Gabriel Zakuani

Gabriel "Gabby" Zakuani (born May 31 1986 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo) is a professional football (soccer), currently playing for Peterborough United F.C. on loan from Fulham F.C..

Club career

Leyton Orient

Zakuani moved to London in 1992 where Leyton Orient F.C. spotted him playing in one of his school matches as a 14 year old. After two seasons in the Youth Team, the 16-year-old was given his first team debut in a match against Bury F.C. in March 2003.

In the 2004-05 in English football and 2005-06 in English football he become a regular in Martin Ling's plans, making the central defence position his own at Orient. He scored three goals in almost 100 first team appearances for Orient.

In January 2006, Zakuani was part of the Leyton Orient side that overcame Fulham, 2–1, in the FA Cup third round. Zakuani and his team mates were eventually knocked out of the Cup by another Premier League outfit, Charlton Athletic F.C..

Fulham

In July 2006, he was signed by Fulham F.C. for a fee of £1m, rising to £1.5m depending on appearances, on a four-year contract. The fee represented a club record for Leyton Orient F.C..

Loan moves

Zakuani signed for Stoke City on loan for the remainder of the 2006-07 in English football. Despite being a natural centre back, Zakuani also deputised as a right back during his loan spell.

On 31 August 2007, Zakuani again signed for Stoke City on loan, this time for the rest of the 2007-08 in English football.

Zakuani returned to Fulham at the end of his loan and was then sent to Peterborough United F.C. on a three-month loan where he will partner Craig Morgan in the Posh back four.

International career

Zakuani made his international debut for the Congo DR national football team in August 2005 against Guinea national football team.

Outside football

Away from football, in 2007, Zakuani appeared in Dizzee Rascal's music video for his single Flex.