Jules Kounde was born in Paris on November 12, 1998. His family originally came from Benin. He started playing for small clubs in the outskirts of Bordeaux in Southwest France. He first passed a trial at the age of 14 years old and joined the youth ranks of the professional team, FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

At the age of 19 the defender made his first team debt in a Coupe de France game against Granville, and he slowly but surely gained a regular place in the starting XI. Kounde caught the attention of La Liga club Sevilla and signed for the Andalusian club in 2019. 

He quickly became an important member Julen Lopetegui's team and helped them win the Europa League in 2020. Kounde was part of the France squad that played in the Euro 2020 tournament in the summer of 2021 and that also claimed the UEFA Nations League title, beating Spain in the final in October 2021. In 2022 Kounde was a vital part of the France side that reached the final of the World Cup in Qatar, playing 120 minutes of the final against eventual champions Argentina. 

As a blaugrana, Kounde was key in helping Barça to the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga titles in 2022/23. The Frenchman showed his versatility by playing mainly at right back in his first season at Barça. His first goal for the Club came against Espanyol in the match that sealed the league for FC Barcelona in May 2023. 

Jules Kounde is known for being a very fast defender, quick to intercept, and being good on the ball. The French centre back, who can also play as a full back, is very difficult to beat one-on-one and is comfortable defending high up the pitch, as he trusts his recovery pace to get back.