Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has spoken candidly about the emotional struggles he endured during his final season at Anfield, revealing how a series of personal tragedies affected both his life and performances on the pitch. The French international explained that depression can affect footballers just like anyone else and stressed that people should not dismiss such challenges because of a player’s profession or earnings.
Reflecting on the issue, Konate said depression is something that develops internally and gradually takes control of a person’s thoughts and well-being. He emphasized the importance of discussing mental health openly and rejected the idea that professional athletes are somehow protected from such experiences.
One of the most painful moments of the season came after the deaths of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident last July. Konate admitted the news hit him hard and left him unable to focus on anything else for a period of time.
Despite the shock, the squad returned to action because their responsibilities required it. According to Konate, the players felt compelled to continue playing in honour of Jota, his family, and themselves, even though the loss was something they could never truly overcome.
Balancing football with a family crisis
While dealing with the aftermath of Jota’s death, Konate was also facing a serious situation away from football. His father, Hamady, had been suffering from a long illness, and his condition continued to worsen during the season.
The defender recalled feeling torn between his professional commitments and the desire to be with his family. Liverpool needed him, yet he was also worried about his father’s health, leaving him uncertain about the right decision to make.
Rather than sharing his concerns, Konate chose to keep his emotions to himself. Looking back, he believes that was a mistake and now encourages others to speak openly with people they trust when facing difficult moments.
Doctors eventually informed the family that his father did not have much time left. Even so, Konate admitted they were not prepared for how quickly events would unfold.
A season played under emotional strain
Following his father’s passing in January, Konate cut short compassionate leave to help Liverpool cope with an injury shortage. However, he acknowledged that he never truly felt settled again during the remainder of the campaign.
The centre-back featured 51 times in all competitions, starting 49 matches, but admitted the circumstances made it difficult to reach the standards he had maintained throughout his previous years with the club. Liverpool eventually finished fifth in the Premier League.
Konate explained that every time he felt he was beginning to recover emotionally, another setback seemed to arrive. The succession of difficult events prevented him from finding any lasting sense of stability.
Even though he continued playing regularly, he said there was never a stage when he genuinely felt he was overcoming everything that had happened.
Support from others helped him continue
Throughout the season, Konate received encouragement from Liverpool supporters, teammates, and family members. He described the club’s fans as exceptional and acknowledged the role they played during one of the toughest periods of his life.
At the same time, he recognized that recovery was also a personal process. While support from those around him was invaluable, he understood that he had to find the strength to move forward himself.
The France international, who has earned 27 caps and is part of Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad for the World Cup, said the team relied heavily on him during those months. That responsibility motivated him to keep going despite the emotional burden he carried.
Konate added that he believes his father would have wanted him to continue and regain his footing. That thought helped him persevere through a season marked by grief, uncertainty, and personal loss.
