Bertrand Traoré
Burkinabe footballer.
Bertrand Isidore Traoré is a Burkinabé professional footballer who currently plays as a forward or right winger for Eredivisie club Ajax and captains the Burkina Faso national team. Born on September 6, 1995, Traoré's career has been marked by his early promise and subsequent development across multiple European leagues.After beginning his career at Auxerre, Traoré finished his youth development at Chelsea, where he signed in 2013. His professional journey began with a loan spell at Vitesse in the Eredivisie, where he spent one and a half seasons honing his skills. Traoré then returned to Chelsea for the 2015-16 season, making his Premier League debut and scoring his first goal for the club. However, his time at Chelsea was limited, leading to another loan move, this time to Ajax for the 2016-17 season.
Following his successful stint at Ajax, Traoré secured a permanent move to Lyon in 2017 for a reported fee of €10 million. At Lyon, he established himself as a regular first-team player, contributing significantly in both Ligue 1 and European competitions. His performances caught the attention of Aston Villa, who signed him in 2020. After a challenging period in the Premier League, Traoré returned to familiar territory, joining Ajax on loan in 2023.Throughout his career, Traoré has demonstrated versatility, technical skill, and an eye for goal. His journey across different leagues and clubs has shaped him into a well-rounded forward, capable of playing in various attacking positions and adapting to different tactical systems.
Early life & youth football
Bertrand Traoré's early life and youth career were marked by his prodigious talent and rapid ascent in the football world. Born in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Traoré began his football journey at a young age. He started his youth career with Auxerre in France, where his skills quickly caught the attention of scouts from larger clubs.Chelsea's interest in Traoré began when he was just 14 years old, and he participated in several youth tournaments with the club before officially joining their academy. His performances in Chelsea's youth teams were impressive, leading to his inclusion in the first-team squad for their pre-season tour of Asia in 2013. This exposure at such a young age highlighted Traoré's potential and set the stage for his professional career.
Professional career
Bertrand Traoré's development at Chelsea was significantly shaped by his loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie. On January 2, 2014, immediately after signing his contract with Chelsea, Traoré was loaned to Vitesse for the remainder of the 2013-14 season. This move was part of Chelsea's strategy to provide young talents with first-team experience in a competitive league.Traoré made his debut for Vitesse on January 26, 2014, coming on as a substitute in the 67th minute.
He quickly adapted to the Dutch league, scoring his first professional goal on March 29, 2014, in a match against Heerenveen. This goal was particularly notable as it was assisted by fellow Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu, highlighting the synergy between Chelsea's young talents at Vitesse.The young Burkinabé forward continued to impress, scoring again in April against Ajax in a 1-1 draw. His performances were promising enough that Vitesse and Chelsea agreed to extend his loan for the entire 2014-15 season.
In his second season at Vitesse, Traoré truly flourished. He began the season primarily playing on the right wing but later transitioned to a central striker role. This positional change proved beneficial, as Traoré's goal-scoring prowess became more evident. He scored his first goal of the season in October against Willem II and continued to find the net regularly thereafter.
A significant highlight of his second season came in December when he scored a brace in a 4-0 victory over Ajax in the KNVB Cup. Just three days later, he repeated the feat in the league, scoring twice in a 3-0 win against Heracles. These performances showcased Traoré's ability to perform in high-pressure situations against top opposition.By the end of his loan spells at Vitesse, Traoré had made a total of 51 appearances across all competitions, scoring 20 goals.
This productive period in the Netherlands was crucial for his development, allowing him to gain valuable first-team experience and adapt to European football.Traoré's success at Vitesse not only improved his standing at Chelsea but also caught the attention of other clubs across Europe. His performances demonstrated his potential to compete at a high level, setting the stage for his return to Chelsea and subsequent opportunities in the Premier League. Traoré's breakthrough season with Chelsea came during the 2015-16 campaign, after he received a work permit allowing him to play for the club's first team.
