Welcome back, Franck!
Ivorian midfielder Kessie returns to wear the Atalanta shirt
Atalanta BC is delighted to announce the signing of Franck Kessie on a multi-year contract.
The Ivory Coast international midfielder returns to Atalanta nine years after leaving the Club, having enjoyed a highly successful career and lifted numerous major trophies. In recent years, he has won a Serie A title with AC Milan, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, as well as a Saudi Super Cup and two AFC Champions League titles with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. His impressive honours list also includes an Africa Cup of Nations title with the Ivory Coast in 2024.
Born in Ouragahio on 19 December 1996, Franck began his senior career with Ivorian club Stella d’Adjamé before moving to Europe in January 2015. Atalanta were quick to recognise his potential, signing him and initially integrating him into the Primavera setup. In August of the same year, he joined Cesena on loan in Serie B, making 37 appearances and scoring 4 goals as he developed and established himself as a defensive midfielder.
He returned to Atalanta the following season and immediately made his mark in Serie A, scoring twice on his league debut against Lazio. His first season in Italy’s top flight attracted widespread attention, as he made 31 appearances and scored 7 goals, playing a key role in Atalanta’s fourth-place finish.
In the summer of 2017, Kessié joined AC Milan, initially on loan before completing a permanent transfer. During his time with the Rossoneri, he made 223 appearances across league, domestic cup and European competitions, scoring 37 goals and playing a leading role in the club’s Serie A title triumph in the 2021/22 season.
In the summer of 2022, he moved to Spain to join Barcelona, where he spent one season, winning both La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, before moving to Saudi Arabia. His time with Al-Ahli saw him establish himself as a key player, making 119 appearances and scoring 26 goals over two seasons while winning the Saudi Super Cup and two AFC Champions League titles. He was also named the competition’s Best Player for the 2025/26 edition.
Following his spell in Saudi Arabia, Franck has chosen to return to Italy and continue his career in Nerazzurri colours.
Captain of the Ivory Coast national team, Kessié has made more than 100 appearances for Les Éléphants, helping his country win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, the third continental title in the nation’s history. He also featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring in the match against Germany.
The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family and everyone at Atalanta extend a warm welcome back to Franck Kessie and wish him every success, both personally and as part of the team, in Nerazzurri colours.