Les Éléphants Are Back — And They’re Stronger Than Ever
As Ivory Coast steps into a decisive year—with AFCON 2025 qualifiers underway and World Cup 2026 qualification looming—here’s a look at the four key players poised to make an impact for Les Éléphants.
1. Sébastien Haller – The Tactical Finisher
- International (Ivory Coast): In 2025, Haller has earned 3 caps and 1 goal for the national side, bringing his all‑time tally to 30 caps and 11 goals (Wikipédia).
- Club: Recently completed a loan move from Borussia Dortmund to CD Leganés in La Liga during summer 2025. He has been ruled out of early AFCON qualifying matches due to the transfer settlement period (africasoccer.com).
Despite recent club change, Haller remains Ivory Coast’s most reliable centre‑forward when fit.
2. Simon Adingra – The Impact Substitute
- Club ( Sunderland from Brighton. The transfer fee is reportedly £21 million): In the 2024–25 season, Adingra featured in 29 Premier League matches, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists. He also tallied 3 goals in the EFL Cup across 3 appearances (footystats.org).
- International (Ivory Coast): For 2025 year-to-date, he has made 4 appearances without scoring, bringing his national total to 22 caps and 3 goals since his debut (Wikipédia).
While his minutes have decreased, fans note that Adingra still delivers when called upon.
“Adingra has been sharp in all of the matches he’s played recently despite very few minutes” (Reddit)
3. Franck Kessié – The Midfield Anchor
Kessié remains a foundational figure for Ivory Coast’s midfield presence. Although not found in recent transfer headlines, his experience—garnered from spells at AC Milan, FC Barcelona, and Al‑Ahli—is vital. In 2025, he continues to be a first-choice pick for the national side, contributing with his characteristic transition play and tactical work-rate.
(Note: No updated club stats found—but the national team reliance continues.)
4. Odilon Kossounou – Versatile Defensive Mainstay
- Club: On loan at Atalanta for the 2024–25 season, Kossounou made 18 Serie A appearances, along with 4 UEFA Champions League outings, though he did not register any goals (Wikipédia).
- International (Ivory Coast): In 2025, he has won 2 caps, bringing his overall international count to 27 caps without scoring (Wikipédia).
Kossounou’s blend of composure in possession and tactical flexibility—particularly in a back three—makes him one of Ivory Coast’s most dependable defenders, even if aerial duels remain a developmental area (breakingthelines.com).
Summary Table
| Player | 2025 National Caps / Goals | Club (2024–25) | Club Stats (2024–25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haller | 3 / 1 | CD Leganés (loan from Dortmund) | New signing; unavailable for qualifiers |
| Adingra | 4 / 0 | Sunder from Brighton | 29 PL apps: 2 goals, 2 assists; 3 EFL Cup goals |
| Kessié | — | [Continuing at top-flight club] | No recent public club stats available |
| Kossounou | 2 / 0 | Atalanta (loan from Bayer Leverkusen) | 18 Serie A, 4 UCL apps; 0 goals |
What To Watch
- Haller’s return to fitness and integration at Leganés will be crucial for national pick-shape.
- Adingra’s minutes may be limited, but his technical presence off the bench can swing big games.
- Kessié’s form and match fitness—especially in qualifiers—will determine Ivory Coast’s midfield stability.
- Kossounou’s defensive consistency at Atalanta and leadership back-home will shape the national backline.
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