Ismaël Koné

Ismaël Koné
Koné with Canada in 2026
Personal information
Full name Ismaël Kenneth Jordan Koné
Date of birth (2002-06-16) June 16, 2002
Place of birth Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[1]
Position Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Sassuolo
Number 90
Youth career
2012–2018 AS Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
2019–2020 CS Saint-Laurent
2020–2021 CF Montréal
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2021–2022 CF Montréal 26 (2)
2022–2024 Watford 58 (4)
2024–2026 Marseille 8 (0)
2025 → Rennes (loan) 13 (2)
2025–2026 → Sassuolo (loan) 20 (4)
2026– Sassuolo 15 (2)
International career‡
2022– Canada 42 (4)
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Men's soccer
CONCACAF Nations League
Runner-up2023 United States
Third place2025 United States
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of May 24, 2026
‡ National team caps and goals as of June 18, 2026

Ismaël Kenneth Jordan Koné (born June 16, 2002) is a professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Sassuolo. Born in the Ivory Coast, he plays for the Canada national team.

Koné began his professional playing career with Major League Soccer club CF Montréal in 2021. In late 2022, Koné agreed to join EFL Championship club Watford. After two seasons in England, Koné joined Ligue 1 club Marseille, but he struggled for playing time with the French club, and went on two loan spells, first with fellow Ligue 1 side Rennes and then Serie A club Sassuolo. In early 2026, Koné joined Sassuolo on a permanent deal.

Koné received his first call-up to the Canada national team in 2022 for that year's FIFA World Cup qualification matches, and was ultimately named to Canada's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. For Koné's performances in his debut season, he was named that year's Canadian Youth Player of the Year. The following year, Koné participated in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals, and was again named the Canadian Youth Player of the Year for a second consecutive season. Koné has since represented Canada at the 2024 Copa América, 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

Ismaël Kenneth Jordan Koné was born on June 16, 2002[2] in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.[3] In 2010, he moved to Canada with his mother at age 7, growing up in Montreal.[4][5] Two years later, he began playing youth soccer with the AS Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Panthers.[6][7]

When he was 16, he joined CS Saint-Laurent.[8][9] With CS Saint-Laurent he earned the bronze medal at the 2019 Canadian Under-17 Championship.[10] He went on trial in Belgium with Genk and Mouscron,[8] but was unable to sign with Mouscron as they did not have the funds available to sign a non-European player.[11] Soon afterwards, he was forced to return to Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he began training with CF Montreal U23 and earned an invitation to the first team's training camp in 2021.[10]

Club career

CF Montréal

After a few months training with the CF Montréal first team, initially unable to sign a contract due to “some technicalities in MLS rules,”[12][13] Koné officially signed a two-year contract with two option years on August 13, 2021.[14][15] However, soon after signing his contract he suffered a knee injury, which limited his participation in training.[16]

After the 2021 season, he went to train with Montreal's sister club, Serie A club Bologna.[17] Koné made his professional debut and scored his first goal with Montreal in a 3–0 win against Santos Laguna on February 23, 2022, in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League.[18][19] During the 2022 summer transfer window, EFL Championship clubs Sheffield United and Norwich City were reported to have approached Montréal over Koné's services.[20][21]

Watford

In December 2022, EFL Championship club Watford announced they had agreed to sign Koné on a transfer from CF Montréal, with the midfielder penning a four-and-a-half-year deal.[22] He made his debut on January 7, 2023, starting an FA Cup match against Reading.[23] Koné scored his first goal for Watford in a 3–2 win over Norwich on November 28, 2023.[24] In June 2024, Marseille would announce that they had reached an agreement with Watford to sign Koné pending a medical, with Watford confirming that Koné would depart the club after appearing in 63 games and scoring four goals.[25][26]

Marseille

Koné with Marseille in 2024.

On June 28, 2024, it was announced Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille had reached an agreement for the permanent signing of Koné,[27][28] for a reported transfer fee of £15m including add-ons.[29] After ankle injuries initially prevented him from practicing or playing regularly, Koné's time at Marseille became dominated by discussions of conflict between him and manager Roberto De Zerbi.

