Franck Kessié
Franck Kessié
Franck Yannick Kessié (born December 19, 1996) is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Serie A club Milan and the Ivory Coast national team.
Club career
Atalanta
Kessié began his career with Stella Club d'Adjamé in his native Ivory Coast. In January 2015, he was signed by Italian Serie A club Atalanta, initially being assigned to their youth team.
He made his Serie A debut on March 28, 2016, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 home win over Frosinone. He scored his first Serie A goal on May 15, 2016, in a 2–1 win at home to Sassuolo.
In the 2016–17 season, Kessié became a regular starter for Atalanta, making 30 appearances and scoring 7 goals in Serie A. He also made his UEFA Europa League debut on September 15, 2016, in a 3–0 home win over Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
Milan
On July 2, 2017, Kessié joined Milan on an initial two-year loan deal, with an obligation to buy for €28 million plus €2 million in bonuses. He made his Milan debut on August 20, 2017, in a 3–0 away defeat to Crotone in the Coppa Italia. He scored his first goal for the club on September 24, 2017, in a 2–0 home win over Chievo.
In the 2017–18 season, Kessié made 50 appearances and scored 5 goals in all competitions for Milan. He helped the team finish sixth in Serie A and reach the final of the Coppa Italia, where they lost 4–0 to Juventus.
In the 2018–19 season, Kessié continued to be a regular starter for Milan, making 42 appearances and scoring 4 goals in all competitions. He helped the team finish fifth in Serie A and reach the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, where they lost 1–0 to Lazio.
In the 2019–20 season, Kessié was named Milan's vice-captain. He made 42 appearances and scored 10 goals in all competitions, helping the team finish sixth in Serie A and reach the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia, where they lost 3–0 to Juventus.
In the 2020–21 season, Kessié was named Milan's captain. He made 37 appearances and scored 13 goals in all competitions, helping the team win their first Serie A title in 11 years.
International career
Kessié made his international debut for Ivory Coast on September 6, 2016, in a 1–1 draw with Sierra Leone. He scored his first international goal on October 9, 2016, in a 3–0 win over Mali.
He was a member of the Ivory Coast squad that won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. He also represented Ivory Coast at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Style of play
Kessié is a powerful and athletic central midfielder who is known for his tackling, passing, and shooting ability. He is also a good dribbler and has a good eye for goal.
Personal life
Kessié is a Christian. He is married to Joëlle Kessié and they have two children together.
Honours
Club
Atalanta
Coppa Italia: Runner-up 2016–17
Milan
Serie A: 2021–22
Supercoppa Italiana: 2022
International
Ivory Coast
Africa Cup of Nations: 2017
Individual
Serie A Team of the Year: 2019–20, 2020–21
African Footballer of the Year: Runner-up 2021
