Kerala Blasters FC have signed Guinean forward Momo Yansané ahead of the 2026–27 Indian Super League (ISL) season, adding a striker with experience in European football and the UEFA Champions League to their squad.
The 29-year-old arrives after playing for Armenian club FC Pyunik Yerevan and is best known for his involvement with Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol during their remarkable 2021–22 Champions League campaign. Sheriff shocked European football in September 2021 by defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, one of the most memorable results in the competition that season.
Yansané was part of the Sheriff squad during that historic campaign and scored against Shakhtar Donetsk in the group stage. His experience in European competition gives Kerala Blasters an intriguing addition as they prepare for the new ISL season.
The move also represents an opportunity for the Guinean striker to establish himself in Indian football and bring his experience from several European leagues to the Blasters’ attack.
From Guinea to the Champions League
Yansané’s career has taken him through several countries and leagues, giving him a varied footballing background before his move to India. He began his senior career with Guinean club Hafia FC before moving to Morocco and subsequently pursuing opportunities in European football.
His spell at Sheriff Tiraspol brought him into the spotlight during the 2021–22 Champions League season. Sheriff made an impressive start to their group-stage campaign, defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 before producing one of the competition’s biggest surprises against Real Madrid.
Sheriff took the lead through Jasurbek Yakhshiboev before Sébastien Thill scored a stunning late winner at the Bernabéu. The victory was particularly significant because Real Madrid are among the most successful clubs in Champions League history.
Yansané featured in Sheriff’s European campaign and scored against Shakhtar Donetsk, underlining his involvement in a team that competed against some of the continent’s leading clubs. His connection to that historic side is likely to be one of the most notable aspects of his profile as he arrives at Kerala Blasters.
Pyunik experience adds to his profile
Before moving to Kerala Blasters, Yansané played for FC Pyunik in Armenia. His recent experience in Armenian football adds another chapter to a career that has included spells across different European competitions.
Playing in multiple leagues can expose a forward to different tactical approaches, defensive systems and styles of football. Kerala Blasters will hope that Yansané can draw on that experience as he adapts to the demands of the ISL.
His previous clubs and European appearances provide an interesting background, but his performances in India will ultimately determine the impact he makes at his new club.
What does Yansané’s arrival mean for Kerala Blasters?
Kerala Blasters will be looking for their new signing to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2026–27 campaign. Bringing in a centre-forward with experience outside India gives the club another option as it prepares for the season.
Yansané’s ability to operate as a central attacker makes him a player to watch, particularly if he can reproduce the goalscoring form he showed during his time in Armenia. His experience in European football could also help him adjust to different match situations and tactical demands.
However, Champions League experience alone does not guarantee success in a new league. The striker will need to settle into his new surroundings, build an understanding with his teammates and convert opportunities consistently.
For Kerala Blasters supporters, the prospect of watching a player associated with Sheriff’s famous victory over Real Madrid adds an extra layer of interest to the signing. The challenge now is for Yansané to turn that European experience into tangible contributions in the yellow shirt.
A fresh chapter in Indian football
Yansané’s move to Kerala Blasters opens a new chapter in his career. Having played in Guinea, Morocco and several European leagues, the forward now has the opportunity to make his mark in Indian football.
The Blasters will hope that his experience, physical presence and attacking qualities can strengthen their forward line. With the new ISL season approaching, attention will turn to how quickly he adapts and whether he can become a reliable source of goals.
His association with Sheriff Tiraspol’s memorable Champions League campaign provides a compelling introduction, but his success at Kerala Blasters will be measured by what he delivers on the pitch.
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