After José Mourinho and Bernardo Silva on Tuesday, Real Madrid officially welcomed Ibrahima Konaté on Wednesday, as the French defender became one of the club’s newest signings ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 27-year-old took part in a private ceremony alongside Florentino Pérez, with no media or supporters in attendance. The Real Madrid president welcomed Konaté to the boardroom at Ciudad Real Madrid, where the centre-back signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2030.
Following the signing, Konaté received a replica of the Santiago Bernabéu, a watch and his new Real Madrid shirt bearing his name and the number 16. The ceremony was also attended by the club’s honorary president, José Martínez “Pirri.”
Konaté joins Real Madrid as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Liverpool. He has committed his future to the Spanish giants for four seasons and becomes the second player in two years to move directly from Liverpool to Madrid. Trent Alexander-Arnold made the same journey the previous summer.
A childhood dream comes true
After completing the formalities, Konaté spoke about what signing for Real Madrid means to him and revealed that his connection with the club goes back to his childhood.
“It means a lot to me because the first football shirt I ever had was a Real Madrid shirt. It was a gift from my older brother. From that moment, I always dreamed of playing for this fantastic team, and today I am very happy to be living that dream,” Konaté explained.
The French international also made it clear that he understands the responsibility that comes with representing the Spanish giants.
“I know that this club has very high expectations for everyone who wears this shirt, and I am here to fight for this team, both on and off the pitch,” he added, speaking in impressive Spanish.
A reminder of Paris 2022
With Real Madrid’s 15 Champions League trophies displayed behind him, Konaté was inevitably reminded of the club’s extraordinary European history. One trophy in particular brought back painful memories.
“I feel very good here. There is just one that leaves me with a little regret, the one from Paris in 2022, because I was playing for Liverpool at the time and Real Madrid won the Champions League again.”
Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the 2022 Champions League final in Paris, a match Konaté started for the English side.
“I want to be part of Real Madrid’s history”
Konaté concluded his first official appearance as a Real Madrid player by setting out his ambitions at the club.
🤝⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Xm1qiFGHRz
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 20, 2026
“I want to be part of Real Madrid’s history. I want to win trophies, win the Champions League with this team and become part of its history forever.”
He also thanked everyone involved in bringing him to Madrid.
“I want to thank the president and everyone who was involved in making my dream come true. I promise to give everything for this shirt.”
For Konaté, the move represents much more than another step in his career. The boy whose first football shirt carried the Real Madrid badge will now have the opportunity to wear it at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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