Traoré: Impactful both on and off the pitch

Ibrahima Traoré is saying goodbye to Borussia after seven years with the club. The 33-year-old has not only had an impact on the pitch, but off it as well.

“Thank you for seven incredible years. It’s time to say goodbye. Once a Foal, always a Foal!,” was what Ibrahima Traoré posted online minutes after the final whistle in Bremen on Saturday evening, confirming that he would be leaving the club after seven years. The winger, who joined from VfB Stuttgart in summer 2014, made 132 competitive appearances for the Foals (11 goals). 

Fans will certainly have fond memories of his goal away against Hertha BSC on 3rd May 2015, when he netted minutes after coming on to put Borussia 2-1 up and put them on the path to qualifying for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Traoré also impressed with his dribbling skills as well as his pace down the wings. He would often cut inside to shoot, ‘Arjen Robben style,' while his crosses from open play also posed a threat. 

Unofficial welcome committee 

Aside from his skills on the pitch, Traoré’s personality was also of benefit to the club. As the team’s unofficial welcome committee, he made sure to help French-speaking players integrate themselves in the team. Together with former Foal Thorgan Hazard, he was part of an inseparable duo that livened up the dressing room. He also has a close friendship with Mamadou Doucouré. During a 3-0 win against VfL Wolfsburg on 16th May 2020, Traoré purposely booted the ball out of play, thereby allowing Doucouré to be subbed on to make his long-awaited Bundesliga debut. 

The 33-year-old did not feature much in 2020/21. He made just 12 appearances across all competitions this season, starting just once. Traoré scored his last goal for Borussia in an 8-0 thrashing of FC Oberneuland in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. He provided his last assist for the club in the 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in the first half of the Bundesliga season. Now, as his time at Borussia comes to an end, the club would like to wish Ibo all the best for the future!