Franck Kessié is edging closer to a landmark that places him alongside one of Cote d’Ivoire’s greatest football icons, underlining his longevity and importance to the national team on Africa’s biggest stage.
As the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco reaches the quarter-final phase, the Elephants’ captain stands just one appearance away from equalling Didier Drogba’s record tally of AFCON matches, a feat that reflects years of consistency, resilience, and leadership.
The Al Ahli midfielder made his 23rd appearance in the competition during Ivory Coast’s round-of-16 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday evening at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
That outing not only helped propel the defending champions into the last eight but also moved Kessié into sole eighth place on the list of Ivorian players with the most AFCON appearances, surpassing former striker Abdoulaye Traoré in the process.
Should Kessié feature against Egypt in Saturday’s quarter-final, he will reach 24 AFCON matches, drawing level with a select group of four players who have achieved that milestone, including the legendary Drogba.
The prospect adds extra historical weight to an already high-stakes encounter, as Cote d’Ivoire chase another continental crown while their captain quietly builds a legacy of his own.
At the top of the all-time Ivorian appearances chart sits former midfield powerhouse Yaya Touré with 29 matches, a benchmark that has stood for years.
He is followed closely by his brother Kolo Touré, now an assistant coach at Manchester City, and Max Gradel, who is absent from the current tournament, both on 28 appearances. Behind them is the cluster of players on 24 matches that Kessié is poised to join.
Beyond the numbers, Kessié’s journey reflects a player who has grown from a promising talent into a central figure for club and country.
