Keïta was born in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) to Malian parents, and was named for the first President of Mali, Modibo Keita.

[1] With coach Jorge F. Ramos, finances forced Keïta to stay with friends in Beijing during the 2007 world championship and train in a hotel courtyard.

[2] Despite tearing a back muscle before the match, Keïta won the gold medal for the Heavyweight (84 kg) division 2007 World Taekwondo Champion in Beijing by beating Iranian Morteza Rostami 3 to −1 in the final.

In 2008 the Mali boasted over 150 clubs federated to the Fédération malienne de taekwondo (FEMAT)[6] and 500 black belts among the almost 15,000 Malians who practise the sport.

In the first round, Keïta defeated Mickael Justin Borot 6–5 to advance to the quarterfinals[10] but was knocked out by eventual bronze medalist Nigerian Chika Yagazie Chukwumerije 3–2 in extra time.