Ibrahima Konate was in tears after scoring for Liverpool in their 4-1 win over Newcastle, with the Frenchman having lost his father, Hamady, last week
22:33, 31 Jan 2026Updated 22:37, 31 Jan 2026
Ibrahima Konate
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Ibrahima Konate broke down in tears after scoring for Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate was left in tears after scoring Liverpool's fourth goal in their 4-1 comeback win over Newcastle United. The French defender tragically lost his father Hamady last week before returning to the Reds' matchday squad this evening.
Konate made his comeback to Liverpool's starting line-up having been absent for the fixtures against Marseille, Bournemouth and Qarabag. He wrapped up the Reds' victory by pouncing on Nick Pope's inability to secure the ball.
The centre-back was clearly emotional after finding the net, immediately receiving comfort from his teammates. Speaking after the final whistle, Konate revealed: "For sure I am very happy and I don't have words to describe what I fee right now because it was a very difficult moment for me and my family in the last two weeks but this part of life.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: (SUN OUT, SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Konate was joined by his jubilant team-mates(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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"I'm very happy. I don't have words to describe what I feel right now. It's been a difficult moment for me and my family in the last two weeks. I saw the team we had, I saw some injured players. The manager said I could take my time, I didn't need to rush to come back.
"But I thought I should come back and help the team. Anfield was unbelievable today and that's what we need until the end of the season."
Konate was the surprise absentee from Liverpool's Champions League encounter with Marseille last week.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: (SUN OUT, SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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The Frenchman scored Liverpool's fourth against Newcastle(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arne Slot expressed his 'sadness' regarding the circumstances behind Konate's absence from the 3-0 victory against the French outfit, with the defender subsequently confirming his father's passing.
The 26-year-old also sat out last Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth and the 6-0 victory over Qarabag on Wednesday to be with his family.
Slot stated: "I spoke to him a few times, and I think these are private matters and they should stay between us. It is very obvious that if something like that happens, a player needs time to be there for his family and also time for himself."
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Konate shared the devastating news and details last Thursday via an Instagram story post. He expressed: "Thank you all so much for your messages, calls, thoughts and presence today at the mosque.
"Even though I haven't had the strength or time to reply to everyone, this really touched me and did a lot of good. Thank you for your support and prayers May Allah keep you safe. To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return."