Konate discusses depression after deaths of Jota and father
7 reported
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has described battling depression during his final season at the club following the deaths of teammate Diogo Jota and his father. Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash last July, while Konate’s father Hamady passed away in January after a long illness. Konate, who is close to a move to Real Madrid after confirming he will leave Anfield this summer, said Jota’s death “devastated” him and left him with no interest in anything else. He also carried the burden of his father’s serious illness, keeping his struggles to himself. The 27-year-old made 51 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign as Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League. He is part of France’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.
What’s reported
Ibrahima Konate said he suffered depression after the deaths of teammate Diogo Jota and his father Hamady.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash last July; Konate’s father died in January after a long illness.
Konate described Jota’s death as “devastating” and said he had no interest in anything else at that point.
He kept his struggles to himself and advised others to talk when feeling down.
Konate made 51 appearances in the 2025-26 season (49 as a starter) as Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League.
He is close to a move to Real Madrid after confirming he will leave Liverpool this summer.
Konate is part of Didier Deschamps’ 26-man France squad for the World Cup.
Key figures
Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool defender
Diogo Jota, former Liverpool forward (deceased)
Andre Silva, Jota’s brother (deceased)
Hamady Konate, Ibrahima’s father (deceased)
Didier Deschamps, France national team manager
Sources: BBC News
