SALUTE! The Significance Behind Kessie's Celebration

After Côte d'Ivoire midfielder Franck Kessie helped his nation secure the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations against Nigeria, we check out the significance behind his goal celebration.

Check it out!

What's the story?

Former FC Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie enjoyed one of the best games of his career on Sunday evening at the 2023 AFCON final in Abidjan.

Kessie got on the scoresheet to level matters against Nigeria and finished off the moment with his trademark celebration.

Read: WATCH | AFCON Ends In Truly Spectacular Style

Here's a reminder of the significance behind the player's goal celebration...

Significance behind Franck Kessie's celebration

Ivory Coast came from a goal down to defeat West African rivals Nigeria 2-1 to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday.

The Elephants secured their third continental triumph overall – becoming the first host champions since Egypt in 2006 – thanks to second half strikes from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller, after the Super Eagles enjoyed a 1-0 lead at half time thanks to their skipper William Troost-Ekong.

Kessie scored a blistering header from a pinpoint Simon Adingra cross just after the hour-mark and did a more elaborate version of his signature Salute goal celebration.

Read: African Legends Close Out AFCON 2023

The 27-year-old revealed a few years ago that the celebration pays homage to his father who died when he was a child.

"My father was a footballer in Ivory Coast, but then he found himself in the army to serve his country. He died of illness shortly after I was 11. When I score goals I like to do this kind of salute in his honour," he told foreign media back in 2022, during his short stint at FC Barcelona.

Watch his celebration from the equalising goal against Nigeria: