Iya Traore
Traoré in 2010
Personal information
BornKebeya, Guinea
Occupations
  • Football player
  • football freestyler
Years active2002
Other interests
  • Music
  • dance
Websiteiya.fr/en/

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 is currently based in Paris where he is featured on a variety of TV programs, including reality TV shows, music videos, and commercials.

Early and personal life

Traore started as a local goalkeeper in his village, Kebeya, Guinéa. After his dad returned from Europe, he decided to move out to study in Conakry, Guinéa, where he truly discovered his passion for football. In Conakry, he joined the football club, Ibrahim FC, where his team won a myriad of trophies.[4]

Football career

In 2000, Traore arrived in Paris, where he played for football clubs[5] such as ESP, Paris FC, Paris Saint Germain[6] (he was never offered a professional contract) and, at the same time, helped his father, an African art merchant.[4]

Freestyle career

Iya Performing before a crowd
Iya Performing during the recording of Guinness World Records 2004

On the 20 July 2011, Traoré achieved a Guinness World in Beijing, China, where he ascended 75 steps backwards on a fire brigade ladder while managing a football with his feet. The endeavor used a ladder set at an inclination of 55 degrees, measuring 25 meters in length, concluding at a height of 21.5 meters from the ground.[3]

Traore's work has changed some people's views on the global stage of what freestyle has to be, which has given him documentary opportunities and awards from across the globe.[7] He appeared in Shakira's "La La La Music" video in 2014 for the World Cup in Brazil. He has performed[8] in over 40 countries, including China, France, Ghana,[9] Egypt, Morocco, Italy, the US, and Brazil.

References

  1. ↑ "Iya Traoré". Iya Traoré's homepage. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  2. ↑ "Iya Traore, 'Football Freestyler,' Performs Incredible Feats WIth A Soccer Ball (VIDEO)". Huffingtonpost.com. 7 December 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Most steps climbed backwards on a ladder while controlling a football with the feet". Guinness World Records. 20 July 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  4. 1 2 "Iya Traoré, l'otarie de Montmartre - France". SO FOOT.com. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  5. ↑ "Freestyle Soccer Player Iya Traore Will Blow Your Mind (Videos)". Total Pro Sports. 26 November 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  6. ↑ "Iya Traoré, du PSG à la rue! - Tout le foot | Walfoot". Walfoot.be. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  7. ↑ "Iya Traoré, l'otarie de Montmartre - France". SO FOOT.com. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  8. ↑ "WatsUp TV presents Iya Traore live at Marina Mall, August 30". AmeyawDebrah.Com. 25 August 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  9. ↑ "Photos: Iya Traore thrills crowd with his football dexterity in Accra". AmeyawDebrah.Com. 4 September 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
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