Cissako Seeks Exit from Monaco in Pursuit of Religious and Sporting Goals
Yarouba Cissako is looking to leave AS Monaco as he seeks both a new footballing challenge and the opportunity to live in a country aligned with his personal beliefs.
The 20-year-old Franco-Malian defender, who has represented France at youth level, is reportedly keen on moving to a country with a strong Islamic culture as part of his long-term ambition to become an imam, according to a close associate who spoke with Le Parisien.
Cissako, who plays at right-back, had previously expressed interest in joining Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s most prominent clubs. However, a deal failed to materialise after negotiations between Monaco and the Istanbul-based side broke down.
With the Turkish option now off the table, Cissako’s future could lie in the Gulf region, where several clubs are said to be monitoring his situation closely. Sources suggest that the defender’s profile—technically sound and still young—is attracting attention from teams in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
At Monaco, the player’s situation has grown increasingly strained. According to reports, he has become uncomfortable with certain aspects of daily life at the club’s training facility. One particular incident involves his objection to being treated by a female physiotherapist, Sophia Nigi, whose attire—shorts and a t-shirt—he considers inappropriate within his religious values.
Although Monaco has not made any official comment on the situation, it is understood that the club respects Cissako’s personal beliefs but is seeking a resolution that is in the best interests of all parties.
Cissako, who came through the youth academy at Clairefontaine before moving to Monaco, was previously loaned to Zulte Waregem in Belgium during the 2014–15 season, where he made a solid impression.
However, with first-team opportunities limited at Monaco and personal motivations weighing heavily, a move abroad now appears the likeliest outcome.
The defender is expected to continue training with the club while his representatives explore options for a transfer, possibly before the end of the current window or during the upcoming January market.
