Franck Kessie’s life story is one filled with passion, resilience, and a deep connection to his roots. His journey from a young boy in the Ivory Coast to becoming a top-tier midfielder is shaped by personal loss and a strong sense of purpose. Kessié’s father was a footballer before serving as a soldier, but tragically, he passed away from an illness when Franck was only 11 years old. In a moving tribute, Kessié performs a military-style salute after every goal he scores, honouring his late father’s memory.
Discover Franck Kessié: His Early Days, Family Background, and Football Success
This biography delves into more than just his footballing skills. It takes you through his childhood story, early life, family background, and personal relationships, including his love life with Joëlle Kessie. You’ll also get a glimpse of his character, both on and off the field. Franck Kessié’s journey is a testament to his strength and determination, and through this engaging narrative, you’ll discover the full story behind one of the most talented midfielders in world football.
To offer a visual touch, we’ve included a gallery that traces Franck’s life, from his early days to his rise in football, giving you a snapshot of the remarkable career of this Ivorian star.
Exploring Franck Kessié’s Life: A Personal and Professional Biography
Franck Kessie Childhood Story:
For starters, Franck Yannick Kessié, affectionately known as “Franky,” was born on December 19, 1996, in the town of Ouragahio, located in the south-central region of Ivory Coast. He was welcomed into the world by his loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kessié.
Franck Kessie Family Origin:
The player is an Ivorian national of black ethnicity. In fact, His family roots are deeply established in the West African country, which is home to the legendary Didier Drogba. Also, are you aware that he shares the same birthplace as Serge Aurier and David Datro Fofana? Now you do!
A map highlighting Franck Kessie’s birth town, Ouragahio.
Growing-Up Years:
Are you aware that Kessie spent most of his childhood in his birth town in Ouragahio? Interestingly, he had childhood dreams of becoming a professional footballer and spent quality time on the streets and fields with a ball at his feet.
Franck Kessie Family Background:
The player was born into a middle-class family. Thus, he had a fair chance at succeeding at any endeavour he wanted to pursue. Fortunately, he chose soccer, and the sport chose him too.
Franck Kessie Bio – Football Story:
Contrary to misinformation making rounds on the internet, Franky was not a late starter in soccer. As a matter of fact, he spent years playing on clay pitches of local selections, including Zady FC.
He didn’t even have the luxury of playing on grass.
However, there weren’t opportunities for career advancement. Therefore, he moved to Abidjan, where he joined the Stella Club Adjamè. This club was one of the strongest Ivorian teams at the time.
Early Years in Career Football – Franck Kessie Biography:
Only a few people know that Franky began his career with Stella as a central defender. In fact, scouts from Atlanta took notice of him when they were on the lookout for a defender, not a midfielder.
Upon arriving in Atlanta, Kessie was assigned to the club’s Primavera squad, where he was impressed. At about the same period, Franky was also doing great for his country’s team.
See who has been lifting trophies before he clocked 17.
Road To Fame Story:
Although the young talent was called up to Nerazzurri’s first team, he never got an opportunity to make his professional debut. Fortunately, the club had him loaned out to Serie-B side Cesena, where he not only became a cornerstone of the team but adapted to a new playing position as a midfielder.
Adapting to the role of a midfielder wasn’t easy at first.
Franck Kessie Bio – Rise To Fame Story:
On completion of his glorious spell at Casena, Franky returned to his parent club and got a deserved professional debut. He established himself with the club before moving to AC Milan in 2017.
Since his arrival at the Black and Red, Kessie has proven to be worth every penny that the club paid to acquire him.
As a bonus, he acts like a leader at AC Milan, where he is president of the dressing room and official penalty kicker. Whichever way things turn out for him in his subsequent career, the rest, as they say, will be history.
Who is Joëlle Kessie? … Franck Kessie Wife
Franky is no stranger to matters of love and dating. In fact, he has had many adventures with beautiful ladies before he tied the knot.
The name of his wife is Joëlle. We gathered that she also grew up in the town of Yopougon. Interestingly, the soccer star has been keeping their marriage secret. Kessie’s union with Joelle is blessed with a child.
