.Ibrahima Konate has always been one of those players who brings more than just football to Liverpool. He brings charisma, personality, and presence. At a time when speculation surrounds his future, with Real Madrid keeping a close watch and his Liverpool contract slowly winding down, the French defender has sent fans buzzing with a mixture of seriousness and humour.
The story began not on the pitch, but at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre, where the squad gathered to receive their EAFC 26 ratings – the latest version of the football video game that has replaced FIFA. For footballers, these cards are more than numbers. They are a mixture of respect, banter, pride, and in some cases, injustice. Players study their pace, dribbling, shooting, passing, physicality, and overall ratings as if their careers are judged entirely by them. For Konate, it became an opportunity not only to celebrate but also to hint about the season ahead and, perhaps, his future.
As the cards were unveiled, Konate looked at his number – an 86 overall rating. It was an improvement from the 83 he had received in EAFC 25, showing his rise as one of the most reliable defenders in world football. But what made fans smile was not the number itself, but his cheeky response. In a video shared by Liverpool, Konate laughed and said, “86 is okay. Next season, 99.”
It was light-hearted, it was playful, but it was also meaningful. By saying that, Konate was not only joking about becoming an unstoppable footballer in the game, but also indirectly assuring fans that his focus remains fully on Liverpool. Amid contract uncertainty and Real Madrid’s looming interest, he was reminding everyone that his only target this season is success with the Reds.
For a player whose deal is set to expire at the end of the season, those words carried weight. Liverpool supporters know how quickly things can change when Madrid circles around their stars. They have seen it with Xabi Alonso, with Michael Owen, with others in history. The Spanish giants never knock quietly – they arrive loudly and tempt players with the lure of the Bernabeu. Yet here was Konate, smiling with his teammates, speaking as though he was preparing for the long term at Anfield.
On the pitch, Konate has been central to Liverpool’s strong performances in recent weeks. Alongside Virgil van Dijk, he has formed one of the most solid defensive partnerships in Europe. Together, they have kept Arsenal at bay, silenced Atletico Madrid, and outpowered Everton in the derby. For a man facing questions about his future, his performances show zero distraction.
But footballers are not robots, and the EAFC ratings session revealed the human side of the Liverpool squad. Konate was not alone in reacting to his numbers. Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool’s Dutch midfielder, was perhaps the happiest man in the room. His card showed a huge upgrade, rising from a 78 overall rating last season to an impressive 85 this time. For a young player who had struggled at Bayern Munich before reviving his career under Arne Slot, it was recognition of his progress.
Gravenberch could not hide his joy. He teased Hugo Ekitike, another young star in the squad, about his lower score, while Cody Gakpo congratulated him warmly. Curtis Jones, ever the confident Scouser, insisted that Gravenberch still deserved more than 85, claiming he should be at least 87. It was light banter, but also showed the togetherness within the squad.
Ekitike, meanwhile, was not pleased with his 83 rating. He called it “stupid,” laughing but clearly believing he should have been rated higher. That is the competitive nature of footballers – even in video games, pride is at stake
Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s Swedish striker, was also enjoying his upgrade. His rating jumped from 85 to 88, and like Konate, he promised more improvement. “It’s going up, so gotta keep going,” he said with a smile, showing the determination that has already made him a fan favourite.
As the players compared their ratings, a playful argument broke out between Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s exciting German signing. Wirtz received an 89 rating overall with a dazzling 90 dribbling stat. Jones could not believe it, shouting in disbelief: “Oh my days! 89?!” Szoboszlai laughed as he compared physicality and pace with his teammate, while Wirtz joked back about their body builds.
This kind of laughter and bonding is part of what makes Liverpool special. The EAFC cards may be a commercial game promotion, but for the players, it is also a chance to strengthen bonds, to laugh, and to show fans their personalities.
Even Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool’s midfield engine, got involved. His overall rating rose to 87, but his pace remained low, as always. He smiled and admitted, “Pace is still low, like always. I deserve it so, it’s good.” Van Dijk, standing nearby, could not resist joking about it, asking, “What’s the pace? Too fast?” It was a small moment, but it showed the respect and humour within the squad.
Not everyone was happy, though. Jeremie Frimpong was shocked to see his overall rating drop to 83, even though his pace remained sky-high at 94. “Somehow I’ve gone down!” he complained. But then he admitted that 94 pace was something to be proud of, even if his shooting and passing could have been better. His disappointment, mixed with laughter, made for another memorable moment.
Youngster Rio Ngumoha, recently rewarded with his first professional contract at Liverpool, proudly looked at his card showing 90 pace. But Trey Nyoni, another academy talent, jokingly challenged him: “Bro, you’re not that fast!” The whole room laughed, but for Ngumoha, it was a proud moment – a sign that he is being recognised at the highest level.
For all the stars and all the ratings, perhaps the most touching moment came from Freddie Woodman, Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper. He only had a modest 71 rating, far from the Salahs and Van Dijks of the squad. Yet when he held his card, he pointed not to the numbers, but to the two small emblems on it – the Premier League and Liverpool badges. “Do you know what’s the most important thing?” he asked. “Them two badges there.”
It was a reminder that beyond the numbers and beyond the statistics, what matters most is the honour of playing for Liverpool in the Premier League. Woodman may not be the star of the team, but his pride in being part of the journey resonated deeply.
That humility contrasted sharply with Mohamed Salah’s card. The Egyptian King retained his status as Liverpool’s highest-rated player, with a stellar 91 overall. Once again, Salah stood as one of the very best in the world, proving his consistency year after year.
But football is not just about ratings and cards. Behind the laughter and banter lies a serious question: what happens next with Ibrahima Konate?
The French defender has made himself irreplaceable in the heart of Liverpool’s defence. At 26 years old, he is entering his prime years. His pace, strength, and anticipation make him a nightmare for strikers. Real Madrid see him as a perfect fit for their backline, and with his contract nearing expiry, the temptation is real.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, know they cannot afford to lose him easily. Virgil van Dijk is not getting younger, Joe Gomez has faced injuries, and Jarell Quansah is still developing. Konate represents not only the present but also the future of Liverpool’s defence.
Fans hope that his playful “99 next season” comment was more than a joke – that it was a quiet promise of loyalty, a sign that he intends to stay and write more chapters at Anfield.
And yet, football is unpredictable. Just as EAFC ratings rise and fall, so too can a player’s career path. One season of brilliance, one offer from Madrid, one unresolved contract negotiation – everything can change.
For now, though, Konate is smiling. He is playing, he is winning, and he is keeping Liverpool’s defence rock-solid. His words suggest he is not distracted by speculation. Instead, he is aiming for the perfect season – trophies, success, and maybe, just maybe, that dream “99 rating” in the eyes of Liverpool supporters.
As the video of the squad went viral, fans around the world shared their reactions. Some laughed at the banter, some debated the ratings, and some looked deeper at Konate’s words. Liverpool’s season is young, but the defender has already reminded the world that his heart – at least for now – beats in red.
The EAFC ratings session ended with more laughter, more teasing, and more pride. For Liverpool, it was not just a promotional event. It was a reflection of their spirit – competitive, united, humble, and ambitious.
And at the centre of it all was Ibrahima Konate – the man who may or may not wear red next season, but who right now is giving his all for Liverpool.
Because at Liverpool, numbers don’t define everything. Cards don’t tell the full story. What matters most is what happens on the pitch, what happens in the dressing room, and what happens when the crowd sings at Anfield. And in those moments, Konate remains priceless.
