IN CONVERSATION WITH IBRAHIMA KONATÉ

interview by JANA LETONJA

French footballer Ibrahima Konaté is widely recognized for his strength, aerial dominance, and composed style of play as a central defender. He currently plays for Liverpool FC, with which he won the Premier League title in the 2024–25 season. Off the pitch, Ibrahima is known for his passion for fashion.

jacket and pants TONDOLA
under jacket MAINS LONDON
shoes GH BASS

You’ve gone from Sochaux to Leipzig to becoming a Premier League champion with Liverpool. What’s been the most defining moment in your career so far?

The highlight of my career was definitely signing for Liverpool. Playing for a club of that caliber was one of my goals. I hoped to achieve it when I’d be 28-29, but I managed to make it happen at 21. It was definitely the most important moment of my career. 

How has your game evolved under Arne Slot’s management compared to previous clubs and leagues you’ve played in?

It's quite simple. When you play for Liverpool, the objectives aren't the same. The clubs I’ve played for prior used to fight for league’s survival. The priority wasn't necessarily to win titles, but to have good seasons and be in the top four. The pressure and mentality are different, but not different under the new manager. Objectives in the beginning of the season are the same as they were under Jurgen Klopp, win it all. 

You’ve developed a reputation for being calm under pressure. What do you credit for your composure on the pitch, especially in high-stakes matches?

High-stakes games are the most important ones. The whole world is watching, and I play football for that kind of pressure. At the end of your career, you remember the titles, but what really stays with you are the adrenaline moments you had at certain times, and that's what I enjoy most. That's why I like the pressure. I sometimes get stressed before games, but that's what drives me, allows me to focus and play very good games.

jacket and pants TONDOLO
vest SWEATS COLLECTIVE
shoes CAMPERLAB

Captaining France in a Nations League match against Italy must have been a huge honor. How did it feel to lead Les Bleus on the international stage?

When it happened, I thought about my whole career, where I used to be and where I am now. Wearing the captain's armband was a huge honor, but it's not an end in itself. It gave me motivation to work harder and be a better player, a better person and be a leader at club level and with the national team.

You’ve played in both a World Cup final and the Euros. How do those experiences shape your mindset going into club matches?

It gave me an incredible amount of experience for the rest of my career. Unfortunately, we won neither of these two games. The goal is set for the years to come, to be there again and win. However, losing brings maturity and a rather different approach to games, because the pain you feel is hard to explain and yet enables you to focus on the next games with greater concentration, an even greater will to win and even greater mental strength.

At 6’4”, your physical presence is obvious, but what mental traits do you think are just as important for a world-class defender?

As big as I am, I’m never afraid when I have the ball. My positioning IQ is definitely one of my main qualities, but I know that I can still improve to become one of the best defenders in the world, if not the best. I'm sure it will happen soon, as I think I'm already a great defender.

jacket and pants TONDOLO
vest SWEATS COLLECTIVE
shoes CAMPERLAB

Winning the Premier League in 2024–25 must’ve been special. How did that moment compare to your other career highlights?

Winning the Premier League, I don't have the words to describe it. It is really about the fans. I've spoken to men who are my father's age or a little younger, and they told me "We've been waiting 35 years for this moment”.  

35 years ago, I wasn't even born, so it shows just how special this is for this club, for this city and for us as players, so it's an exceptional moment, I'm very happy, I'd love to win it again next season, but for now, we're going to enjoy it.

You’ve become one of football’s standout figures in fashion. What inspires your personal style?

I've always loved fashion, beautiful pieces, dressing well and being complimented about the outfits I've worn. It's like a game, and I like to have fun, I like to surprise people. It's funny to say it like that, but before, I didn't like to show this side of myself. And then at some point, I told myself this is what I enjoy doing so why not share it with the people who follow me. I have the feeling that they like it, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is to be yourself.

jacket and pants TONDOLA
under jacket MAINS LONDON
shoes GH BASS

How do you balance football with fashion? Do you see yourself expanding into the fashion world after your playing career?

Why wait until after my career if I can do it now. I think fashion and football totally work together. Priority will always be football. I think I’ve found a good balance, people are a lot more open today, we are allowed to mix things up, even though sometimes people won’t understand you can be at a fashion event even if you lost last weekend. We know they would say that you weren't focused because you were there. That’s why I'm trying to change people's mentalities and make them understand that the priority is football, that we make so many sacrifices, that we do everything for it and yet are allowed to have other passions because we're not robots. We're human beings like everyone else.

Fans are getting to know more of your personality off the pitch. What’s something most people don’t know about you?

If there are things that people don't know about me, it is because I kept them hidden. Having a "secret garden” is so important. So to answer your question, it is up to you to find out. 

jacket MAINS LONDON
vest SWEATS COLLECTIVE

TEAM CREDITS:

talent IBRAHIMA KONATÉ
creative direction GEORGE MORRIS & SHAKEEL DAN-OTHMAN
photography GEORGE MORRIS
direction DIFTY & GEORGE MORRIS
creative production SHAKEEL DAN-OTHMAN
production HALITTA HAUS
dop ADRIAN VITELLESCHI COOK
photography assistance SAM PUGH
styling JASMINE WANGPANYA
styling assistant ANGELICA GILES & NNENNA EGELE & MEROE KABO JUNIOR MOLEFE
grooming JENNY GLYNN
barber OLIVIER MATHIS
photography editor JADE-MARIE MASON
grading OKAY STUDIOS & FRASER TWITCHETT
sound design INEEDSOUND
studio YETI STUDIOS
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN