born in oumé, ivory coast, like his older brother bonaventure kalou, kalou began his career in local club mimosas before plying his trade in europe. auxerre coach guy roux wanted to sign him to unite him with his brother at the club, but kalou opted to sign for feyenoord instead in 2003. in 2004, he was loaned to feyenoord's "satellite club", excelsior.