Eric Bailly
- Eric Bertrand Bailly: The Story of an Ivory Coast Prodigy
- Early Life and Football Beginnings
- Personal Life
- Football Career
- Villarreal and National Team Success
- Manchester United and Premier League
- Recent Years
- Achievements
Eric Bertrand Bailly: The Story of an Ivory Coast Prodigy
Eric Bailly, the Ivorian footballer and defender for Manchester United, has demonstrated that hard work and determination can change one's destiny. The center-back made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team, contributing to the team's victory in the 2015 tournament.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born on April 12, 1994, in Bingerville, Ivory Coast, Bailly's inspiration stemmed from Abidjan native Didier Drogba. Raised alongside his mother and brother, Bailly joined his father in Abidjan, where he began playing street soccer at the age of seven. Despite financial constraints, Bailly's competitive spirit pushed him to pursue a career in football. As a teenager, he earned money by selling used phones and cigarettes in the black market.
Realizing his strengths lay on the defensive side, Bailly studied the techniques of Sergio Ramos. He participated in local competitions, honing his skills. Later, he quit his job in Abidjan to fully commit to football, traveling in search of contracts.
Personal Life
For Eric, relationships played a vital role. He met his future wife, Vanessa Traupah, while working in Abidjan. She supported him financially and emotionally, believing in his dreams.
Bailly's private life, however, remains private. His Instagram account reveals glimpses of his wife and two sons. Their wedding in June 2016 sparked media attention and speculation about the income disparity between the Premier League star and his wife.
Traupah defended herself, stating that she had met Bailly before his fame and fortune. She emphasized the importance of supporting her husband and praised his selflessness in supporting her when he was less fortunate.
Football Career
Bailly's talent was noticed by Espanyol while playing in an African friendly match organized by Promo Esport. In 2011, he moved to Spain without proper documentation and without knowledge of the language. Despite these challenges, he trained relentlessly.
Bailly's professional debut came at the age of 18 with Espanyol B. He later made appearances for the senior team, showcasing his aggressive play and ability to control one-on-one situations. However, tactical lapses occasionally resulted in conceding goals.
Villarreal and National Team Success
In January 2015, Bailly signed a 5.5-year contract with Villarreal. He made his UEFA Europa League debut against Sevilla and became a regular starter in the following season. His performance against Villarreal garnered praise, overshadowing the transition from Espanyol.
Concurrently, Bailly was included in the Ivory Coast national team. After successful friendly matches, he was selected for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, where Ivory Coast emerged victorious.
Manchester United and Premier League
In June 2016, Bailly's move to Manchester United was announced. He made his debut against Leicester City in August and was named Man of the Match. His Premier League debut against Bournemouth resulted in a 3-1 victory, but a match against Chelsea ended with a severe knee injury.
The 2017/2018 season was curtailed due to Bailly's injury, but he scored his first goal for United against Swansea City in August 2017.
Recent Years
The first half of the 2019/2020 season was marred by a series of injuries, including a head injury in July. Despite setbacks, Bailly has continued training and has expressed reassurance to fans.
Achievements
- Africa Cup of Nations: 2015- FA Community Shield: 2016
- CAF Team of the Year: 2016
- UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2016/2017
- EFL Cup: 2017
- UEFA Europa League: 2017
- CAF Team of the Year: 2017
Interesting Facts
- Bailly's altercation with Zlatan Ibrahimovich on social media sparked discussions of their friendship.
- A video of Bailly kicking a teammate in training was released, demonstrating the camaraderie within the squad.
- According to FIFA, Bailly's contract with Manchester United extends until 2022.
- He dropped out of school at age 13 to participate in a tournament in Burkina Faso.
- Bailly's official Premier League profile lists his height as 6'2" (187 cm) and weight as 170 lbs (77 kg).
