Franck Kessié, the captain of the Ivory Coast national team, has signed a multi-year contract with Atalanta this week. The 29-year-old midfielder makes a notable return to the Italian club where his European career truly took off, as reported by www.idahopress.com.
The Elephants have just experienced a historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history. They finished second in their group with 6 points, a record of 2 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss, and a goal difference of +2 (4 goals scored, 2 conceded). Their last outing, a 1-2 defeat to Norway on June 30th in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, ended their run. The team's recent form over the last five matches is 2 wins and 3 losses (LWLLW).
Why is Kessié returning to Atalanta?
Franck Kessié is no stranger to Bergamo. The Ivorian player first joined Atalanta in 2015, initially being assigned to the youth squad. His breakthrough was immediate: he made his Serie A debut with the club in 2016 and even scored a brace in that first match. This return to his roots represents a significant chapter in the captain's career, which has since seen him play for prestigious clubs like AC Milan, FC Barcelona, and most recently Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The precise details of the new contract have not been disclosed, but it is a multi-season commitment.
What was Kessié's role in the 2026 World Cup?
A leader on and off the pitch, Kessié was a key component of the Ivory Coast side during the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. He notably scored a goal in the group-stage loss to Germany. His experience and presence in midfield were decisive in enabling the Elephants to cross the historic threshold of the Round of 32. This journey, which you can relive in detail on our stats page, marked a turning point for Ivorian football.
What competition did Atalanta face for his signature?
Franck Kessié's return to Serie A was not a foregone conclusion. www.idahopress.com reports that Juventus had also tried to sign the international midfielder. In the end, it was Atalanta who won the race, convincing the player with their sporting project and the prospect of a return to a familiar environment. This signing significantly strengthens the Bergamo club's squad for the new season.
What does this signing mean for the future?
For Ivory Coast, this move ensures their captain will be competing at a high level in Serie A, which can only benefit the national team's continued performance. The squad, whose composition is available on our squad page, can continue to rely on a leader at the peak of his powers. For Kessié, it's a chance to return to Italian football with the ambition of replicating the exploits of his early days, while bringing the maturity gained at the highest level. The team's current standing and its upcoming challenges can be followed on the standings page.
