Ivorian football has a growing group of young players making progress across Europe and beyond, with some already gaining valuable senior experience. From Sunderland AFC winger Jocelin Ta Bi to KAA Gent striker Hyllarion Goore, these are 10 prospects whose development could attract increasing attention in the coming years.
Jocelin Ta Bi – Sunderland AFC, 21, winger
Fast, direct and willing to take on defenders, Ta Bi has the qualities expected of a modern wide player. His ability to attack space and create one-on-one situations makes him a potential source of attacking difference for Sunderland AFC.
“A Sunderland, j’ai senti que je pouvais progresser” (“At Sunderland, I felt I could improve”), Ta Bi said.
Emmanuel Kakou – Cercle Bruges, 21, central defender
Kakou offers an athletic and combative presence at centre-back. He is comfortable defending on the ground and in the air, while his reading of the flight of the ball provides a strong foundation for a player still developing.
Abdoulaye Kante – Al Ettifaq, 21, defensive midfielder
Kante’s strengths are built around defensive work, technical cleanliness and energy in midfield. He can support the recovery of possession, protect the defence and help his team maintain balance while circulating the ball.
Bi Youan Levy Nene – Lausanne-Sport, 20, striker or winger
Developed at Right to Dream, Levy Nene has an adaptable attacking profile. He combines mobility and direct running with an ability to finish, and can operate either centrally or from a wide position. His work in tight spaces is another important asset.
Valy Konate – Cercle Bruges, on loan from Monaco, 19, left-back
Konate is among the young Ivorian full-backs to monitor closely. He is active down the left, regularly pushes forward and covers significant ground. His attacking instincts are matched by a high level of work-rate, while his age leaves room for further improvement.
Rodolphe Ekou N’Guetta – FK Liepaja, 21, defensive midfielder
Ekou N’Guetta has the physical strength and tackling ability of a holding midfielder. He can win possession, compete in challenges and shield his defensive line, providing a different but valuable profile to more creative midfielders.
Oumar Konate – Stade Lavallois, on loan from Monaco, 19, striker
Konate is a mobile forward who looks to move into areas where he can exploit space. His finishing and ability to play between defensive lines make him one to follow, although consistency and regular performances will be key to fulfilling that potential.
Dramane Kamagate – USM Alger, 21, striker
Kamagate is continuing his career in Algeria with USM Alger. Primarily a centre-forward, he can also operate as a second striker and already has international experience with the Cote d’Ivoire U23 team. His progress in a physically demanding league will be closely watched.
Eric Simpore – Jong Gent, 19, central defender
An Cote d’Ivoire U20 international, Eric Junior Simpore has already gained experience in professional football. The former SOA player joined Jong Gent after a successful loan spell, with his development and opportunities for regular playing time now important to his next steps.
Hyllarion Goore – KAA Gent, 21, striker
Goore is arguably the most widely exposed name on the list. The powerful and quick forward has gradually established himself in Belgian football with KAA Gent. In 37 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 season, he scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists, according to the available data.
Goore has extended his contract with the Belgian club until 2029 and has already attracted interest from European clubs. Together, the 10 players represent a range of profiles and a promising pool of young Ivorian talent, but regular game time and consistent performances will determine how far they progress.