Who is Mamadou Coulibaly, Monaco’s emerging midfield force? | OneFootball

Mamadou Coulibaly has stepped up in Monaco’s midfield this season amid absences and his own progress. According to Nice-Matin, the 21-year-old academy graduate has reached 25 games by February and his status has grown.

He tore the ACL in his left knee on 19 May 2024, his first Ligue 1 start, against Nantes. After a tricky spell late in 2025, he saw red for a high boot on Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico on 3 January, then was urged to offer more against Paris in Tuesday’s Champions League tie.

Coach Sébastien Pocognoli sees an intelligent midfielder taking responsibility as he learns. He wants sharper passing, a tidier first touch and more consistency, but values his assurance and line-breaking runs.

Coulibaly says he is never satisfied, apologised for the Lyon red card and wants to improve tactically. He studies Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta and watches plenty of football.

He leans on Paul Pogba and Eric Dier for guidance, even dining at Dier’s to discuss elite demands. Those close to him describe a curious, adaptable character.

Used as a winger for Akliouche against Paris, he is seen as strongest as a six or eight. He could deputise for Zakaria at Lens on Saturday at 17:00 if the Monaco captain is ruled out. Under contract until June 2028, the Franco-Malian has no extension offer and market estimates place him at 15 to 25 million euros, above 8 million quoted online.

Source: Nice-Matin