Ken Nlata Sema is a Swedish professional footballer born on 30 September 1993 in Norrköping, Sweden.
He currently represents Cypriot First Division club Pafos and the Sweden national team.
Born to Congolese parents who immigrated to Sweden in the late 1980s, Sema grew up in Norrköping after an initial period in Åsele.
He is known for his work rate, dribbling ability and versatility on the left flank, and has been affectionately called ‘King Ken’ by fans during his time at Watford.
Sema has also been open about living with a stammer and has been praised as a role model for others with speech impediments.
Siblings
Ken is the youngest of four children. His older brother is Maic Sema, also a professional footballer who has played for clubs including Hammarby IF, IFK Norrköping and others in Sweden and abroad.
Ken also has two older sisters, Lyra and Amanda.
The family arrived in Sweden from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with Lyra having been part of the initial move, while the other siblings were born in Sweden.
Career
Sema began his youth career at IF Sylvia before moving to IFK Norrköping.
He was promoted to the first team in 2013 but spent the season on loan at IF Sylvia without making a senior appearance for Norrköping, after which his contract was not renewed.
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He then joined Superettan side Ljungskile SK for two seasons (2014–2015), where he established himself with regular appearances and goals.
In 2016 he signed for Östersunds FK in the Allsvenskan, enjoying a breakthrough period that included European football.
In 2018 he transferred to English club Watford, spending several seasons there with a loan spell at Udinese in Serie A during 2019–2020.
He became a popular and consistent performer at Watford, contributing to promotion efforts.
In January 2025 he moved to Pafos in Cyprus.
Internationally, Sema represented Sweden at the 2016 Olympics and made his senior debut in 2017.
He has earned numerous caps for the national team, including appearances at major tournaments such as Euro 2020, and has scored multiple international goals.
Accolades
With Östersunds FK, Sema won the Svenska Cupen in 2016–17, providing three assists in the final.
At Pafos he contributed to the club’s first-ever Cypriot First Division title in the 2024–25 season.
He has been a regular for the Sweden national team over several years and has been recognised for his perseverance and character, particularly in overcoming early career setbacks and his stammer to become a role model.
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