S. Kone

Sékou Koné's route to New York Red Bulls began in Bamako, where he came through the youth academy at Yeelen Olympique before moving on to Guidars FC. It was there that his form caught wider attention, built largely on his performances for Mali's U-17 side. He started all seven matches as Mali finished third at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, a run that included an assist in the third-place playoff against Argentina. Koné did not add goals to that tournament, but his defensive and passing numbers stood out across the campaign, and he went on to earn 12 caps at that age level.

Manchester United moved for him from Guidars FC, a transfer reported at around £1 million with add-ons, and he spent time with the club's U-21 squad. His development since has continued away from Old Trafford: a loan took him to FC Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland, and he later joined New York Red Bulls II on loan from Yeelen Olympique, with an option for the move to become permanent.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Koné has yet to be capped by Mali's senior side, though he has been included in training camps and has represented the U-20 team. His name has occasionally been the source of confusion in reporting, since a different Malian midfielder sharing the same name has also been linked with Manchester United — a mix-up that has nothing to do with his own path through Yeelen Olympique, Guidars, Manchester United's academy and now New York Red Bulls.