It is a known fact that every single country located in the African Continent loves and will go to the extent to say they crave to play football. Although, in the United States and some other parts of the world, it is obviously called soccer. Such a sport plays a huge factor in the African culture because just like any other sport, even though it is competitive, it brings people together who enjoy each other’s company and enjoying themselves. In Mali, soccer is a popular sport which it is said to have risen to obsession when the county Mali was given the chance to host the 2002 African National Cup of Nations and as you can assume, it was a pretty huge and exciting event in Mali.
Since Mali is known for its people’s love for soccer exactly like many others throughout the continent, today I will be introducing a few of the soccer players that have played for the Mali National football team, giving their all in their game which has lead to putting their country on the map when it comes to the sports industry. These are the names of the few of the players that have made it to their dream playing soccer professionally.
Seydou Keita is a Malian professional footballer who plays for Dalian Aerbin F.C. in the Chinese Super League. A versatile midfielder, he can operate as both a central or defensive midfielder, and played most notably with Lens and Barcelona, winning 14 titles with the latter. Keita represented Malian national team since the age of 20, and also holds a French passport.
Mahamadou Diarra is a Malian footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder. He is currently the Mali national team captain.
Jean Amadou Tigana is a former French international footballer, having played in midfield and managed professional football extensively throughout France, including 52 appearances and 1 goal for the France national football team during the 1980s. He most recently coached the Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua. In his prime, he was a tireless central midfielder, renowned as one of the best midfielders in the world during the 1980s.
Modibo Maïga is a Malian footballer who plays as a striker for West Ham United in the Premier League and for Mali. He has also played for Stade Malien, Raja Casablanca, Le Mans and Sochaux.
Mamady Sidibé is a Malian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Bulgarian CSKA Sofia. Sidibé moved from his native Mali to France when he was two years old.
Salif Keïta Traoré, known as Keita, is a Malian retired footballer who played as a striker. In 2005 he was president of Fédération malienne de football and from 2007 a delegated minister of the Prime Minister of Mali.
Samba Sow is a Malian professional footballer who plays for Kardemir Karabükspor.
Bakary Soumaré is a Malian international footballer who plays professionally for the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer, playing in central defense. When it comes to Soumaré physique is tall, quick and rangy, with the speed to recover and close down forwards.
Dramane Traoré is a Malian footballer who last played as a striker for Ukrainian club FC Metalurh Donetsk.
Mamadou Diallo is a Malian football striker, who plays for Stade Lavallois.
From what I have personally observed, when people start talking about the African continents what the mostly focus on is sports. To be more specific, Soccer because for years that has been the main sport in throughout the African continent. To make it as a professional soccer player is an honor that is highly respected since it brings recognition to the country.
Featured Image via Wikimedia