On January 24, 2025, De Zerbi publicly stated that the player "hasn't shown me that he's capable of being part of this project," and indicated that he would likely leave the club.[30] In August 2025, Marseille released a documentary account of its 2024–25 season that included footage of a training altercation between the two.[31]

Loan to Rennes

On February 3, 2025, Koné joined Rennes on loan for the remainder of the 2024–25 season.[32] In the final match of the 2024–25 Ligue 1 season at the Stade Vélodrome, he scored a long-range goal from 30 meters against his parent club, Marseille.[33][34]

Sassuolo

On July 29, 2025, amidst further media reports of incompatibility between Koné and De Zerbi, Koné was loaned to Serie A club Sassuolo.[35] He made his official debut on August 15 in a Coppa Italia match against US Catanzaro, starting and playing 84 minutes in a 1–0 victory.[36] On February 2, 2026, Sassuolo made the transfer permanent.[37]

On March 1, 2026, Koné scored the opening goal and was named man of the match in Sassuolo's 2–1 victory over Atalanta, with the goal coming eight minutes after Sassuolo had been reduced to ten men.[38]

International career

Koné playing for Canada at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Koné was eligible to play for Canada and the Ivory Coast. In March 2022, Koné was called up to Canada for their final window of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.[39][40] He made his debut on March 24 against Costa Rica, as a substitute for Jonathan Osorio.[41]

Koné scored his first international goal for Canada in a friendly against Bahrain on November 11, 2022.[42] Two days later on November 13, he was named to Canada's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[43] He appeared in all three of the team's matches at the World Cup.[44][45] At the end of the year, Koné was named the men's 2022 Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year.[46] The following year, Koné was awarded again the Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year.[47]

In June 2023, Koné was called up to Canada ahead of the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals.[48] He scored in the second leg of the quarterfinals against Jamaica.

In June 2024, Koné was named to Canada's squad for the 2024 Copa América.[49] After starting in Les Rouges' first two games, Koné was benched for Jonathan Osorio for the final group stage match—a 0–0 draw that sent Canada to the quarterfinals.[50]

In May 2026, Koné was selected for Canada's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada co-hosted with Mexico and the United States.[51] On June 12, Koné was selected as player of the match in a 1–1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina during both teams' opening group stage game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which saw Canada earn their first World Cup point ever.[52] On June 18, Koné was injured during the 51st minute of Canada's second group stage match against Qatar by a tackle from Assim Madibo, who was later issued a red card.[53] Medical staff put an air cast on Koné's left leg and he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher as Canada later went on to win the game 6–0, their first win at a World Cup.[54] The team announced the following day that Koné underwent a successful surgery for his fractured tibia and fibula.[55]

Style of play

Koné is a strong and willing dribbler who favours direct attacking runs, covers ground effortlessly, and maintains composure under pressure.[56][57]

During his loan at Stade Rennais, Koné showcased increased dynamism, aggression in duels, and effectiveness in breaking defensive lines, qualities that had been less evident at Olympique de Marseille.[58] Head coach Habib Beye praised Koné, stating, "Ismaël is a player of immense quality."[59]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played May 24, 2026[60]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
CF Montréal 2021 Major League Soccer 0000———00
2022 Major League Soccer 26210—3[c]12[d]1324
Total 26210—3121324
Watford 2022–23 Championship 16010———170
2023–24 Championship 4243010——464
Total 5844010——634
Marseille 2024–25 Ligue 1 8010———90
Rennes (loan) 2024–25 Ligue 1 132————132
Sassuolo (loan) 2025–26 Serie A 20410———214
Sassuolo 2025–26 Serie A 15 2 — — — — 15 2
Sassuolo total 35 6 1 0 — — — 36 6
Career total 140137010312115315

International

As of match played June 18, 2026
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Canada 202291
202371
2024101
2025111
202650
Total424

Scores and results list Canada's goal tally first.

List of international goals scored by Ismaël Koné
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1November 11, 2022Khalifa Sports City Stadium, Isa Town, Bahrain Bahrain1–02–2Friendly
2November 21, 2023BMO Field, Toronto, Canada Jamaica2–22–32023–24 CONCACAF Nations League A
3July 13, 2024Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, United States Uruguay1–12–2
(3–4 p)		2024 Copa América
4November 18, 2025Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, United States Venezuela1–02–0Friendly

Honours

Individual

Personal life

Koné is a Muslim and fasts during Ramadan while playing matches.[61]

