Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate’s journey from playing street football in Paris to the Stade de France
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool’s journey from street football in Paris to the Stade de France
Ibrahima Konate may make his Liverpool debut this weekend at the Stade de France in the Champions League final, despite having grown up playing in the cages of Paris with a ball made of sellotape and paper.
It has been a long and difficult trip for Ibrahima Konate to make his debut at the Stade de France, even if he lived almost in its shadow.
The Champions League final is THE narrative of the French defender. The son of Malian immigrants to Paris, he was one of eight kids who used to play in the capital’s cages, occasionally with a paper-and-sellotape ball.
He now wants to inspire all children from similar backgrounds by demonstrating that it is still possible to progress from street football to stadium glory when he plays for Liverpool against the powerful Real Madrid in the renowned stadium that was constructed only a year before he was born.
When he was announced as the new number five of one of the largest clubs in the world, he returned to his neighborhood to celebrate his ascent to the top with his friends and family. In Paris, working-class children play in cages, which are walled areas of gravel or occasionally artificial turf.
The images were passionate and evocative. Konate remarked, “Ah bon,” not realizing that he was born a year after the construction of the national stadium for the 1998 World Cup finals.Really? I was completely unaware! However, he understands the significance of traveling so far and arriving at a destination that is less than five miles from his childhood home. When it was brought up, he grinned broadly and said, “Exactement! Indeed! A long, long trip.
“I recall this final from six years ago, when I had just joined Sochaux. To watch the under-19s in the final, we traveled to the Stade de France. It’s amazing to think that only a few years ago, I was in the stands watching a game at that level for the first time, and now I’ll be on the field, competing in a Champions League final there. Yes, it is quite a voyage!
Although I can’t be certain because I don’t yet had children, I believe it will be the most memorable time of my life. the final of the Champions League. in Paris. My house. I couldn’t have imagined anything finer if I had tried.
He acknowledges that he thinks about that journey every day. “I never thought it would happen. I was aware that I was entering a large team that is destined to win championships. However, this season is extraordinary, and I believe it will also be a historic one for the team. To be in a position to win any title and be in the running for everything was something I honestly didn’t anticipate. I say that every day: it’s outstanding.It is simply amazing, and I live it every day!
When you take into account his background, it becomes even more impressive. When Konate, then ten years old, had a tryout with lower league Paris FC, a short drive from his inner-city home, he had never played on grass. After a few seasons in the juvenile ranks, Sochaux, a Ligue 1 team at the time, snapped him up. Although he had shown promise as a striker, his first coach believed his physique made him more suitable for a defensive midfield position.
After just twelve games, RB Liepzig grabbed him, and the rest is history. However, he is aware that it is an extraordinary past. I did indeed play in the cages. I believe that, like the majority of young Parisians, we lacked the funds to attend football games at official stadiums.
And since we lacked those chances, we didn’t play on (appropriate) fields. But even with paper, we managed to play football whenever and wherever we could! He chuckles loudly here. I recall that at school, we made footballs out of Sellotape and paper to play with. Of course, we didn’t need much to be happy; we were content to play in the streets.
We would be occupied all day if it were a foam, leather, or plastic ball. My brothers and I would play in those cages and on the street, which is, I believe, why we have these skills. Everyone is aware that Paris is a “fish pond” and a hotbed of talent—but in a good way. I’m fortunate to have reached this point today, but it’s not the end in and of itself; I still have a lot of objectives to accomplish.
He now wants to inspire in addition to winning with Liverpool, which will top off an incredible, historic season in the Champions League final. “I’m fortunate to have reached this point today, but it’s not the end. “I hope to achieve even greater heights and serve as an inspiration to young people, encouraging more people to take up football from the streets of Paris,” he stated.
“I hope I can encourage more young players and demonstrate that it is feasible.” As the son of immigrants from Mali living in the poorest part of Paris, he also has a dream, even though it may seem unattainable. When I was little, all I wanted was to play football professionally. Only a professional football player.
“I didn’t have the idea of playing for a major club when I was 14 years old. If someone had asked me when I would be old enough to play for Liverpool, I would have answered no. Now, though? “Goal or dream? to become the world’s top center defender one day. want to take home every championship available. All of them. “With Liverpool!” Who would wager against it as well?