Franck Kessié: profile
Franck Kessié (born 19 December 1996 in Ouragahio, Ivory Coast) is an Ivorian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Atalanta BC.
Kessié's senior club career began in 2014 at Stella Club d'Adjamé. He has played for 6 clubs in 4 countries since 2014. His most appearances came at Al Ahli FC (2023–2026), where he made 119 appearances and scored 17 goals. Across all recorded club spells he totals 388 appearances and 63 goals.
At international level, Kessié has represented Ivory Coast (2014–present), earning 105 caps and scoring 15 goals. Our match database lists 8 of his international goals; the first came against Malawi on 11 October 2021 (World Cup Qualification). He also played for Ivory Coast at under-17 level.
Ouragahio has produced 10 footballers in our database, including Serge Aurier, Wilfried Singo and David Datro Fofana.
Key facts
- Senior international debut
- 2014 (aged about 18)
- First international goal
- 2021 – aged 24 (match)
- Club career
- 2014–present (13 seasons)
- Countries played in
- 4: Ivory Coast, Italy, Spain and Saudi Arabia
- Club goals per game
- 0.16 (63 in 388)
- Height
- 183 cm — taller than 68% of Ivorian internationals on record
- Latest move
- Atalanta BC (29 Aug 2026)
- Shares a birthday with
- Mbaye Niang, Mouctar Diakhaby and Iqraam Rayners (more)
Club career
| Years | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2015 |  Stella Club d'Adjamé |
Ligue 1 | – | – |
| 2015–2016 |  AC Cesena |
Serie B | 37 | 4 |
| 2015–2019 | Atalanta BC |
Serie A | 30 | 6 |
| 2017–2019 | AC Milan |
Serie A | 71 | 12 |
| 2019–2022 | AC Milan |
Serie A | 103 | 23 |
| 2022–2023 |  FC Barcelona |
La Liga | 28 | 1 |
| 2023–2026 |  Al Ahli FC |
Saudi Pro League | 119 | 17 |
| 2026– | Atalanta BC |
Serie A | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 388 | 63 |
Appearances and goals are league figures where recorded on Wikidata; “–” means not recorded.
International career
| Years | Team | Level | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Ivory Coast U17 |
Under-17 | 5 | 0 |
| 2014– | Ivory Coast |
Senior | 105 | 15 |
International goals (8)
| # | Date | Match | Min | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 Oct 2021 | Ivory Coast 2–1 Malawi | 66 (pen) | World Cup Qualification |
| 2 | 20 Jan 2022 | Ivory Coast 3–1 Algeria | 22 | Africa Cup of Nations |
| 3 | 29 Jan 2024 | Ivory Coast 1–1 Senegal | 86 (pen) | Africa Cup of Nations |
| 4 | 11 Feb 2024 | Ivory Coast 2–1 Nigeria | 62 | Africa Cup of Nations |
| 5 | 10 Oct 2025 | Seychelles 0–7 Ivory Coast | 90 | World Cup Qualification |
| 6 | 14 Oct 2025 | Ivory Coast 3–0 Kenya | 7 | World Cup Qualification |
| 7 | 20 Jun 2026 | Germany 2–1 Ivory Coast | 30 | FIFA World Cup |
| 8 | 24 Sep 2026 | Ivory Coast 2–0 Ghana | 58 (pen) | AFCON Qualification |
*Goals listed are those present in our match-by-match goal database, which is most complete for tournament matches.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Franck Kessié?
Franck Kessié was born on 19 December 1996, which makes him 29 years old.
Where was Franck Kessié born?
Franck Kessié was born in Ouragahio, Ivory Coast.
Which national team does Franck Kessié play for?
Franck Kessié plays international football for Ivory Coast. He has 105 caps and 15 goals on record.
Which clubs has Franck Kessié played for?
Franck Kessié's recorded clubs are Stella Club d'Adjamé, AC Cesena, Atalanta BC, AC Milan, FC Barcelona and Al Ahli FC.
What team does Franck Kessié play for now?
According to the latest data, Franck Kessié plays for Atalanta BC.
How tall is Franck Kessié?
Franck Kessié is 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) tall.
What position does Franck Kessié play?
Franck Kessié plays as a midfielder.
Ivorian players of the same generation
Eric BaillyIvory Coast · Columbus Crew
Maxwel CornetIvory Coast · West Ham United F.C.
Ibrahim SangaréIvory Coast · b. 1997
Jérémie BogaIvory Coast · US Sassuolo Calcio
Sayouba MandéIvory Coast · Odense Boldklub
Jean-Philippe GbaminIvory Coast · b. 1995
Wilfried KanonIvory Coast · b. 1993
Roger AssaléIvory Coast · b. 1993
Victorien AngbanIvory Coast · FC BATE Borisov
Souleyman DoumbiaIvory Coast · Angers SCO
Thomas TouréIvory Coast · b. 1993
Inès TiaIvory Coast · b. 1993