This season marked his transition from a promising youth prospect to a player making an impact at the senior level.Traoré began the season as a fringe player but gradually worked his way into the first-team picture. He made his Chelsea debut on September 16, 2015, coming on as a substitute in a UEFA Champions League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. His Premier League debut followed on December 5, 2015, in a match against AFC Bournemouth.
The young forward's breakthrough moment came in early 2016 when he scored four goals in five matches. His first Chelsea goal was scored on January 31, 2016, in an FA Cup match against Milton Keynes Dons. Two weeks later, he netted his first Premier League goal against Newcastle United.Traoré's most notable performance came on March 5, 2016, when he was given a start against Stoke City.
He scored an impressive goal from 20 yards out, showcasing his potential as a future star for the club. However, his overall performance in that match was described as "mixed," highlighting the areas where he still needed to develop.Throughout the season, Traoré made 16 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions, scoring four goals. While he didn't establish himself as a regular starter, his performances demonstrated his potential and gave Chelsea fans hope for his future at the club.
The season served as a crucial stepping stone in Traoré's career, proving he could compete at the Premier League level. On August 12, 2016, Bertrand Traoré signed a new three-year contract with Chelsea and was immediately loaned to Ajax for the 2016–17 season. This move reunited him with his former Vitesse manager, Peter Bosz. Traoré made his Ajax debut the very next day, coming on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Roda JC.
Traoré's first goal for Ajax came on September 15 in a Europa League match against Panathinaikos, where he scored the equalizer in a 2-1 win. He followed this with his first Eredivisie goal for Ajax in a 5-1 victory over PEC Zwolle.Despite facing some criticism from Bosz regarding his form in November, Traoré went on to have a significant impact in Ajax's Europa League campaign. He scored four goals in the competition, including a brace in the semi-final first leg against Lyon, which Ajax won 4-1.
Traoré played every minute of the Europa League final against Manchester United, though Ajax ultimately lost 2-0. Over the course of the season, he made 39 appearances for Ajax across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists, proving to be a valuable asset to the team. Bertrand Traoré's move to Lyon in 2017 marked a significant step in his career, transitioning from a promising young talent to an established player in one of Europe's top leagues. On June 26, 2017, Traoré signed for Ligue 1 club Lyon on a five-year contract for an initial transfer fee of €10 million (£8.
8 million), with the potential for additional add-ons.The transfer was notable not just for the fee, but also for the clauses included in the deal. Chelsea, Traoré's former club, reportedly inserted a buy-back clause into his contract. Additionally, Chelsea would receive 15 percent of any profit made by Lyon should they sell Traoré in the future, as well as having first refusal on any potential future transfer.
Traoré's arrival at Lyon was met with high expectations. The club had a reputation for developing young talent, and Traoré was seen as a player with immense potential. His versatility as a forward, capable of playing on the right wing or as a central striker, made him an attractive prospect for Lyon's attacking system.In his first season at Lyon (2017-18), Traoré quickly established himself as a key player in the team's attack.
He formed a formidable attacking trio with Mariano Díaz and Memphis Depay, all of whom reached double figures in league goals. This immediate impact demonstrated Traoré's ability to adapt to a new league and thrive in a competitive environment.However, Traoré's first season at Lyon was not without challenges. In November 2017, he suffered a knee ligament injury that sidelined him until January.
Upon his return, he showed his determination by scoring a free kick for Lyon's reserve team in a match against SC Schiltigheim in the fourth tier. This resilience in coming back from injury was a positive sign for both Traoré and Lyon.Over the course of his time at Lyon, Traoré continued to develop his game and contribute significantly to the team's performances. His ability to score goals, create chances, and provide a threat from the right wing made him a valuable asset to Lyon's attacking play.
