Karim Konaté scores first goal for Salzburg since return from long injury layoff

After nearly a year out of action due to a long-term knee injury, Karim Konaté scored his first goal since returning to action for Red Bull Salzburg in Thursday’s 2-3 UEFA Europa League defeat at Aston Villa.

The 21-year-old Ivorian international did enough to finish after a dreadful giveaway from the hosts at Villa Park. Ghanaian attacker Edmund Baidoo’s high pressure saw him win the ball close to goal and he provided a low cross for Konaté, whose shot just went over the goal line despite a desperate effort from Victor Lindelöf to clear the ball.

Malian midfielder Moussa Yeo doubled the advantage for the visitors in the 49th minute but the match ended in agony for the Austrian giants. Villa rallied with three unanswered goals in the second half to secure victory as well as direct qualification to the Round of 16.

On the other end, the result was devastating for Salzburg. A victory would have kept them in contention to advane to the Round of 32 but their second half collapse doomed them to elimination from the competition.

However, it is a positive moment for Konaté, who was making excellent strides in Europe before suffering injury. He had an opportunity to regain fitness with substitute appearances at the end of 2025 before featuring in friendly matches during the extended break over the new year.

After establishing himself as one of Africa’s most desirable young talents with famous Abidjan club ASEC Mimosas in the top level of Ivorian football as well as the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, he scored 22 goals in 38 appearances for Salzburg during the 2023-24 season and established himself in the Ivory Coast national team.

2⃣1⃣ – Happy Birthday, Karim Konaté 🎂🎁🎉⚽️🇨🇮#UCL | @RedBullSalzburg | @FCRBS_en pic.twitter.com/SNqo5ywTGj

— UEFA.com DE (@UEFAcom_de) March 21, 2025

He appeared in three matches during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and featured in qualifying campaigns for the 2022 and 2026 editions of the FIFA World Cup before the extended absence.

Salzburg will return to domestic action on Sunday in the ÖFB-Cup before resuming action in the Austrian Bundesliga next Friday, where Konaté will likely see minutes against either Wolfsberger in the cup or against Austria Vienna in the Bundesliga.