Abdoulaye Kanté

Abdoulaye Raslan Kanté (born 9 July 2005) is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.

Career As a youth player, Kanté joined the youth academy of French side Montfermeil. Following his stint there, he signed for the reserve team of French Ligue 1 side Troyes ahead of the 2022–23 season and was promoted to the club's senior team in 2023, where he made forty-seven league appearances and scored one goal. French newspaper wrote in 2024 that he "made himself indispensable" while playing for them.

On 29 July 2025, Kanté signed for English Championship club Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee signing a five-and-a-half year deal.

On 30 January 2026, Kanté joined Ligue 2 club Saint-Étienne on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy.

On 30 August 2026, Kanté signed for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq for an undisclosed fee.

International career Kanté was called up to the Ivory Coast U23s for a set of friendlies in March 2026.

Personal life Kanté holds French citizenship.

Style of play Kanté plays as a midfielder. Right-footed, he is known for his skills in tackling and interception.

Career statistics