Didier Ya Konan


Didier Ya Konan is an Ivorian former footballer who played as a forward for the Ivory Coast national team.

Club career

Born in Angouakro, Ya Konan started his professional career with ASEC Mimosas in 2003, a club that is known for producing players, such as Kolo Touré and Didier Zokora. He was the top scorer in the African Champions League competition that season, with ASEC eventually failing in the semi finals, to Egyptian club Al Ahly.
In December 2006, he signed for Rosenborg, for a three-year contract in the Norwegian Premier League.
In January 2007, Ya Konan was nominated for the Ivorian Footballer of the Year award for 2006, which was eventually won by Chelsea's striker Didier Drogba. He was one of two homeland-based players at the time to be nominated, the other being former ASEC teammate Bakary Soro.
On 11 August 2009, Ya Konan moved to Bundesliga side Hannover 96, initially signing a three-year contract.
Following the 2013–14 season, he left Germany and completed a move to Al-Ittihad of the Saudi Professional League.
On 27 January 2015, he returned to Hannover 96, where he signed a one-year contract.
On 25 June 2015, Ya Konan signed a two-year deal with Fortuna Düsseldorf.

International career

Ya Konan was called up to the Ivory Coast national football team for the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Gabon on 5 October 2006. In March 2007, he was one of four players to receive a late call-up for the Ivorian's African Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar in Antananarivo, due to injuries to other members of the squad.

Career statistics

Honours

Club

ASEC Mimosas
Rosenborg