Franck Kessié, humble leader driving Côte d'Ivoire into last 32, faces Norway next | OneFootball

Franck Kessié has emerged as Côte d'Ivoire’s indispensable figure, a respected captain marrying technique and power, and he will lead the Elephants into the World Cup round of 32 against Norway on Tuesday at 19:00.

According to L'Équipe, the 29-year-old glides through mixed zones with an easy smile, switches between French and Spanish, waits patiently for late questions and commands universal respect within the camp.

When Emerse Faé took charge during AFCON 2024, he initially benched Kessié for the last 16 against Senegal after a 4-0 defeat. The midfielder accepted the decision, then buried an 86th-minute equaliser from the spot past club-mate Edouard Mendy. Côte d'Ivoire drew 1-1 and advanced 5-4 on penalties.

Restored as the team’s heartbeat, he later assumed the armband after Max-Alain Gradel stepped aside. Gradel has lauded his patience, constant questions and humility, calling him a unifier.

Despite a first call-up in 2014 and 106 caps since, he retains the humility of his Yopougon roots. Faé views him as the captain they wanted, noting his messages before camps and small gestures of support.

Kessié mentors newcomers, urging belief, and recalls the challenge of moving to Bergamo in 2015, adapting quickly to a new continent and winter. He has already scored his first World Cup goal, in the 2-1 win over Germany.

Now leading the first Ivorian side to clear the group stage, he credits the legacy of Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré and Kolo Touré, and frames qualification as historic. He says the aim is to enjoy it, play freely and keep striving, inspired by the hunger of Ronaldo and Messi.

He is said to be in talks with AC Milan and Juventus after three seasons in Saudi Arabia but keeps his future open, saying he has several options. He adds he will be a free agent on 30 June in club football.

Source: L'Équipe