Who is Franck Kessié? Ivory Coast captain who scored vs Germany in FIFA World Cup 2026

The 29-year-old scored the opening goal for the Elephants against the DFB-Team.

Ivory Coast battled Germany in their second group-stage game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The contest took place at the Toronto Stadium.

The Emerse Faé-led side did put up a strong battle against the Germans. Cote d’Ivoire had better control of the ball in the final third compared to their last game. They took the lead after captain Franck Kessie tapped the ball at the back of the net in the 30th minute.

German national football team did not perform up to the mark in the first half. They will now be under pressure. After taking a one-goal lead, they must work out their tactics, or they might drop three crucial points in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also Read: Netherlands 5-1 Sweden: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Franck Kessié Profile

• Age: 29
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Club: Al Ahli

Franck Yannick Kessié is currently the captain of the Ivory Coast national football team and plays for the Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. He was born on December 19, 1996, in the small town of Ouragahio in Ivory Coast. He idolises legendary Ivorian midfielder, Yaya Touré.

Kessie started his youth football journey with Stella Club d’Adjamé. He joined them in 2010. His performances in the midfield quickly caught the attention of European scouts and in 2015, he moved to the Serie A club Atalanta. He was loaned to Cesena during the 2015-16 season, where he completely adapted to European football.

His breakthrough campaign came in the 2016-17 season after returning to Atalanta BC. He became one of the most promising young talents in the Italian top division. In 2017, Kessie joined AC Milan and became one of the best midfield stars in the region. It also helped him earn the nickname “Il Presidente” among Milan supporters.

After his adventures in Serie A, he went on to join FC Barcelona on a free transfer in 2022. Even though he was not a regular starter in the squad, he still made some important contributions while playing for them. In 2023, Franck Kessie joined the Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. He recently secured his second AFC Champions League Elite title with the club.

Kessie made his senior debut for Côte d’Ivoire in 2014 and since then, he has been an important part of the squad for his national team. He has made more than 100 appearances for the Ivory Coast national football team.

Franck Kessie is part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for his nation. He has now scored a crucial goal for the Elephants against Germany.

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