Born on April 12, 1998, in Lille, France, to Moroccan parents (both from Tangier), Ismaël Kandouss grew up in a football-loving family. His parents moved to France in the early 1990s, and Kandouss developed a passion for football at a young age, playing in local clubs.

At the age of eight, Kandouss joined the youth academy of Lille OSC, where his talent as a central defender was quickly recognized. His technical skills and defensive abilities were honed under the guidance of experienced coaches.

In 2018, Kandouss moved to the Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, where he made his professional debut. His impressive performances have established him as a key player in the Belgian Pro League and for the Moroccan national team.