Bertrand Traoré, Valentin Nouma, and Cyrille Bayala all came agonisingly close to lifting silverware with their respective clubs this season, but ultimately fell short at the final hurdle across Europe and Africa.
In the Netherlands, Bertrand Traoré’s Ajax Amsterdam narrowly missed out on the Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven.
Ajax finished the campaign with 78 points, just one behind the champions.
Despite the heartbreak, the 29-year-old forward emerged as a key figure throughout the season.
Trusted by the Ajax coaching staff, Traoré featured in 32 of the club’s 34 league matches, contributing six goals and five assists.
His consistent performances have solidified his role at the club, where he remains under contract until June 2026.
According to Transfermarkt, the Burkina Faso international is currently valued at €8 million.
Elsewhere on the continent, defender Valentin Nouma endured disappointment in the CAF Confederation Cup final.
His side, Simba SC of Tanzania, failed to overcome RS Berkane in the two-legged final.
After drawing the first leg, Simba fell 2-0 in the return fixture, conceding the title to their Moroccan opponents.
Nouma, who joined Simba last summer, has steadily established himself as a dependable left-back.
The 25-year-old, a product of Rahimo FC, has previously represented AS Douanes and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
His market value is currently estimated at €100,000.
Meanwhile, Cyrille Bayala’s season with Sheriff Tiraspol also ended in bittersweet fashion.
While the Moldovan outfit clinched the national cup, they fell short in the league title race, with FC Milsami taking top honours.
Sheriff had gone the entire campaign unbeaten, yet it wasn’t enough to secure a domestic double.
Bayala, a regular in the side, started all 10 matches during the title run and remained a central figure in the squad’s efforts.
Despite their league setback, the team’s cup success offered some consolation.
Although the trio of Burkinabe internationals came close to glory this season, their individual contributions across different competitions have not gone unnoticed.
Each player has demonstrated their value on the pitch, providing a strong platform from which to build in the next campaign.
