Issa Kaboré: Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

If you’ve been keeping an eye on exciting young right-backs lighting up the football scene, you’ve probably come across the name Issa Kaboré. If not, don’t worry—you’re about to get the full story. From dusty pitches in Burkina Faso to some of Europe’s biggest stages, Kaboré’s journey is as inspiring as it is fascinating. And the best part? He’s still only in his early twenties, which means the best chapters might still be unwritten.

The Beginning – Football in His Blood

Issa was born on May 12, 2001, in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso’s second-largest city. Like so many African footballers, his love for the game started young—chasing balls in the streets, playing barefoot with friends, and joining in local tournaments that doubled as neighborhood bragging rights.

By the time he was in his teens, people already noticed he had something special—speed, balance, and the ability to time a tackle like a veteran defender. This natural talent opened the door to Rahimo FC, a Burkinabé club well known for developing young players. That’s where Issa spent his formative years, from 2011 to 2019, sharpening his skills and dreaming of bigger stages.

Stepping Onto the International Scene

Kaboré’s first taste of big-time football came in 2019, representing Burkina Faso at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations. Even though he was still a teenager, he showed maturity beyond his years. That same year, he made his senior debut for the national team in a friendly against DR Congo.

And here’s where his story took a serious leap—on September 8, 2021, during a World Cup qualifier against Djibouti, he didn’t just play; he scored. It was his first senior international goal, and for many Burkinabé fans, it was the moment they realized they were watching the rise of a future team leader.

AFCON 2021 – The Breakout Moment

If there’s one tournament that catapulted Issa’s name into wider recognition, it was the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Burkina Faso made a fantastic run, reaching the semi-finals, and Kaboré was at the heart of it—literally running up and down the right flank like a machine.

His stats were impressive: three assists, tireless defending, and a constant attacking threat. But beyond the numbers, it was his composure that stood out. He played like someone who had been there a hundred times before, earning him the Best Young Player of the Tournament award. That accolade wasn’t just a trophy; it was a statement to clubs across Europe: this kid’s the real deal.

Club Career – The European Adventure

Issa’s European journey began in August 2019, when he signed for KV Mechelen in Belgium from Rahimo FC. It was a huge move, and he adapted quickly. His performances didn’t go unnoticed—by July 2020, Manchester City came calling. They signed him for around €4.5 million, but instead of throwing him straight into the Premier League, they chose a smart development route: loan spells to gain experience.

Loan #1 – Back to Mechelen

For the 2020–21 season, Issa stayed with Mechelen, making 27 league appearances. It was a learning curve—more games, tougher opponents, and the need to perform consistently week in, week out.

Loan #2 – Troyes in Ligue 1

In the 2021–22 season, he joined Troyes in France. Here, he faced some of Europe’s most talented attackers, and he held his own. It was another step up, and he took it with stride.

Loan #3 – Marseille and the Champions League

Next came Olympique Marseille for the 2022–23 season. This was a big moment—Marseille is a massive club, with passionate fans and high expectations. Kaboré not only played regularly in Ligue 1 but also got his first taste of Champions League football. For a kid from Bobo-Dioulasso, stepping out under the lights in Europe’s most prestigious competition must have been surreal.

Loan #4 – Premier League with Luton Town

The 2023–24 season saw him move to newly-promoted Luton Town. Playing in the Premier League is a dream for many, but for a full-back, it’s also a huge challenge—you’re up against some of the fastest, trickiest wingers in the world. Kaboré featured in 24 league games, gaining valuable English top-flight experience.

Loan #5 – Benfica in Portugal

In the summer of 2024, he headed to Benfica. It was a shorter spell with limited minutes, but still a chance to learn from one of Portugal’s most successful clubs.

Loan #6 – Werder Bremen

Finally, in January 2025, he joined Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga for the rest of the season. The German league’s high tempo suits his athleticism perfectly, and he’s already making a positive impression.

The Common Thread – Manchester City’s Patience

You might be wondering—why hasn’t he played for Manchester City yet? The answer is pretty simple: City often sign young talents and send them on multiple loans so they can mature before taking on the intense competition of Pep Guardiola’s squad. For Kaboré, this might just be the perfect path—by the time he’s ready to wear that sky-blue shirt, he’ll have played in multiple top leagues and learned different footballing cultures.

Playing Style – The Engine on the Right Flank

If you’ve ever watched Kaboré in action, you know his game is built on pace and stamina. He’s the kind of full-back who seems to have an extra set of lungs. He can bomb forward to support attacks, whip in a cross, and still get back in time to block a counter.

Strengths:

• Athleticism: He covers ground effortlessly.

• Defensive Awareness: Times his tackles well and reads the game smartly.

• Crossing: Delivers quality balls into the box.

• Versatility: Can play as a traditional right-back, wing-back, or even right midfielder.

What makes him extra valuable is his adaptability. Whether it’s Ligue 1, the Premier League, or the Bundesliga, he adjusts his style to fit the pace and demands of the league.

International Impact – The Pride of Burkina Faso

By early 2025, Kaboré had racked up around 49 caps and scored 2 goals for Burkina Faso. He’s more than just a player now—he’s an ambassador for his country on the global stage.

When he plays, there’s a sense that he’s carrying more than just the hopes of his teammates. He’s representing every kid back home dreaming of making it in football, proving that it’s possible to go from Bobo-Dioulasso to Europe’s grand arenas.

Net Worth & Market Value – The Business Side

Football fans often wonder about the numbers behind the game. For Kaboré, his net worth in early 2025 is estimated at around US$6 million. His market value has fluctuated—hitting about €10 million in 2023 before dipping to €4 million in 2025.

That drop isn’t necessarily bad—it often reflects playing time, loan situations, and club strategies. Given his age and experience, his value could easily rise again, especially if he locks down a starting spot in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Personality & Mindset – Humble but Hungry

If you read interviews with Issa or listen to his post-match comments, one thing comes through clearly: he’s humble. After joining Werder Bremen, he said:

“I’m excited about my new challenge at Werder… I want to help the team build on a strong start.”

That’s not just a PR line—it fits his reputation as a hard-working, grounded professional. Coaches praise his willingness to learn and his team-first attitude, which is exactly the kind of mindset that turns potential into long-term success.

The Road Ahead – What’s Next?

Kaboré’s journey is still unfolding. Will he finally make his debut for Manchester City? Will he settle permanently at another European club? Or could we see him become a leader for Burkina Faso in another deep AFCON run?

The exciting thing is—any of these paths could happen. He’s got the talent, the work ethic, and the experience from playing in multiple leagues. Now it’s about finding the right environment to hit his peak.

Career Timeline at a Glance

Why His Story Matters

Issa Kaboré’s career is proof that football success isn’t always a straight line. He didn’t jump straight into a big club starting XI—he’s had to adapt, learn, and prove himself in different environments. That resilience is often what separates good players from great ones.

For young fans and aspiring footballers, his journey sends a clear message: the road might be long, but every step is worth it if you keep your eyes on the prize.