

Category:VfL Wolfsburg players

Category:Fulham F.C. players

Category:FC Augsburg players

Category:FC Midtjylland players

Category:Swiss Super League players

Category:Premier League players

Category:Bundesliga players

Category:Danish Superliga players

Category:Switzerland men's youth international footballers

Category:Switzerland men's international footballers

Category:UEFA Euro 2020 players

Category:Swiss expatriate men's footballers

Category:Swiss expatriate sportspeople in England

Category:Swiss expatriate sportspeople in Scotland

Category:Swiss expatriate sportspeople in Germany

Category:Swiss expatriate sportspeople in Denmark

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Denmark

Category:21st-century Swiss sportsmen