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Steven Nzonzi Returns to Stoke City: Here’s Everything He Did Since 2015

Steven Nzonzi, Stoke City

‘Big’ Steven Nzonzi has returned to Staffordshire on a one year deal to the Potters. Sporting Director, Jonathan Walters, said: “Steven needs no introduction to Stoke City fans. To have the opportunity to bring in a player of such talent and experience, a World Cup and Europa League winner as well as a Potters’ legend, is a huge boost for everyone at the Club.”

He would spend three seasons at Stoke City, making 120 appearances for the club between 2012 and 2015. Arriving from Blackburn Rovers, he quickly became a key player and a fan favorite. The 6’5 Midfielder was an integral part of the club where he would record finishes of 13th, and two consecutive 9th places. His mask era look was especially memorable and is still remembered by Stoke fans.

He would leave the cold rainy nights in Stoke for sunny Spain. He would join Sevilla in the summer of 2015 for a fee of €8.00m. His three years in La Liga helped elevate his profile significantly, ultimately leading to his call-up to the French national team. The Frenchman would make 136 appearances and win the UEFA Europa League in his first season for the Spanish side.

Despite falling out with his manager Eduardo Berizzo, Steven would be called for the 2018 World cup squad for the Les Blues. While not a regular starter, he played an important role as a squad player, providing depth in the midfield. He made a total of five appearances during the tournament, mostly as a substitute. His most notable contribution came in the final against Croatia, where he was subbed on for N’Golo Kanté in the second half to help France see out the victory and secure the World Cup title.

After his move to Roma in the summer of 2018 for €26.65 million, expectations were high for Steven Nzonzi to replicate his successful defensive performances from his time in Spain. However, his tenure with the club was brief. The French midfielder made 39 appearances in his only season at Roma and would never play for Rome again despite still having 2 more years with the club.

As part of the deal, the French midfielder moved to Galatasaray on a loan agreement. The Turkish club was given the option to make the transfer permanent for a fee of €16 million. Additionally, Galatasaray had the choice to extend the loan for a second year until June 30, 2021, for a loan fee of €500,000.

The loan to Galatasaray proved equally problematic, with disciplinary issues emerging. Galatasaray suspended midfielder Steven Nzonzi for “unprofessional behavior” after he walked out of a training session. Nzonzi was on loan to the Turkish club from Roma at the time of the incident.

Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim would comment on the matter saying “He did what he did and we made his decision. I can only tell you that his behavior was not just disrespectful to me, but also to all his teammates. Nobody has the right to do what he did”.

After his difficult loan at Galatasaray, Steven Nzonzi found a new opportunity in France, joining Stade Rennais on a five-month loan from Roma. The deal included an option for an additional year.

This move to Rennes proved to be the most successful period for Nzonzi since leaving Roma. He regained his form and confidence, making 46 appearances and logging nearly 3,000 minutes during the 2020-2021 season—more than his entire time at Roma. The familiar environment and league allowed him to utilize his physical strengths and experience effectively.

While the move helped Nzonzi rebuild his career, Rennes ultimately decided not to make the transfer permanent, and he had to yet again ring his agent to look for a new club for him.

After an unsuccessful period with Roma and loan spells at Galatasaray and Rennes. It was time for a trip to the Middle East where he would join Qatari side Al-Rayyan

He played 39 games and scored 2 goals during his single season in Qatar before leaving the club. Nzonzi later moved back to Turkey to sign with Konyaspor.

As the theme suggests it was job hunting time again for the Frenchman.

He would then move to Iran out of places. He would join Sepahan where he would compete for the Persian Gulf Pro League title and win the Iranian Supercup. 

As fate would go, the Frenchman would have to look for another club as a travel ban prevented him from joining the Iranian side. Nzonzi would comment “Me and my family decided that it was best for us not to come back especially for safety reasons. I tried to find the strength but I couldn’t. I had a great season. I wish all of you nothing but the best for the upcoming season. Thank you to the great fans of Sepahan for their amazing support.”

Yet again he was out of a job. This time it would be his former side Stoke who would snap him up and you guessed it on a one year deal. Will the Frenchman impress and get an extension or will he have to look for another apartment in the Middle East next summer?

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