Ibrahima Cissé (footballer, born 2001)

Ibrahima Cissé (born 15 February 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for 2. Bundesliga club Schalke 04. Born in France, he has represented Mali at international youth level.

Early life
Cissé was born in Dreux, Eure-et-Loir, France, in a family with Malian origins, with two of his elders brothers – Salif and Kalifa – who also embraced a professional footballing career.

Early career
Cissé came through the youth ranks of La Berrichonne de Châteauroux in his native region, before moving to Gent in 2019.

Gent
Cissé made his professional debut for Gent on the 9 December 2021, replacing Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui at the 62nd minute of a 1–0 Europa Conference League home win against FC Flora.

Schalke 04
On 3 May 2022, Cissé agreed to join Schalke 04 on a free transfer for the 2022–23 season, signing a four-year contract.

International career
Cissé was an under-20 international with Mali, with whom it took part in the 2021 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He played at the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations with Mali's under-23 international, where he won the bronze medal with his team and was named on the Team of the Tournament.

Honours
Mali U23
 * U-23 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal: 2023