From ninth tier to World Cup? Richard Kone’s incredible rise

Several Championship clubs were linked with Kone following an excellent 18 months at Wycombe and in August, it was QPR who secured his signature.

As has been the case throughout Kone’s rollercoaster journey over the past two years, another milestone – and perhaps the biggest of them all – was just around the corner.

His first Ivory Coast senior call-up and debut.

Three months on from joining the Hoops, Kone got the call every player dreams of and made his first international appearance as a 62nd-minute substitute in a 2-0 friendly win against Oman in Al-Seeb on 18 November.

“That’s what I’m playing football for, to represent my country at international level,” Kone told the Rising Ballers YouTube channel, external after signing for QPR.

“Afcon, maybe the World Cup… that’s why I am always fighting, trying to be the best so I can get a call-up.”

Tavares said everyone at Athletic Newham “always knew Kone had something special”.

“His progress is no surprise to those who saw him every day and eventually he has earned the opportunity he deserved,” he added.

“A remarkable journey and one we are proud to have been part of.”