Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has spoken candidly about the emotional struggles he endured during the 2025/26 season, revealing that the deaths of his father and close friend Diogo Jota pushed him into depression.
In an emotional interview with French radio station France Inter, the French international shared details of one of the most difficult periods of his life. As he prepares to leave Liverpool and begin a new chapter with Real Madrid, Konaté reflected on the personal tragedies that deeply affected him both on and off the pitch.
The first major blow came in July 2025 when Portuguese forward Diogo Jota lost his life in a tragic car accident. The news left Konaté devastated. He described Jota as not only a teammate but also a close friend and neighbor, someone who brought people together and treated everyone with respect.
"Even today, it is hard to believe," Konaté said. "His presence is still felt every day. He was an incredible person, and losing him affected me more than I can explain."
The emotional pain intensified months later when Konaté's father passed away after a lengthy stay in hospital. The defender admitted that he struggled to balance his professional responsibilities with the desire to be with his family during such a difficult time.
For much of the season, Konaté kept his emotions to himself. Looking back, he believes that was a mistake. He now encourages others facing personal challenges to speak openly and seek support from those around them.
"When you are suffering, talk to people," he explained. "Sharing your feelings can help. I tried to carry everything alone, and that made things harder."
The French star acknowledged that grief and depression affected his performances and concentration, often leaving him feeling disconnected. Eventually, he sought professional help, a decision he credits with helping him overcome one of the darkest chapters of his life.
As he prepares to represent France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and begin a new journey with Real Madrid, Konaté hopes his story will inspire others to prioritize their mental health and seek support when facing difficult moments.
His experience serves as a powerful reminder that even elite athletes face personal battles, and that speaking openly about mental health can be a crucial step toward healing.
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