Konaté has a World Cup problem
The centre-back has barely had any minutes for France so far in the World Cup. He is Deschamps’s fourth central defender behind Lacroix.
Ibrahima Konaté has a World Cup problem. The defender has been relegated to a bit-part role with France. With Saliba and Upamecano firmly established as the starting centre-back pairing, the Parisian has even seen Maxence Lacroix overtake him as Didier Deschamps’s third-choice defender. He has played just 14 minutes in the tournament, against Norway, and that figure does not appear likely to increase, at least in the short term.
A high-profile signing for Real Madrid, announced just before the tournament began, Konaté has not had the opportunity to shine, and he is unlikely to do so during the decisive stages. Deschamps has settled on his preferred centre-back partnership, and it appears untouchable. Saliba and Upamecano have started three of France’s four matches so far. The only exception came against Norway, when Lacroix replaced Saliba after the latter experienced some discomfort. The decision, made by Guy Stéphen, had been taking shape over several training sessions in which Konaté was increasingly used in a different role.
“I know very well what (Konaté) represents and what he has given us, but today I have to make decisions based purely on the dynamic of performances and the current form of my players. William (Saliba) and Dayot (Upamecano) are showing great solidity and impeccable consistency right now on the pitch,” Deschamps explained at a press conference.
It has not been an easy year for Konaté. At Liverpool, he failed to produce his best form. Quite the opposite. He became erratic, lost the authority that had defined his game, and committed a series of costly errors in build-up play. At times he looked like a shadow of the player he had been in previous seasons, occasionally finding himself on the bench and leaving Arne Slot’s side feeling his absence. The deaths of Diogo Jota early in the season and of his father earlier this year took an emotional toll. Even so, he recovered in time to finish the campaign strongly and secure his long-awaited move to Madrid.
In France, they have appreciated the way he has handled the situation. Despite his disappointment, he has remained professional and continued to contribute from the sidelines. “His conduct internally has been absolutely exemplary. I know that for a player of his calibre this is an extremely difficult situation to accept and I fully understand his understandable frustration at not playing. However, he has not stopped working a single day with a smile and supporting the group. His experience and maturity remain a crucial asset for the dressing room in such a long tournament,” Deschamps concluded.
"𝗧𝗢𝗜 𝗧𝗨 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗦 𝗗𝗘 𝗟𝗔 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗢𝗜, 𝗡𝗢𝗡 ?" 😭😭
— Footballogue (@Footballogue) July 2, 2026
Ibrahima Konaté vanne Michael Olise 😅🎶
"Vas-y montre ton téléphone dans tes notes, c’est sur t’as un seize mesures."
Mais tellement 😭😭
(@equipedefrance)pic.twitter.com/pd9zXLnT0X
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