Former Chelsea superstar Salomon Kalou launches chocolate brand in Ivory Coast

Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast footballer Salomon Kalou has launched a chocolate brand called Oumé, blending his passion for cocoa with a tribute to his roots.

After retiring from professional football in 2024, Kalou surprised many by stepping into the world of artisanal chocolate.

Rather than pursuing a typical post-football path like punditry or coaching, he co-founded Oumé, a chocolate and cacao-focused lifestyle brand.

The name is a heartfelt nod to his hometown in Côte d’Ivoire, a region globally renowned for its rich cocoa heritage.

Kalou’s venture reflects a desire to reconnect with his origins and promote the cultural and economic value of Ivorian cocoa.

Oumé is more than just a chocolate company—it’s a storytelling platform. Partnering with creative director Karina Ferreira, Kalou has positioned the brand as a fusion of craftsmanship, identity, and memory.

The brand aims to elevate the narrative around African cocoa by emphasising sustainability, quality, and cultural pride.

Through pop-up events and curated experiences, Oumé invites consumers to explore the journey of chocolate from bean to bar, while celebrating the people and traditions behind it.

Kalou’s transition from football to entrepreneurship has been met with admiration, especially from fans who see his new path as both unexpected and inspiring.

By leveraging his global profile, he hopes to shine a spotlight on Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa industry and create opportunities for local farmers and artisans.

With Oumé, Kalou is not just selling chocolate—he’s crafting a legacy rooted in purpose, passion, and pride.

Solomon Kalou was born in Oume in the Ivory Coast and trained in the famous ASEC Mimosas Academy before having a successful journey in Europe with Feyenoord, Excelsior, Chelsea, Lille and Hertha Berlin in the Netherlands, England, France and Germany. Kalou also played for Brazilian side Botafogo and  Artar/Solar of Djibouti, where he retired in 2024.