Alain Traoré retires after illustrious career with Burkina Faso and abroad

Burkina Faso football legend Alain Traoré has confirmed his retirement from playing at the age of 37. The former attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the greatest talents to emerge from the West African nation.

Traoré kicked off his career in France with Auxerre and had stints with Lorient and Monaco. In a career that spanned almost two decades, Traoré also played in Qatar, Morocco, Djibouti, and Ivory Coast. He represented the Stallions from 2006 until 2021, scoring 13 goals.

Traoré was a key figure when Burkina Faso reached the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. He also won the 2019/20 CAF Confederation Cup with RS Berkane.

Traoré said he is extremely honoured to have played the game he loves and thanked everyone who supported him during his journey.

“For the love of sport and the service rendered, for the emotions provided and experienced, for the effort made over the years and the self-denial to always move forward despite the difficulties, I am proud of the path taken but also enthusiastic for what comes next: to continue to serve football.”

Traoré’s younger brother, Bertrand, is also a Burkinabe international who currently plays for Dutch side Ajax.