Franck Kessié’s footballing journey is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence
From his humble beginnings in Ivory Coast to playing in Europe’s top leagues and now in Saudi Arabia, Kessié has consistently proven his worth at every stage of his career.
His ability to rise to challenges, coupled with his physical and technical attributes, has made him one of the most respected midfielders of his generation.
As Kessié embarks on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia, his career continues to evolve. Whether in Europe or the Middle East, Kessié remains a player who leaves a lasting impact wherever he goes.
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Table of Contents
Franck Kessié: Bio
A Dynamic Midfielder’s Journey
Franck Yannick Kessié, born on December 19, 1996, in Ivory Coast, has emerged as one of the most dynamic and tenacious midfielders in modern football.1
Over the years, Kessié has established himself as a versatile player, capable of performing both defensive and attacking roles. His rise through the football ranks has taken him from his homeland in Africa to the big leagues in Europe and, most recently, to Saudi Arabia, where he plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
This piece explores Kessié’s illustrious career, his evolution as a player, and the key milestones in his journey from Atalanta to AC Milan, Barcelona, and beyond.
Victoire collective et importante, un 2/2 ✔️
🇨🇮 Merci à tous pour le soutien au quotidien 🫡🧡 #FK8 pic.twitter.com/YjcQptgXc9— Franck Yannick Kessie (@19Franckkessie) September 11, 2024
Early Beginnings and Move to Atalanta
Franck Kessié’s love for football began in his native Ivory Coast, where he first started honing his skills as a youngster.
He joined the Stella Club d’Adjamé in Abidjan, a football academy known for producing talented players in West Africa. His talent was evident from an early age, and it wasn’t long before European scouts took notice.
In 2015, at the age of 18, Kessié made the move to Italy, joining Atalanta’s youth academy. At Atalanta, he quickly progressed through the ranks, demonstrating both physicality and tactical awareness.
His performances in the youth system and during a loan spell at Cesena in Serie B caught the attention of Atalanta’s senior management, and he was integrated into the first team for the 2016-17 Serie A season. His strong defensive contributions, coupled with his ability to carry the ball forward, helped him stand out in the Italian top flight.
Franck Kessié: Career
Breakthrough at AC Milan
- Kessié’s performances at Atalanta did not go unnoticed by bigger Italian clubs. In 2017, AC Milan secured Kessié’s services on an initial two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy.2
- It was a crucial move for both Kessié and Milan, as the club was in the process of rebuilding its squad and aiming to return to its former glory.
- Kessié quickly became a regular starter for Milan, playing a crucial role in the team’s midfield. He developed a reputation for his relentless work rate, exceptional stamina, and versatility.
- While primarily a defensive midfielder, Kessié’s ability to drive the ball forward and contribute to the attack made him an indispensable asset. His combative style, excellent positioning, and leadership qualities earned him the nickname “The President” among Milan fans.
- During his time at Milan, Kessié made steady progress, but it was the 2020-21 season when his performances truly peaked.
- Under the management of Stefano Pioli, Kessié helped Milan qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in seven years. His consistent displays earned him recognition as one of the best midfielders in Serie A.
Playing a Key Role in Milan’s Serie A Title Win
The 2021-22 season was the pinnacle of Franck Kessié’s time at AC Milan. He played a vital role in helping the club win their first Serie A title in over a decade.
Kessié was a midfield powerhouse throughout the season, combining defensive solidity with offensive contributions. His ability to break up play, transition quickly, and dictate the tempo of the game was crucial to Milan’s success.
Kessié was not only a defensive shield but also contributed to the team’s attacking play. He scored crucial goals and assisted in key moments, proving to be a reliable penalty taker as well.
The Ivorian’s physicality and tactical intelligence made him one of the standout players in Milan’s title-winning campaign.
Milan’s triumph in Serie A marked the culmination of Kessié’s hard work and development at the club. His performances in Italy cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s top midfielders, and interest from other top clubs began to grow.
Move to Barcelona: A New Challenge
In the summer of 2022, Franck Kessié made a high-profile move to Barcelona on a free transfer, seeking new challenges in Spain’s La Liga.
The move to Barcelona marked a significant step up in terms of expectations and competition. The Catalan giants were undergoing a period of transition under manager Xavi Hernandez, and Kessié was seen as a crucial part of their rebuild.
At Barcelona, Kessié was expected to bring his tenacity and work ethic to a team that was looking to re-establish its dominance in both domestic and European competitions.
Although adapting to the tactical demands of Spanish football was challenging at first, Kessié gradually found his footing and became an important part of Barcelona’s midfield rotation.
