Ismaël Koné

For other people with similar names, see Ismael Kone (disambiguation).
Ismaël Koné
Koné with Marseille in 2024
Personal information
Full name Ismaël Kenneth Jordan Koné[1]
Date of birth (2002-06-16) June 16, 2002[1]
Place of birth Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Sassuolo
(on loan from Marseille)
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– Marseille 8 (0)
2025 → Rennes (loan) 13 (2)
2025– → Sassuolo (loan) 0 (0)
International career‡
2022– Canada 31 (3)
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Men's soccer
CONCACAF Nations League
Runner-up 2023 United States
Third place 2025 United States
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 20:20 (UTC), 17 May 2025
‡ National team caps and goals as of June 24, 2025

Ismaël Kenneth Jordan Koné (born June 16, 2002) is a professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Sassuolo, on loan from Ligue 1 club Marseille. Born in Ivory Coast, he plays for the Canada national team.

Early life

Koné was born 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 invite 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, Italian 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, English Championship clubs Sheffield United and Norwich City were reported to have approached Montréal over Koné's services.[20][21]

Watford

In December 2022, English Championship club Watford announced they had agreed to sign Koné on a transfer from CF Montréal, with the midfielder signing 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 4 goals.[25][26]

Marseille

On 28 June 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 24 January, 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 3 February 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]

Loan to Sassuolo

On 29 July 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 15 August in a Coppa Italia match against US Catanzaro, starting and playing 84 minutes in a 1–0 victory.[36]

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.[37][38] He made his debut on March 24 against Costa Rica, as a substitute for Jonathan Osorio.[39] Koné scored his first international goal for Canada in a friendly against Bahrain on November 11, 2022.[40] Two days later on November 13, he was named to Canada's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[41] He appeared in all three of the team's matches at the World Cup.[42][43] At the end of the year, Koné was named the men's 2022 Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year.[44] The following year, Koné was awarded again the Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year.[45]

In June 2023, Koné was called up to Canada ahead of the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals.[46] 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.[47] 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.[48]

Style of play

Koné is a strong and willing dribbler who favors direct attacking runs, covers ground effortlessly, and maintains composure under pressure.[49][50]

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.[51] Head coach Habib Beye praised Koné, stating, "Ismaël is a player of immense quality."[52]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played August 15, 2025[53]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
CF Montréal 2021 Major League Soccer 0 0 — — — — 0 0
2022 Major League Soccer 26 2 1 0 — 3[c] 1 2[d] 1 32 4
Total 26 2 1 0 — 3 1 2 1 32 4
Watford 2022–23 Championship 16 0 1 0 — — — 17 0
2023–24 Championship 42 4 3 0 1 0 — — 46 4
Total 58 4 4 0 1 0 — — 63 4
Marseille 2024–25 Ligue 1 8 0 1 0 — — — 9 0
Rennes (loan) 2024–25 Ligue 1 13 2 — — — — 13 2
Sassuolo (loan) 2025–26 Serie A 0 0 1 0 — — — 1 0
Career total 105 8 7 0 1 0 3 1 2 1 116 10
  1. ^ Includes Canadian Championship, FA Cup, Coupe de France, Coppa Italia
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in CONCACAF Champions League
  4. ^ Appearances in MLS Cup Playoffs

International

As of match played June 24, 2025
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Canada 2022 9 1
2023 7 1
2024 10 1
2025 5 0
Total 31 3

Scores and results list Canada's goal tally first.

List of international goals scored by Ismaël Koné
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 November 11, 2022 Khalifa Sports City Stadium, Isa Town, Bahrain  Bahrain 1–0 2–2 Friendly
2 November 21, 2023 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada  Jamaica 2–2 2–3 2023–24 CONCACAF Nations League A
3 July 13, 2024 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, United States  Uruguay 1–1 2–2
(3–4 p)		 2024 Copa América

