Ibrahima Konate made his first start at the 2026 World Cup on Saturday evening as France took on England in the third-place play-off, and fans have revealed exactly what they thought of the new Real Madrid signing's performance.
Les Blues were knocked out of the tournament on Tuesday night when they were beaten by Spain in Dallas. This set up the 'bronze final' in Miami against the Three Lions, who lost to Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday , and it certainly didn't disappoint.
England stormed into a 4-0 lead in the first half, courtesy of a brace from Bukayo Saka , along with strikes from Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa.
France threatened to complete a remarkable comeback in the second period, scoring four times to reduce the deficit to one goal for a short spell, but they were ultimately unable to pull off this incredible feat, as Thomas Tuchel's side claimed the bronze medals.
Ibrahima Konate Produces Disastrous Performance vs England
After five years on Merseyside, Konate opted to leave Liverpool this summer , rejecting a new contract offer to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Despite completing this blockbuster move to the Bernabeu, Deschamps evidently isn't a keen admirer of the centre-back, favouring William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano throughout the competition. However, the France boss did grant Konate a start in Les Blues' final match of the tournament.
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It's safe to say the defender didn't repay Deschamps for this show of faith. Konate produced a diabolical opening 45 minutes before being replaced by Upamecano at half-time.
All at sea for multiple England goals, the 27-year-old struggled with the intensity of Tuchel's forwards' movement, looking lost positionally whilst also struggling in possession.
Ibrahima Konate's stats vs England
21/23 (91%)
Passes into the Final Third
1/4 (25%)
The disastrous nature of Konate's display is reflected in the stats. The defender committed two fouls, made no tackles, no interceptions and won just one of his four ground duels.
Fans React to Ibrahima Konate's Display vs England
Unsurprisingly, fans weren't overly impressed with Konate's performance against the Three Lions. Many Liverpool and Real Madrid supporters took to social media to mock the player's out-of-sorts showing.
The display prompted one fan to question Real Madrid's investment in him: "Konate being on £400,000 PER WEEK at Madrid needs to be investigated."
Another wrote: "Saliba out and Konate first start this World Cup and France are drinking goals and shots like it's nothing."
Meanwhile, a Liverpool supporter added: "Ngl getting rid of Konate for free was a blessing in disguise. Poor Real Madrid."
Another fan posited: "Real Madrid Galactico signing Ibrahima Konaté finally gets his first start at the World Cup, and he's been stinking the whole place."
A Los Blancos supporter chimed in on the conversation, expressing concern about the signing: "Konate conceded 3 goals in 35 minutes. We’re gonna be paying him 20m per year by the way."
Konate will now take three or four weeks off to rest and recuperate, before reporting for Real Madrid training ahead of his new chapter in the Spanish capital.
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Transfer News & Rumours