1. Early life and background
Born in Guinea, Karim Cissé began his football journey within Guinean youth clubs. He developed his skills at AS Aborra and the Falcao Academy before moving to France. In France, he continued his youth career, joining the academies of Lyon-based clubs Lyon Croix Rousse and Lyon La Duchère. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cissé transitioned to the reserves of AS Saint-Étienne.
2. Club career
Karim Cissé's club career has seen him progress through youth ranks in Guinea and France, eventually making his professional debut with AS Saint-Étienne and later joining FC Annecy on loan.
2.1. Youth career
Cissé's foundational football training took place in his home country of Guinea, where he played for youth clubs such as AS Aborra and the Falcao Academy. His development continued in France, where he joined the youth academies of Lyon Croix Rousse and Lyon La Duchère, both based in Lyon. In 2020, he moved to the reserve team of AS Saint-Étienne.
2.2. AS Saint-Étienne
On 1 July 2023, Karim Cissé signed his first professional contract with AS Saint-Étienne, committing to the club until 2026. He made his professional debut for Saint-Étienne on 5 August 2023, appearing as a substitute in a Ligue 2 match against Grenoble, which Saint-Étienne lost 1-0.
2.3. FC Annecy
Karim Cissé is currently playing for FC Annecy on a loan spell from AS Saint-Étienne.
3. International career
Karim Cissé received his first call-up to the Guinea national football team in September 2020 by coach Kaba Diawara. He earned his first international cap on 13 October 2023, in a match against Guinea-Bissau. During this debut, he came on as a substitute and contributed significantly to his team's victory by providing a decisive pass that led to Morgan Guilavogui's goal. On 23 December 2023, Cissé was officially selected by coach Kaba Diawara as one of the 25 players to represent Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.