Sekou Kone was born on February 3, 2006, in Bamako, Mali. He began his career at the renowned JMG Academy in Bamako, which has also produced talents like Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma and RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara.
After his time at the academy, Kone joined Malian club Guidars FC.
Recently, Kone has been in the spotlight for his historic move to Manchester United from Guidars FC. The promising teenager was the subject of a bidding war between top European clubs, with United ultimately securing his signature.
He will join United’s academy as he adjusts to life in England. Reports suggest that Sekou Kone could be fast-tracked into Manchester United’s first team, depending on his progress within the academy. He is in line to become the first Malian to represent the Red Devils.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Kone is versatile enough to play in various midfield roles. He has exceptional anticipatory awareness, excels at reading the game, and is proficient in making interceptions. Known for his ability at winning the ball back, Kone is always alert to disrupt opposition attacks. His relentless work rate is evident in his tireless pressing across the pitch.
Kone’s strengths aren’t limited to defense; he’s also adept at initiating attacks for his team. He consistently looks to advance his team’s play, either by releasing a forward pass to a teammate or by carrying the ball forward himself.
An excellent dribbler, Sekou Kone can easily bypass opposition players. When receiving the ball in midfield with his back to the opposition goal, he deftly evades one opponent with a quick touch, then showcases his superb footwork to get past another before sprinting away, highlighting his press resistance and incredible technique on the ball.
Never one to shy away from a tackle, Kone’s pace and agility make him the ideal link between defense and attack.
Kone is a youth international for Mali’s U-17 team. He was a standout performer for Mali at the U-17 AFCON 2023, helping the team secure a fourth-place finish. Mali lost to Burkina Faso in the third-place match after falling to Morocco in the semifinals. Kone’s impressive performances earned him a spot on the tournament’s team of the tournament.
Their fourth-place finish also qualified them for the U-17 FIFA World Cup, where they shone brightly, finishing third after a famous victory over Argentina in the third-place match to clinch the bronze medal.
Kone contributed two assists during the competition, highlighting his influence in the final third. His exemplary performances on the global stage attracted the attention of several European clubs, with Manchester United eventually securing the services of this highly-rated African talent.
Kone has drawn comparisons to the legendary Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure, though his goal-scoring abilities are still lacking. Only time will tell if he can live up to these comparisons.
