Born in Abidjan, Ismaël Koné grew up in Montreal, Canada. It was in the city of a thousand lights that he made his professional debut with CF Montreal. Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions League, the 1.88m midfielder climbed the ranks step by step. His box-to-box profile, with the ability to cut inside and outside the box, made him a target for Watford, whom he joined in January 2023, having just returned from the World Cup in Qatar with the Canucks.
Best young Canadian player in 2022 and 2023
Ismaël Koné quickly showed his qualities in the Championship and became a leader for the Hornets, playing more than 60 games in 18 months. Able to repeat efforts and authoritative in duels, he also distinguished himself with his national team. Olympique de Marseille, who signed Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton in the summer of 2024, were scouting hard in England and Ismaël Koné signed for the Phocéens. It was an opportunity for him to discover a new league. As part of a strong midfield, he played in 9 matches in all competitions.
Stade Rennais F.C. will be able to count on Ismaël Koné for the second half of the season, on loan from OM. Degemer mat Ismaël! The first Canadian in the history of SRFC.
Arnaud Pouille, Executive Chair and Managing Director Stade Rennais F.C. :
« Ismaël Koné joins us for six months. With OM and the Canadian national team, he has shown on several occasions what an impact player he can be. His qualities are undeniable and will help the team in the second half of the season. He's a determined lad and the whole club welcomes him to Brittany. »
Frederic Massara, Directeur sportif du Stade Rennais F.C. :
« Ismaël comes to strengthen our midfield thanks to his dynamic, athletic and technical qualities. He has proved his worth with the national team. He's a player we've known for a long time and we're delighted to have him with us. »
Ismaël Koné :
« It's a golden opportunity, so I'm very happy. My aim is to establish myself in Ligue 1 and get back on the pitch as quickly as possible. I'm more of a box-to-box type of player, who likes to play forward and defend. I can't wait to play at Roazhon Park, I didn't get the chance with OM and this time it will be with the Rouge et Noir. I'm really looking forward to it. »
Ismaël Koné
Canadian-Ivorian
22 years old
16th June 2002
Midfielder
1m88
Right-footed
Trained at CS Saint-Laurent
Canadian international: 26 caps (3 goals)
Professional career :
CF Montreal (2021-2022): 32 matches (4 goals, 5 assists)
Watford FC (2023-2024): 63 matches (4 goals, 4 assists)
Olympique de Marseille (2024-2025): 9 matches
Award:
Best young Canadian player in 2022 and 2023
