Ibrahima Konaté

Full name: Ibrahima Konaté

Date of birth/Age: May 25, 1999 (25)

Place of birth: Paris France

Height: 1,94 m

Citizenship: France Mali

Position: Defender - Centre-Back

Foot: Right

Current club: Liverpool FC

Joined: Jul 1, 2021

Contract expires: Jun 30, 2026

Ibrahima Konaté is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Liverpool FC in the Premier League and the France national team. Here's a detailed overview of his career and achievements:

Early Career:

Birth: Born on May 25, 1999, in Paris, France.

Youth Career: Konaté began his football journey with Paris FC before moving to the academy of FC Sochaux in 2014. Initially a striker, he transitioned into a defender role during his time at Sochaux.

Professional Debut: He made his professional debut for Sochaux in January 2017, playing several matches in Ligue 2.

RB Leipzig:

Transfer: In 2017, Konaté signed with RB Leipzig in Germany, marking a significant step in his career.

Performance: Over four seasons with Leipzig, he played nearly a century of games, becoming a pivotal part of the defense. His performances were notable for his physicality, pace, and ball-playing ability.

Liverpool FC:

Transfer to Liverpool: On May 28, 2021, Liverpool announced they had reached an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign Konaté for a fee of approximately £36 million. His contract with Liverpool runs until June 30, 2026.

Debut and Impact: Konaté made his Premier League debut in September 2021, impressing in games against strong opponents like Manchester United, where he helped secure a 5-0 victory. His ability to handle top forwards and his defensive solidity earned him praise and frequent inclusions in team-of-the-week selections.

Achievements with Liverpool:

2021-2022 Season: Won the EFL Cup and FA Cup in his first season with the club.

Injuries and Comebacks: He has had periods sidelined due to injuries, notably a foot injury in the 2024-2025 season that kept him out for about a month, and a knee injury in November 2024 which raised concerns about a longer absence. However, when fit, he's been a key player in Liverpool's defensive line.

International Career:

France National Team: Konaté received his first call-up to the senior France team in June 2022. He debuted in a UEFA Nations League match against Austria.

World Cup 2022: He was part of the French squad that reached the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his international prowess.

Leadership: He captained France in a UEFA Nations League game against Italy in November 2024, indicating his growing stature within the national team setup.

Personal Life:

Background: Born to parents from Mali, Konaté grew up in Paris and is the second youngest of eight siblings. He's a practicing Muslim and has a keen interest in anime and manga, with "Attack on Titan" being a favorite.

Market Value: As of the latest data, his market value is estimated at €50 million, reflecting his status as one of the top young defenders in the world.

Playing Style:

Strengths: Known for his height, speed, good technique, and passing ability, Konaté has often been compared to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk due to his positional play, tackling, and aerial dominance.

Versatility: While primarily a centre-back, his athleticism and footballing intelligence allow him to adapt to different defensive strategies.