Once viewed as a talented young prospect, Nouhou has evolved into a veteran defender with the Seattle Sounders.
Originally signed to S2 (now Tacoma Defiance) back in 2016, Nouhou has etched his name in club history, winning an MLS Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup over the course of a decade in Seattle.
He’s grown into a valuable asset through his hard work, racking up over 300 appearances across all competitions – more than any defender in the club’s MLS era. But he understands that the people around him over the last nine or so years is what truly molded him into someone who's been able to thrive in Seattle.
“The thing about Seattle is there’s something very special,” said Nouhou. “You have a good relationship with the coaching staff. They teach you how to play football… Everything is perfect.”
In addition to the team staff, Nouhou had teammates around him that welcomed him in open arms following his move to the states. He thinks of Jordy Delem specifically, who made his transition to Seattle more manageable.
“Coming from Cameroon to the US, it wasn't easy for me,” said Nouhou. “The culture, especially the language, you know, [Jordy] was the only one who was speaking English from French, so it was [helpful] for me in the locker room.”
What started as Delem taking Nouhou to the hospital at 3 a.m. the night he injured his shoulder during an S2 match in 2017, turned into a flourishing friendship and one that the 29-year-old is forever grateful for.
“We were not living together yet because he just got here not too long ago, and [Nouhou] rang my phone, like ‘Help me please,’ like ‘Come with me to the hospital,’” said Delem. “Nobody wanted to go with him, and actually since this very moment, we became very, very close.”
Nouhou reflects on his opening two years with Delem as formative in his journey with the Sounders, describing the former midfielder as a father figure to him in moments of struggle.
“I feel like if it wasn’t for him, I don’t see how I'd be in [Seattle] right now,” said Nouhou.
Delem, along with former defender Joevin Jones who lived nearby, forged a strong friendship with Nouhou. They provided advice for the young defender navigating the inner workings of U.S. soccer for the first time. They helped him break language barriers and adjust to the cultural changes of Cameroon to Seattle.
“They made my life easy in America the first two years,” said Nouhou.
Whether it be Delem and Jones, the coaching staff, his current teammates or the loyal Sounders fan base, the people affiliated with the club have been a driving force in his growth on and off the pitch, helping make Seattle feel like home since 2016.
“Here, it’s like a family,” said Nouhou. “Everybody's together. That's why this team is very special to me.”