References

  1. ↑ "FIFA World Cup 2026: Squad List" (PDF). FIFA. June 2, 2026. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  2. ↑ "FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Squad list: Canada (CAN)" (PDF). FIFA. November 15, 2022. p. 6. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Le CF Montréal ajoute le jeune Ismaël Koné à sa formation" [CF Montreal adds young Ismaël Koné to its roster]. La Presse (in French). August 13, 2021.
  4. ↑ Lévesque, Dave (September 7, 2021). "Ismaël Koné: La Carte Cachée" [Ismaël Koné: The Hidden Map]. TVA Sports (in French). Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  5. ↑ Téotonio, Jean-François (October 17, 2022). "Ismaël Koné, un joueur " spécial "" [Ismaël Koné, a “special” player]. La Presse (in French). Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  6. ↑ Boivin, Olivier (February 24, 2022). "Un ancien du CS Saint-Laurent fait vibrer le Stade olympique" [A former CS Saint-Laurent rocks the Olympic Stadium]. Journal Métro (in French). Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  7. ↑ Landry, Nicolas (November 2, 2022). "Ismaël Koné : la proximité de l'échec" [Ismaël Koné: the proximity of failure]. RDS (in French). Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  8. 1 2 Bogert, Tom (August 13, 2021). "CF Montréal sign midfielder Ismael Kone". Major League Soccer. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  9. ↑ Gelevan, Douglas (September 18, 2022). "Montreal's Ismaël Koné bursts into soccer's global spotlight". CBC. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  10. 1 2 Montminy, Emeric (August 12, 2021). "La Prochain "Pépite" du CF Montréal?" [The Next "Nugget" of CF Montreal]. TVA Sports (in French). Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  11. ↑ Kloke, Joshua (December 1, 2022). "Canada's Ismael Kone on the World Cup and his breakout year: 'I don't want to play like anyone else'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  12. ↑ "CF Montreal sign 19-year-old M Ismael Kone". National Post. August 13, 2021.
  13. ↑ Filosa, Jeremy (September 7, 2021). "Ismaël Koné, " un des plus beaux espoirs au Québec "" [Ismaël Koné, "one of the most beautiful hopes in Quebec"]. CHMP-FM 98.5 FM (in French). Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Ismaël Kone signs with first team". CF Montreal. August 13, 2021.
  15. ↑ Lévesque, Dave (September 7, 2021). "Retenez le nom d'Ismaël Koné" [Remember the name of Ismaël Koné]. Le Journal de Montréal (in French). Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Ismaël Koné is ready to come and lend a hand to CF Montreal". Look Charms. September 8, 2021. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  17. ↑ Gangué-Ruzic, Alexandre (March 18, 2022). "Who is Ismael Koné? A deep dive into the rapidly improving 19-year-old CF Montreal midfielder set to earn first CanMNT call-up this March window". Destroy and Progress. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  18. ↑ Gangué-Ruzic, Alexandre (February 23, 2022). ""I'm happy with the result" CF Montreal erases Santos Laguna heartbreak with commanding 3–0 win to advance to Champions League quarter-finals". BTS Van City. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  19. ↑ Lévesque, Dave (February 27, 2022). "Scénario rêvé pour Ismaël Koné" [Dream scenario for Ismaël Koné]. TVA Sports (in French). Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  20. ↑ Boehm, Charles (October 22, 2022). "CF Montréal wunderkind Ismaël Koné seeks great leap in MLS Cup Playoffs". Major League Soccer. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  21. ↑ Gaboury, Clément (September 2, 2022). "CF Montréal: Ismaël Koné demeure avec le club" [CF Montreal: Ismaël Koné remains with the club]. Journal Métro (in French). Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  22. ↑ "Official: Hornets Sign Koné". Watford Football Club. December 5, 2022.
  23. ↑ French, Andrew (January 7, 2022). "Watford out of the FA Cup, but new injury is of more concern". Watford Observer.
  24. ↑ "'A moment of magic': Ismael Kone pulls one back for Watford against Norwich". SkySports. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Official Statement of OM". Olympique de Marseille. June 28, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Koné Departs". Watford FC. June 28, 2024.
  27. ↑ "Communiqué officiel de l'OM" [Official press release from OM]. www.om.fr (in French). Olympique de Marseille. June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  28. ↑ "Ismael Kone: Watford midfielder moves to Marseille". BBC Sport. June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  29. ↑ Leventhal, Adam (June 30, 2024). "Marseille agree deal in principle with Watford for Canada midfielder Ismael Kone". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  30. ↑ Scianitti, Matthew (January 24, 2025). "Koné's time at Olympique Marseille may be coming to a messy end". TSN. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  31. ↑ "Marseille releases video of Kone-De Zerbi bust-up". TSN. August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Ismaël Koné prêté par l'Olympique de Marseille" [Ismaël Koné loaned out by Olympique de Marseille] (in French). Stade Rennais FC. February 3, 2025.
