Max-Alain Gradel, born 30 November 1987 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has built a career that spans multiple leagues, clubs, and international triumphs. Currently a striker for AFC Bournemouth, Gradel’s journey reflects determination, adaptability, and consistent goal-scoring ability.
Gradel began his football education in Paris with Championnet Sport, located in his native 18th arrondissement near Porte de Clignancourt. Early promise earned him a move to England, where he joined Leicester City. Despite struggling to establish himself at Leicester, Gradel impressed during a loan spell at AFC Bournemouth in the 2007–08 season. A subsequent loan to Leeds United in 2009–10 proved decisive; manager Simon Grayson was sufficiently impressed to secure Gradel permanently.
At Leeds, Gradel gradually became a key player, exploding in the following season with 18 goals and seven assists. Notably, he contributed to Leeds’ FA Cup fixtures against Arsenal, winning a penalty converted by Robert Snodgrass. His impact was recognised by both fans and teammates, who voted him Player of the Year in April 2011.
In August 2011, Gradel returned to France, signing a four-year contract with AS Saint-Étienne for €2.5 million. He scored his first Ligue 1 goal later that year against Ajaccio and, in March 2014, netted the winning goal in a derby victory over Lyon. His final season with Saint-Étienne, 2014–15, was his most prolific, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 17 league goals, showcasing his dual threat as a scorer and provider.
On 4 August 2015, Gradel rejoined Bournemouth, now competing in the Premier League. Unfortunately, a torn cruciate ligament sustained later that month sidelined him for six months.
Internationally, Gradel earned his first cap for Ivory Coast on 5 June 2011 against Benin, and was part of François Zahoui’s 23-man squad for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Serving primarily as Salomon Kalou’s understudy, he helped Ivory Coast reach the final, losing on penalties to Zambia. Gradel continued to feature under coaches Sabri Lamouchi and Hervé Renard, scoring his first international goal against Russia in 2012. He participated in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, though playing limited minutes in Brazil.
Gradel’s crowning achievement came at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. Despite injury doubts, he scored crucial goals against Mali and Cameroon, helping Ivory Coast reach and win the final, earning continental glory alongside his teammates.
**Honours and Awards:**
* **Club:** League One champion with Leicester City (2009), Leeds United vice-champion (2010), Coupe de la Ligue winner with Saint-Étienne (2013)
* **International:** African Cup of Nations winner (2015), finalist (2012)
* **Personal:** Leeds United Player of the Year (2011), included in 2015 AFCON All-Star Team
Gradel’s career is a testament to perseverance, talent, and adaptability, making him one of Ivory Coast’s most respected forwards of his generation.
