Bertrand Traoré endured a bittersweet evening on Tuesday during Olympique Lyonnais’ Champions League clash against Benfica Lisbon. While the Burkinabé forward played an important role on the pitch by scoring his side’s third goal in a crucial 3–1 victory, events off the field cast a shadow over what should have been a memorable performance.
According to information revealed by RMC radio, Traoré was the victim of a burglary at his home while the match was taking place. As Lyon battled Benfica in their fourth group-stage fixture, thieves reportedly targeted the player’s residence, taking advantage of his absence during the game.
The timing of the incident is particularly unfortunate, given the importance of the match for OL. Lyon needed a positive result to revive their European campaign, and Traoré delivered by finding the back of the net and helping secure all three points. His goal contributed to a convincing 3–1 win that put the French side back on track in their group and boosted their chances of qualification for the knockout stages.
However, while the winger was celebrating with his teammates at the stadium, intruders were breaking into his home. RMC reported that the house alarm was triggered during the burglary, suggesting that the security system detected the intrusion. Despite this, the theft could not be prevented.
Adding to the frustration, Traoré’s relatives and friends were reportedly present at the stadium for the match, meaning no one was at the property at the time of the incident. This left the burglars free to carry out their actions without interference. Several valuable items were said to have been stolen, although the exact nature and value of the losses have not been disclosed.
Such incidents have unfortunately become increasingly common among professional footballers, whose schedules and public appearances can make their homes targets during matches or trips. Traoré’s case is another reminder of the vulnerability players can face off the pitch, even during important professional commitments.
Despite the personal setback, the night still carried sporting significance for Lyon. The 3–1 victory over Benfica represented a key step forward in the Champions League campaign and restored confidence within the squad. Traoré’s goal was a highlight of the performance, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking efforts.
In the end, what should have been a purely celebratory evening for the Burkinabé international was marked by disappointment away from football. While Lyon returned to winning ways on the European stage, Traoré was left dealing with the consequences of an unfortunate burglary that overshadowed his contribution on the field.