  33. ↑ "La fête est totale ! - Débrief et NOTES des joueurs (OM 4-2 Rennes)" [The celebration is complete! - Debrief and player RATINGS (OM 4-2 Rennes)]. www.maxifoot.fr (in French). Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  34. ↑ "Marseille 4-2 Rennes (May 17, 2025) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  35. ↑ "Mercato : Ismaël Koné officiellement prêté par l'OM à Sassuolo" [Transfer market: Ismaël Koné officially loaned by OM to Sassuolo] (in French). L’Équipe. July 29, 2025. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Sassuolo vs Catanzaro". Sofascore. Retrieved September 8, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Ismael Konè acquisito a titolo definitivo dall'Olympique Marsiglia" [Ismael Konè has been acquired permanently from Olympique Marseille] (in Italian). US Sassuolo Calcio. February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  38. ↑ Que, Brandon (March 1, 2026). "WATCH: Man of the Match Ismael Kone delivers as Sassuolo overcome Atalanta after red card". Canadian Soccer Daily. Retrieved May 1, 2026.
  39. ↑ "Ismael Koné déjà appelé en équipe nationale" [Ismael Koné already called up for the national team]. Le Journal de Québec. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  40. ↑ Bedakian, Armen (March 20, 2022). "'If you're good enough, you're old enough': CFMTL's Ismael Kone earns CanMNT call". OneSoccer. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  41. ↑ Jacques, John (March 25, 2022). "Cautions Cost Canada In Cagey Costa Rica Clash". Northern Tribune. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  42. ↑ Galindo, Peter (November 11, 2022). "Ismaël Koné's stock is rising: Canada draw Bahrain in World Cup tune-up". Major League Soccer. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  43. ↑ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (November 13, 2022). "Canada announces 26-man squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar". Canadian Premier League. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  44. ↑ Bogert, Tom (December 8, 2022). "Au revoir, Montréal: Watford-bound Ismaël Koné takes the next step". Major League Soccer. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  45. ↑ Grigoriadis, Elias (December 8, 2022). "Canadian international Koné 'grateful' to CF Montreal for giving him his start". CBC Sports. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  46. 1 2 "Simi Awujo and Ismaël Koné named Canada Soccer Young Players of the Year". Canadian Soccer Association. December 20, 2022.
  47. 1 2 "ISMAËL KONÉ AND JADE ROSE NAMED CANADA SOCCER YOUNG PLAYERS OF THE YEAR". Canadian Soccer Association. December 13, 2023.
  48. ↑ Tierney, Mitchell (June 7, 2023). "Former CPLers Loturi, Zator called up by Canada for 2023 Concacaf Nations League Finals". Canadian Premier League. Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  49. ↑ "CANMNT ANNOUNCE 2024 COPA AMÉRICA ROSTER". Canadian Soccer Association. June 15, 2024.
  50. ↑ "Canada 0-0 Chile (Jun 29, 2024) Team Stats". ESPN. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  51. ↑ "Davies spearheads Canada squad". May 28, 2026. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  52. ↑ "Larin to the rescue as Canada come back to hold Bosnia". June 12, 2026. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  53. ↑ Kloke, Joshua (June 18, 2026). "Canada's Ismaël Koné suffers apparent serious left leg injury in World Cup game". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  54. ↑ "Gruesome injury to Ismaël Koné in victory over Qatar dampens Canadian men's joy of historic 1st World Cup win". CBC. June 18, 2026. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  55. ↑ "Canada midfielder Koné undergoes surgery to repair broken leg at World Cup". TSN. June 19, 2026. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  56. ↑ Aravena, Juan Pablo (August 7, 2025). "Canadian Talent to Europe: Ismaël Koné & the Rise of CPL Soccer". 20bet Blog. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  57. ↑ Caleb M. Wilkins (September 27, 2022). "Ismaël Koné – Player Report". Target Scouting. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  58. ↑ "Stade Rennais Mercato : Habib Beye bave sur un flop de l'OM" [Stade Rennais Transfer Market: Habib Beye gushes over an OM flop]. But! Football Club (in French). Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  59. ↑ "" Ismaël Koné est un joueur d'une immense qualité " : Habib Beye encense le joueur prêté par l'OM" ["Ismaël Koné is a player of immense quality": Habib Beye praises the player loaned out by OM]. L'Équipe (in French). Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  60. ↑ Ismaël Koné at Soccerway
  61. ↑ Ahmed, Shireen (March 27, 2025). "Canadian national soccer player Ali Ahmed one of many athletes thriving during Ramadan fast". CBC Sports. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.