Iya Traoré (born 1986)[1] is a Guinean freestyler[2] and former footballer who has been featured in the Guinness World Records three times.[3] He currently resides in Paris and is featured on various TV programs, including reality shows, music videos, and commercials.
 Traoré in 2010 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kebeya, Guinea |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2002 |
| Other interests |
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| Website | iya |
Early and personal life
editTraore started as a local goalkeeper in his village, Kebeya, Republic of Guinea. Following his father's return from Europe, Traore relocated to Conakry to pursue his studies and joined the football club Ibrahim FC, where his team went on to win several local trophies.[4]
Football career
editIn 2000, Traore arrived in Paris, where he played for football clubs[5] such as ESP, Paris FC, Paris Saint Germain.[6] However, he was never offered a professional contract. During this time, he also assisted his father, an African art merchant.[4]
Freestyle career
edit
On July 20th, 2011, Traoré achieved a Guinness World Records in Beijing, China, where he ascended 75 steps backward on a fire brigade ladder while managing a football with his feet. The ladder, set at an inclination of 55 degrees and measuring 25 meters in length, concluded at a height of 21.5 meters from the ground.[3]
Traore's work has challenged conventional views of freestyle on the global stage, leading to documentary opportunities and awards worldwide.[7] He appeared in Shakira's "La La La" video in 2014, for the World Cup in Brazil. He has performed[8] in over 40 countries, spanning China, France, Ghana,[9] Egypt, Morocco, Italy, the US, Brazil and more.
References
edit- ^ "Iya Traoré". Iya Traoré's homepage. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
- ^ "Iya Traore, 'Football Freestyler,' Performs Incredible Feats WIth A Soccer Ball (VIDEO)". Huffingtonpost.com. 7 December 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
- ^ a b "Most steps climbed backwards on a ladder while controlling a football with the feet". Guinness World Records. 20 July 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
- ^ a b "Iya Traoré, l'otarie de Montmartre - France". SO FOOT.com. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
- ^ "Freestyle Soccer Player Iya Traore Will Blow Your Mind (Videos)". Total Pro Sports. 26 November 2012. Archived from the original on 13 November 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
- ^ "Iya Traoré, du PSG à la rue! - Tout le foot | Walfoot". Walfoot.be. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
- ^ "Iya Traoré, l'otarie de Montmartre - France". SO FOOT.com. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
- ^ "WatsUp TV presents Iya Traore live at Marina Mall, August 30". AmeyawDebrah.Com. 25 August 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
- ^ "Photos: Iya Traore thrills crowd with his football dexterity in Accra". AmeyawDebrah.Com. 4 September 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2015.