Kessié’s contributions were vital in helping Barcelona win the 2022-23 La Liga title and the Supercopa de España.
While not always a regular starter, his versatility and ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him a valuable squad player. His time in Barcelona, though relatively short, added another chapter to his impressive footballing career.
A New Chapter in Saudi Arabia: Joining Al-Ahli
- In the summer of 2023, Kessié made a surprising move to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Ahli. The transfer marked a significant shift in his career trajectory, as he left European football’s elite for the burgeoning football scene in Saudi Arabia.
- The Saudi Pro League has been attracting top talent from around the world in recent years, with substantial financial backing and ambitious club projects.
- Kessié’s move to Al-Ahli was seen as both a financial decision and an opportunity to play a leading role in a developing football league.
- At Al-Ahli, Kessié immediately became a key player, expected to use his European experience and leadership skills to guide the team both domestically and in continental competitions.
- The Saudi Pro League is experiencing rapid growth, and Kessié’s presence adds further credibility to its aspirations of becoming a major player on the global football stage.
- His decision to join the league reflects the growing trend of top-tier players making moves to regions that were previously considered outside the traditional footballing powerhouses.
International Career with Ivory Coast
Beyond his club success, Franck Kessié has been a crucial figure for the Ivory Coast national team. He made his senior debut for the Elephants in 2014 and has since been a mainstay in the team’s midfield.
Kessié has represented Ivory Coast in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, helping the team reach the knockout stages on several occasions.
Kessié’s international experience has made him one of the leaders in the Ivory Coast squad. His ability to perform at both ends of the pitch, coupled with his calmness under pressure, has made him a vital asset in major tournaments. The Ivorian national team, with Kessié at the heart of midfield, continues to be a strong contender in African football.
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Franck Kessié: Net Worth 2024
Franck Kessié is one of football’s most prominent midfielders, known for his physical prowess, versatility, and technical skill.3
Throughout his career, Kessié has steadily gained recognition for his work rate and contributions to both club and country. With a burgeoning career that has seen him excel in top leagues, Kessié has amassed an impressive financial portfolio.
As of recent reports, his net worth stands at around €5 million, with an annual salary of £3.5 million. This figure reflects not only his on-field earnings but also various endorsement deals and bonuses. His market value is estimated at €48 million, a testament to his growing reputation as one of Europe’s top talents.
This article will delve into the journey of Franck Kessié’s career, his financial status, and the various factors contributing to his net worth.
Salary and Endorsements: How Kessié Amassed His Wealth
With such a successful career, it’s no surprise that Franck Kessié’s financial profile reflects his footballing achievements. His salary at AC Milan was reportedly £3.5 million per year, a figure that reflects the high demand for players of his caliber.
Kessié’s performances on the field earned him not just admiration but also substantial pay raises and bonuses tied to team and individual success.
In addition to his salary from club contracts, Kessié also has multiple endorsement deals, further boosting his earnings. His sponsorship with major sportswear brands and other commercial deals has contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
While exact figures for these endorsements aren’t always public, such deals typically represent a large portion of a top player’s income, especially given Kessié’s profile as an international player.
Financial Impact of Player Transfers
Player transfers can significantly affect a footballer’s net worth. While Kessié moved to Barcelona on a free transfer, meaning no transfer fee was paid to Milan, the absence of a fee allowed Barcelona to offer him a more lucrative wage package.
Additionally, transfer-related bonuses, such as signing-on fees, often play a significant role in enhancing a player’s overall earnings.
In Kessié’s case, his transfer to Barcelona likely came with a substantial signing bonus, which further boosted his financial standing.
These bonuses are a common feature in modern football, particularly for free transfers, where clubs save on transfer fees but can offer larger wages or bonuses to the player instead.
Franck Kessié: Workout
Franck Kessié shared his whole day full body workout and training video on his instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations
Like many top athletes, Franck Kessié has secured endorsement deals with global brands, particularly in the sportswear and fitness industries.
His partnerships with well-known companies have added significantly to his income, with footballers often earning as much, if not more, from sponsorships as they do from playing contracts.
In addition to these sponsorship deals, Kessié’s image and reputation as a professional athlete have made him a desirable figure for brand collaborations in different sectors. From sports gear to lifestyle products, his influence as a public figure continues to grow, increasing his overall financial value.
Investments and Wealth Management
With growing financial success, it is likely that Kessié has taken steps to secure his future through various investment ventures.
Footballers often invest in property, business ventures, or other financial instruments to ensure long-term wealth.
Although the specifics of Kessié’s investments are not widely publicized, it is common for athletes at his level to work with financial advisors to diversify their income streams and plan for life after football.
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