Franck Kessie’s wife Joelle and child.
Franck Kessie Family Life:
A bunch of Fans and admirers only knew Franky after he became famous. However, there are a few people who have known him since he was born. They are family. We bring you facts about Franck Kessie’s parents. We will also provide details of his siblings and relatives here.
About Franck Kessie Parents:
Franky’s dad used to be a footballer before he became a soldier. Sadly, he died of an illness when Kessie was only 11 years old. Therefore, Franky performs a military-style salute whenever he scores to honour the memory of his late dad.
We see his dad getting salutes for over a decade.
On the other hand, there isn’t information about his mom. Nonetheless, we believe she was a supportive person. In fact, you need not stare long at Kessie to understand that he enjoyed the protective care of a mother.
Franck Kessie Siblings and Relatives:
Away from his parents, Franky has not mentioned having a brother or sister.
Neither has Kessie given his fans a peek into his extended family life, especially as it relates to his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Also, we are eager to know about his uncles, aunts, and cousins. In addition, it would be kind of him to volunteer information about his nephews and nieces (if he has siblings).
Personal Life Outside Football:
There are two words that can describe Franky’s persona. Rocky and tender. By rocky, we mean he is a core professional when it is demanded of him. This explains why he didn’t lose his calm when Inter fans racially abused him during the Milan derby defeat. He is also tender, emotionally intelligent, and jovial. In fact, it is safe to describe the free-spirited soccer star as a man of all weather. Here is the Ivorian star Franck Kessié, who played a big role in leading his team to victory in the 2023 AFCON, avenging their previous defeat against the Super Eagles.
We bet this image matches your definition of free-spirited.
However, it is important to note that Kessie guards his personal and private life. His love for spending time outdoors and hanging out with friends/colleagues should not confuse you for an absolutely free-spirited individual.
Franck Kessie Lifestyle:
It is amazing to note that Franky is a great young achiever. It’s not hype but fact. Especially when you realize that his annual salary amounts to €2.2m.
It is said that wealthy football stars don’t go about proving that they are filthy rich. The saying definitely holds sway for Kessie as he is not big on flaunting his exotic cars.
Neither has he revealed the luxurious nature of the house/apartment that he lives in.
At least he was modest enough to let us see his Audi.
Facts About Franck Kessie:
To wrap up this article on the midfielder’s childhood story and biography, here are some little-known or untold facts about him.
FIFA 2021 Rating:
In the past, we would have easily written a 78/82 rating as fair. However, we can’t help but admit that such a rating is unfair to Kessie.
How would we inform the future generation of soccer enthusiasts that a genius like Kessie had such a rating to his name in 2021? We hope the deserved upward review of his rating comes sooner than expected.
You can now see why we said he deserves more, right?
Franck Kessie Religion:
The African footballer joins the likes of Simon Adingra and David Datro Fofana, who are Ivorian Christians. However, he has no issues celebrating with Muslims during Islamic festivities.
In fact, Kessie once posed alongside teammate Hakan Çalhanoğlu to congratulate his Muslim fans on the occasion of EidMubarak.
See Franky and his Muslim colleague celebrating the end of Ramadan together.
Significance of No 11 Jersey:
The number 11 is significant to Kessie. To start with, he was born on the 11th; his dad died on the 11th. Also, it was on the 11th day of a certain month that Kessie arrived in Europe after signing for Atlanta.
EndNote:
Thanks for reading this informative piece on Franck Kessie’s childhood story and biography. We hope that Franky’s exciting journey from West Africa to Europe has convinced you that anyone can achieve his childhood dream.
Just like Franck Kessie, who fantasized about playing for AC Milan during the days of George Weah (Tim Weah‘s Dad). He has fulfilled his dream of wearing an AC Milan shirt, which feels like second skin.
Appreciation Note:
It behoves us now to commend Franck Kessie’s parents for his excellent upbringing. We take pride in delivering African Football stories and biography facts with accuracy and fairness. Have you read the life history of Ismael Bennacer and Jhon Duran? If you see anything that doesn’t look right, do well to contact us or leave a message below.