One of the highlights of Traoré's time at Lyon came in the 2019-20 season when the team reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Although Lyon was eliminated by Bayern Munich, their run in the tournament, including a notable victory over Manchester City in the quarter-finals, brought significant attention to the team and its players, including Traoré.However, Traoré's time at Lyon also had its share of disappointments. In the 2020 Coupe de la Ligue Final, the last match in the competition's history, Lyon faced Paris Saint-Germain.
The match ended in a goalless draw and went to a penalty shootout. Traoré was the only player to miss in the shootout, with his attempt saved by Keylor Navas, resulting in PSG winning 6-5. Despite this setback, it demonstrated Traoré's willingness to take responsibility in high-pressure situations.Throughout his time at Lyon, Traoré made over 100 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring more than 30 goals.
Traoré's move to Aston Villa in September 2020 marked his return to the Premier League, signing a four-year contract for a reported fee of £17 million. His debut season with Villa was marked by a blend of adaptation and impact. Traoré made his debut on September 21, 2020, in an EFL Cup match against Bristol City, where he scored his first goal for the club with a deft finish. His Premier League debut followed shortly after, on September 28, against Fulham.
Traoré quickly became an integral part of Aston Villa's attacking setup, often playing on the right wing. His technical skills and ability to cut inside onto his favored left foot added a new dimension to Villa's attack. One of his standout performances came on December 26, 2020, when he scored in a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace. He continued to contribute with goals and assists throughout the season, including a memorable strike against West Bromwich Albion in April 2021.
By the end of the 2020/21 season, Traoré had made 36 appearances across all competitions for Aston Villa, scoring seven goals and providing six assists. His performances were instrumental in helping Villa secure an 11th-place finish in the Premier League. Traoré's ability to adapt quickly to the demands of English football was evident, and his flair and creativity were appreciated by both fans and pundits alike.The 2021/22 season was more challenging for Bertrand Traoré at Aston Villa.
Despite the promise shown in his debut season, Traoré faced difficulties maintaining consistent form and fitness. Injuries disrupted his campaign, limiting his ability to contribute regularly to the team. A thigh injury early in the season kept him sidelined for several weeks, impacting his rhythm and match fitness.When fit, Traoré continued to showcase glimpses of his talent.
He scored his first goal of the season in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester United on January 15, 2022. However, these moments were sporadic as he struggled to secure a regular starting spot under manager Steven Gerrard, who took over from Dean Smith mid-season.Aston Villa's inconsistent form throughout the season also affected Traoré's impact on the team. The club finished 14th in the Premier League, with Traoré making just 18 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
This marked a significant drop from his previous campaign.Despite these challenges, Traoré remained a popular figure among fans for his flair and technical ability. However, it became clear that he needed a consistent run of games to regain his confidence and form fully.The 2022/23 season saw Bertrand Traoré face another period of transition as he sought more regular playing time away from Aston Villa.
In search of more opportunities to play consistently, he was loaned out to İstanbul Başakşehir in Turkey for the second half of the season.At Başakşehir, Traoré found more regular minutes on the pitch and was able to regain some form and confidence. His time in Turkey allowed him to play in a less physically demanding league compared to the Premier League, which suited his style of play well. He contributed several goals and assists during his loan spell, helping Başakşehir compete effectively in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Meanwhile, back at Aston Villa, Unai Emery took over managerial duties from Steven Gerrard mid-season. This change brought new dynamics to the team but did not immediately impact Traoré due to his loan arrangement.By the end of the season, Traoré had made significant contributions at Başakşehir while also keeping an eye on potential opportunities upon returning to Aston Villa. The experience abroad added another layer to his career development as he adapted to different styles of play and competition levels.
Bertrand Traoré's 2023/24 season began at Aston Villa under manager Unai Emery. However, his opportunities at Villa were limited, and he struggled to secure regular playing time in the first half of the season. On January 12, 2024, Emery publicly stated that Traoré was free to leave the club, signaling the end of his time at Villa Park.Following this announcement, Traoré joined La Liga side Villarreal on February 1, 2024, on a free transfer.
