Bellevue Athletic’s Sacko Konaté Receives Guinea National Team Call-Up

The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is celebrating another milestone as Bellevue Athletic midfielder/forward Sacko Konaté has received a call-up to the Guinea National Team for its remaining 2025 international fixtures. The selection marks a significant step in Konaté’s career and highlights the continual growth of UPSL players earning international recognition. 

Konaté has spent the 2025 season with Bellevue Athletic, guiding the club to strong campaigns in the UPSL Washington Conference; they currently sit in second place with nine matches played. Before arriving in Bellevue, Konaté competed with UPSL playoff contenders Idaho Cutthroats and Deportivo Rose City, while also spending time with Sporting International FC in 2022. His consistent performances and steady development across multiple UPSL clubs helped build an extensive semi-pro footballing resume that led to his national team opportunity. 

According to Guinea’s football federation, Konaté is one of the new players called into camp as the national side prepares for upcoming competition. The federation emphasized the importance of expanding player identification globally, noting Konaté’s strong club form in the United States and his ability to contribute in multiple attacking roles. This call-up places Konaté among a rising group of UPSL-developed players moving into national-team environments around the world. 

Konaté shared how pivotal UPSL has been in his journey: 

“I think the UPSL is a really valuable league, especially for players hungry to grow and take the next step. When I first started playing in the UPSL, it helped me develop a lot. The level pushes you to be sharper physically and mentally, and the environment prepares you for professional opportunities.” 
Regarding his national-team selection, he added: 
“Getting called up to the national team was a very proud moment for me and my family. It’s something I always dreamed about, and it showed me that the work I’ve been putting in is paying off. It all started in the UPSL until I was able to play professionally.” 

Looking ahead, Konaté remains ambitious in his career goals: 

“My goal is to keep progressing and establish myself at a higher professional level. I want to play at the top level, and the UPSL plays an important role because it keeps me ready.” 

To stay up to date on more top players from the UPSL Premier Division, visit www.upsl.com. If your team is ready to compete in the upcoming season, please visit www.upslregistration.com/application/team 

About the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) 

Founded in 2011, the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) serves as the unofficial fourth tier of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. With over 800 teams competing across its Premier, Division 1, A-League, Academy, and Women’s divisions, the UPSL is the largest Semi-Pro Pro League in North America. A National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), the UPSL is made up of independently owned and operated clubs. Through its USSF affiliation, UPSL teams are eligible to compete in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds. 

For more information, visit www.upsl.com or follow @upslsoccer on Facebook, Instagram, and X. General Inquiries: [email protected] – Media Inquiries: [email protected]