Denis Lemi Zakaria Lako Lado is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Chelsea, on loan from Juventus and the Switzerland national team.
In June 2017, Zakaria signed a five-year contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach. He was transferred as a replacement for Mahmoud Dahoud who left the club for Borussia Dortmund.
On 31 January 2022, with six months remaining on his contract, Zakaria moved to Serie A club Juventus on a four-and-a-half-year contract, in a deal worth €4.5 million. On 6 February, Zakaria scored on his debut in the 61st minute, helping his side beat Hellas Verona 2–0.
On 1 September 2022, Zakaria was loaned to Premier League club Chelsea till the end of the 2022–23 season with an option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
Denis Zakaria Parents: Meet Rina Zakaria And Lako Lado Zakaria
The Swiss footballer hails from a middle-class household – a household that is inclined toward sports. A report from our research has it that Denis Zakaria’s Dad played football at an amateur level (in Africa). Currently, he works in a sports ministry in Congo.
On the other hand, Denis’ Mum is a businesswoman. Just like Daine Davies Tom Davies’ mum, Rina is a hairstylist. In fact, she runs one of the most successful hair salons in Geneva city.
For family reasons, Denis Zakaria was raised by a single parent (his mother, Rina) who alone brought him up alongside his elder brother Richard.
A few years ago, Rina explained to a journalist what she went through in raising her two boys – Denis and Richard. She describes her children as her whole life. In her words; I had to fight in life to provide for my children. I tried to give them what I didn’t get as a child.
Early on, I have always taught Richard and Denis that it takes effort to be successful.
Denis Zakaria’s Mum (Rina) hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just like Christopher Nkunku, Congolese blood flows through Denis’ veins.
In case you are not aware, Rina arrived in Geneva (Switzerland) all by herself in the year 1983. Zak’s mum did not know anyone in the country. In fact, she was unable to speak French but fluent in Swahili and Tshiluba.
As a boy, Denis and Richard often visit South Sudan and Congo. These are the African countries of his parents and ancestors.
While there, the boy’s Dad (Lako Lado) ensured they learn Bari, the local dialect. Asides from learning the language, Denis and Richard also played soccer with several village children.
According to his Dad; These trips made a deep impression on Denis. He was happy to have been there and to realize how difficult the living conditions of people from his origin.