Honours

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b "FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Squad list: Canada (CAN)" (PDF). FIFA. November 15, 2022. p. 6. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  2. ^ "Ismaël Koné". CF Montréal. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 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).
  5. ^ Téotonio, Jean-François (October 17, 2022). "Ismaël Koné, un joueur " spécial "" [Ismaël Koné, a “special” player]. La Presse (in French).
  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).
  7. ^ Landry, Nicolas (November 2, 2022). "Ismaël Koné : la proximité de l'échec" [Ismaël Koné: the proximity of failure]. RDS (in French).
  8. ^ a b Bogert, Tom (August 13, 2021). "CF Montréal sign midfielder Ismael Kone". Major League Soccer.
  9. ^ Gelevan, Douglas (September 18, 2022). "Montreal's Ismaël Koné bursts into soccer's global spotlight". CBC.
  10. ^ a b Montminy, Emeric (August 12, 2021). "La Prochain "Pépite" du CF Montréal?" [The Next "Nugget" of CF Montreal]. TVA Sports (in French).
  11. ^ Kloke, Joshua (November 14, 2022). "Canada's Ismael Kone on the World Cup and his breakout year: 'I don't want to play like anyone else'". The Athletic.
  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).
  16. ^ "Ismaël Koné is ready to come and lend a hand to CF Montreal". Look Charms. September 8, 2021.
  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.
  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.
  19. ^ Lévesque, Dave (February 27, 2022). "Scénario rêvé pour Ismaël Koné" [Dream scenario for Ismaël Koné]. TVA Sports (in French).
  20. ^ Boehm, Charles (October 22, 2022). "CF Montréal wunderkind Ismaël Koné seeks great leap in MLS Cup Playoffs". Major League Soccer.
  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).
  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". 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 26, 2024). "Marseille agree deal in principle with Watford for Canada midfielder Ismael Kone". The New York Times.
  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" (in French). Stade Rennais FC. February 3, 2025.
  33. ^ "La fête est totale ! - Débrief et NOTES des joueurs (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". L’Équipe. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  36. ^ https://www.sofascore.com/football/match/catanzaro-sassuolo/TfbsWfb
  37. ^ "Ismael Koné déjà appelé en équipe nationale" [Ismael Koné already called up for the national team]. Le Journal de Québec (in French). March 20, 2022.
  38. ^ Bedakian, Armen (March 20, 2022). "'If you're good enough, you're old enough': CF Montreal's Ismael Kone earns CanMNT call". OneSoccer.
  39. ^ Jacques, John (March 24, 2022). "Cautions Cost Canada In Cagey Costa Rica Clash". Northern Tribune.
  40. ^ Galindo, Peter (November 11, 2022). "Ismaël Koné's stock is rising: Canada draw Bahrain in World Cup tune-up". Major League Soccer.
  41. ^ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (November 13, 2022). "Canada announces 26-man squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar". Canadian Premier League.
  42. ^ Bogert, Tom (December 8, 2022). "Au revoir, Montréal: Watford-bound Ismaël Koné takes the next step". Major League Soccer.
  43. ^ Grigoriadis, Elias (December 8, 2022). "Canadian international Koné 'grateful' to CF Montreal for giving him his start". CBC Sports.
  44. ^ a b "Simi Awujo and Ismaël Koné named Canada Soccer Young Players of the Year". Canadian Soccer Association. December 20, 2022.
  45. ^ a b "ISMAËL KONÉ AND JADE ROSE NAMED CANADA SOCCER YOUNG PLAYERS OF THE YEAR". Canadian Soccer Association. December 13, 2023.
  46. ^ Tierney, Mitchell (June 7, 2023). "Former CPLers Loturi, Zator called up by Canada for 2023 Concacaf Nations League Finals". Canadian Premier League.
  47. ^ "CANMNT ANNOUNCE 2024 COPA AMÉRICA ROSTER". Canadian Soccer Association. June 15, 2024.
  48. ^ "Canada 0-0 Chile (Jun 29, 2024) Team Stats". ESPN. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  49. ^ Aravena, Juan Pablo (August 7, 2025). "Canadian Talent to Europe: Ismaël Koné & the Rise of CPL Soccer". 20bet Blog. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  50. ^ calebmwilkins (September 27, 2022). "Ismaël Koné – Player Report". Target Scouting. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  51. ^ "Stade Rennais Mercato : Habib Beye bave sur un flop de l'OM". But! Football Club (in French). Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  52. ^ "« Ismaël Koné est un joueur d'une immense qualité » : Habib Beye encense le joueur prêté par l'OM". L'Équipe (in French). Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  53. ^ Ismaël Koné at Soccerway
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