Konaté reveals he battled depression after deaths of Diogo Jota and his father
In an interview with France Inter, the Liverpool centre-back admitted he was deeply affected last season by both deaths.
In a deeply personal interview with France Inter, Ibrahima Konaté opened up during France’s national‑team camp about suffering from depression this past season — brought on by the death of Diogo Jota and the loss of his own father in January. The 27‑year‑old defender said the experience taught him that staying silent during painful moments only makes things worse.
Jota shock
Konaté recalled the shock of learning that Jota had died in a car accident in July of last year.
“I remember when I found out — I was in Los Angeles and I couldn’t believe it. I was devastated,” he said. “In that moment, nothing else mattered. He was the last person anyone would have imagined this happening to. He didn’t care about fame. He just wanted to be happy and enjoy time with his teammates and his family. He was also my neighbor, so I shared even more moments with him. It was something incredibly hard for all of us.”
Losing a parent: “You’re never prepared”
He then spoke about his father, whose health declined steadily from the start of the season until he passed away in January.
“My father spent several weeks in the hospital… I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know if I should stop playing, because the team needed me too,” Konaté said. “One day, the doctor told my family that his organs were tired. He was older, so he didn’t have much time left. But you’re never prepared. We didn’t know it would happen so fast.”
Konaté admitted he didn’t talk to anyone about his mental‑health struggles at the time — something he now regrets. He urged others to speak up when they’re hurting.
“When you’re not feeling well, you have to talk to the people around you. It can help you and make you feel better.”
The interview has sparked major conversation in France, coming just eight days before the World Cup kicks off.
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