Franck Kessie: Things to know about Cote d’Ivoire football star at Tokyo 2020 (2024)

Franck Kessie is one of the highest-rated midfielders in Italy's Serie A and the leader of the football Ivorian team at Tokyo 2020.

He showed why he is one of the stars to watch in the Olympic tournament after scoring the decisive goal in the Elephants' 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia on July 22.

With his contract with AC Milan set to expire in 2022, there is already high interest in the lanky midfielder from several clubs including Italian champions Inter Milan and Premier League giants Liverpool.

But the 24-year-old is not letting that distract him from his biggest goal of the season.

He’s on a mission to help his nation clinch their first football medal at the Olympics.

Cote d’Ivoire plays Brazil on July 25 in the second match of the Group D before their final group match against Germany three days later.

Here are five things you should know about the Ivorian star touted for his ‘calm and composure’ as he showcases his talent at the biggest stage in global sports.

1. Kessie ‘The President’

We know of a footballer-turned-president, George Weah, the Liberian legend who is currently serving as his country’s head of state.

But there’s only one active footballer-cum -president currently featuring at the Olympic Games - Franck Kessie!

The Ivorian player who joined AC Milan in 2017 earned his sporting nickname from his teammates in the dressing room.

"Why do they call me 'The President'? Because I'm the president of the team, the head of the locker room,” he told Italy’s Sky Sport.

“I like it. It’s a nickname given as a joke, but as long as they call me that, and in the meantime we work hard, then it’s fine.”

His presidency seems to have extended to the national team with his Manchester United teammate Amad Diallo showing open admiration during their pre-Olympics training camp.

2.Military goal celebration

Another curious feature around ‘the President’ is his goal celebration.

Most African players are known for eye-catching dance moves after scoring goals.

But Kessie’s iconic celebration is deeply symbolic. He lost his father when he was only 11, due to illness.

His dad served in the Ivorian army. So, mostly when he scores, Kessie performs a military salute to pay tribute to his late father.

3. A football lineage

The Ivorian midfielder was born in Ouragahio, a small town in the southern part of the West African nation.

Kessie’s father was also an ex-pro footballer.

Growing up he was eager to follow in his father’s footsteps.

"I followed his path, even though I went further because dad never played in Europe.

"Also, my role [midfield] is more or less his," he told rossoneriblog.com.

At 14, he was already playing for the youth team of Stella Club d’Adjamé in the capital Abidjan and joined their first team four years later.

"The field was a mixture of grass and dirt, more dirt than grass. It wasn't easy, but if you want to go far you have to endure all kinds of sacrifices."

He moved to Italy in 2015 when he signed for Bergamo-baded Atalanta.

His town Ouragahio has also a rich and strong football history.

Tottenham right-back Serge Aurier also hails from the area. And not far from the duo’s village is the home area of retired Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

4.Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea: Transfer market speculations

Kessie, who opened his Olympic campaign with a stunning goal taken from the edge of the box against Saudi Arabia, is one of the stars to watch in Tokyo.

He has been equally impressive at his club AC Milan since joining in 2017 and was instrumental in their runners-up position last season.

His 13 goals, 11 from the penalty spot, has further increased interest amongst European clubs with his contract with the Rossoneris set to run out in 2022.

Several top teams are keen on signing the player.

Liverpool leads the chase for the 6-foot (1.83m) player, who is regarded amongst the best midfielders in the league. Italian champions Inter Milan, Chelsea and Tottenham are also keen on him.

Chelsea reportedly wants him as a future replacement for their star N’Golo Kante.

But Milan are hoping to entice their star player with another long-term deal.

However, for now, Kessie’s focus is firmly on the Olympic podium.

5.Newly-wed

Just before training his focus on the Ivorian pre-Olympics camp, Kessie had a colourful wedding at home.

In June he married his long-term Ivorian partner Joelle, the mother of his two children.

The couple opted for a traditional Ivorian wedding that included eye-catchy clothing.

It was a glamorous wedding attended by Ivorian stars led by his teammate Gervinho.