Alain Traoré, the seasoned attacking midfielder currently with Ivorian club SC Gagnoa, has expressed a strong commitment to advancing football in his home country of Burkina Faso.
Speaking to FasoSports in a recent interview, the 36-year-old shared his aspirations to contribute more directly to the domestic game, suggesting that a return to the Burkinabe league could be on the horizon.
“Why not come and give visibility to the Burkinabe championship?” Traoré posed. “It’s in the pipeline, we’re thinking about it and we’ll see.”
The veteran player, known for his technical skill and vision on the pitch, did not shy away from expressing his patriotic pride. “I am Burkinabe and proud of it,” he said emphatically. “If Burkinabe football needs to be promoted, I am the first.”
Traoré’s remarks reflect a broader desire to use his experience and reputation to uplift the sport in a country where football is passionately followed but often lacks the infrastructure and exposure seen in other African nations.
His potential involvement in the domestic league—whether as a player, ambassador, or mentor—could represent a significant step for the visibility and development of football in Burkina Faso.
Born in Bobo-Dioulasso, Traoré began his football journey at Planète Champion, a youth academy known for producing promising talents.
His early potential caught the attention of European scouts, and he went on to join AJ Auxerre in France, where he started gaining recognition at a professional level.
His career in Europe spanned several French clubs, including Stade Brestois and FC Lorient. He later had a stint at AS Monaco, further sharpening his skills in one of the continent’s top football environments. After leaving France, he ventured into a more diverse club journey that took him to Turkey with Kayserispor, followed by time in Qatar at Al Markhiya SC. His travels continued across North and East Africa, representing RS Berkane in Morocco and AS Arta/Solar7 in Djibouti.
Despite the international nature of his club career, Traoré has never lost sight of his roots. His consistent involvement with the Burkinabe national team over the years—particularly his memorable performances in the Africa Cup of Nations—has cemented his legacy as one of Burkina Faso’s most prominent footballing figures.
Now in the twilight of his career, Traoré is considering how best to channel his influence to inspire and build up the next generation of Burkinabe talent.
His current engagement with SC Gagnoa keeps him close to West African football, and the possibility of returning home to contribute directly to the local championship appears more likely than ever.
As discussions continue behind the scenes, fans and officials in Burkina Faso will be watching closely. For many, the return of a player of Traoré’s calibre would not only raise the standard of the league but also offer young players a role model who understands both the demands of international football and the pride of representing Burkina Faso.
Whether his next step is on the pitch, on the sidelines, or in an ambassadorial role, one thing is certain—Alain Traoré remains deeply committed to his country.
His message is clear: “If Burkinabe football needs to be promoted, I am the first.”
Alain Traoré sur son avenir dans le football:
« Pourquoi pas venir donner de la visibilité au championnat Burkinabè. C’est dans les tuyaux, on est en réflexion et on verra bien…
Je suis Burkinabè et fier de l’être. S’il faut pousser le football Burkinabè, je suis le premier » pic.twitter.com/dwI7EfWcDl— FasoSports (@fasosports18) June 14, 2025