He signed a short-term contract with the Spanish club until the end of the 2023/24 season. At Villarreal, Traoré hoped to revitalize his career and gain more playing time. However, his impact at the club was modest, with reports indicating he scored just one goal in 11 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.After his brief stint at Villarreal, Traoré's contract expired at the end of the 2023/24 season.
This led to a surprising turn of events when Ajax, his former loan club, showed interest in bringing him back to Amsterdam. On July 15, 2024, Traoré officially rejoined Ajax, signing a two-year contract until 2026.This move marks a return to familiar territory for Traoré, who had previously enjoyed a successful loan spell with Ajax in the 2016/17 season. Ajax's Technical Director, Alex Kroes, expressed enthusiasm about the signing, highlighting Traoré's goal-scoring ability, versatility, and experience as valuable additions to the squad.
At 28 years old, Traoré now has the opportunity to rejuvenate his career at a club where he previously thrived.
National team
Bertrand Traoré's youth international career was notable for its early start and significant achievements. He made his debut for the Burkina Faso senior national team at the remarkably young age of 15, becoming one of the youngest players to represent their country at the senior level. This early introduction to international football provided Traoré with invaluable experience and exposure.At the youth level, Traoré represented Burkina Faso in various age groups.
He was a key player in the Burkina Faso U17 team that won the 2011 African U17 Championship, demonstrating his ability to perform on continental stages from a young age. His performances in youth tournaments caught the attention of scouts and further cemented his status as one of Africa's most promising young talents.Traoré's success at the youth level seamlessly transitioned into his involvement with the senior national team. His early experiences in youth tournaments and his rapid progression through the age groups prepared him well for the challenges of senior international football, setting the foundation for his future role as a key player and eventually captain of the Burkina Faso national team.Bertrand Traoré's senior international career with Burkina Faso has been characterized by his consistent performances and growing leadership role within the team. Since making his debut at the age of 15, Traoré has become an integral part of the national setup, earning over 70 caps and scoring more than 15 goals for his country.
One of the highlights of Traoré's international career came in 2017 when he played a crucial role in Burkina Faso's impressive run to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. His performances in the tournament showcased his ability to perform on the big stage and further solidified his importance to the national team.Traoré has participated in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, consistently being one of Burkina Faso's standout players. His goals and assists have been vital in helping the team navigate through difficult matches and qualify for major tournaments.
In 2021, he was named captain of the national team, a testament to his leadership qualities and the respect he commands among his teammates and coaching staff.As captain, Traoré has taken on additional responsibilities both on and off the pitch. He has become a vocal leader, guiding younger players and representing his country with distinction. His experience playing in top European leagues has brought valuable knowledge to the national team, helping to elevate the overall standard of play.Traoré's international career has also seen him face challenges, including navigating the difficulties of balancing club and country commitments. Despite this, he has remained committed to representing Burkina Faso, often playing a key role in World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaigns.
His performances for the national team have not gone unnoticed, with Traoré often being cited as one of the greatest players to play for Burkina Faso
Player’s style
Traoré's style of play is characterized by his technical skill, versatility, and attacking prowess. Primarily deployed as a forward or right winger, Traoré possesses excellent ball control and dribbling abilities, allowing him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His pace and agility make him a threat on the counter-attack, while his vision enables him to create chances for teammates.Traoré is known for his ability to cut inside from the right wing onto his stronger left foot, often looking to curl shots into the far corner.
This trademark move has become a key part of his goalscoring repertoire. He also possesses a powerful shot from distance, making him a threat from outside the box.While primarily an attacking player, Traoré has shown a willingness to track back and contribute defensively when needed. His versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical systems, making him a valuable asset to his teams.
As he has matured, Traoré has also developed his leadership skills, becoming more vocal on the pitch and taking on greater responsibilities within the team structure.