Full Breakdown
NYCFC Acquires Ivory Coast Forward Bénie Traoré as Designated Player
6/30/2026, 9:53:00 PM
Transfer Details and Immediate Impact
New York City FC announced on June 29, 2026 that it has signed 23-year-old Ivory Coast international forward Bénie Traoré from Swiss side FC Basel 1893 as a Designated Player. The contract runs through 2029-30 with an option for 2030-31; Traoré will join after his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa are finalized. He becomes the club’s 11th Designated Player.
Recent Club Performance and International Profile
Traoré spent the 2024-26 period with FC Basel, posting 25 goals and 15 assists in 80 matches across the Swiss Super League, Swiss Cup and UEFA Europa League. He netted 13 league goals as Basel won its 21st Swiss Super League title and added a goal in the Swiss Cup semifinal, starting in the final that secured Basel’s 14th cup. He featured for BK Häcken (2021-23) in Sweden, Sheffield United (2023-24) in England and FC Nantes (2024) in France. He began at ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast. Internationally, he has earned seven caps and two assists for the Ivory Coast, playing in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers wins over Zambia and Sierra Leone in 2024 and friendlies against South Korea and Scotland in 2026.
Data Summary
- Age: 23 (born 30 Nov 2002, Bouaké, Ivory Coast)
- Height/Weight: 5 ft 8 in / 150 lb
- Basel (2024-26): 25 goals, 15 assists, 80 matches
- League goals for Basel (2024-25): 13 (second-highest scorer)
- Svenska Cupen (BK Häcken, 2022-23): 3 goals, 3 assists in 5 starts, helping the club win the cup
- Ivory Coast: 7 appearances, 2 assists; AFCON qualifier victories 2024; preliminary World Cup 2026 roster
Official Statements & Club Perspective
Sporting Director Todd Dunivant highlighted Traoré’s pace, versatility and proven scoring record, noting his expected positive influence on locker-room culture. Traoré expressed excitement about joining NYCFC, emphasizing the club’s playing style, ambition and the belief shown in him as key reasons for the move. Both parties framed the acquisition as a strategic step to bolster NYCFC’s attack and pursue trophies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are excited to welcome Bénie to New York City FC,” — Todd Dunivant, Sporting Director
- “Bénie brings pace, versatility, and a proven track record of getting on the score sheet.” — Todd Dunivant, Sporting Director
- “I’m excited to join New York City FC and begin this next chapter of my career,” — Bénie Traoré, Forward
- “The style of play, the ambition of the Club, and the belief shown in me made this the right opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting to work, helping the team achieve its goals, and competing for trophies.” — Bénie Traoré, Forward
What’s Next
Traoré will be eligible to play in the 2026 MLS season after his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa are finalized. His contract secures his presence through at least the 2029-30 campaign, making him a long-term element of NYCFC’s offensive plan. Internationally, his inclusion in Ivory Coast’s preliminary World Cup squad indicates continued national-team involvement alongside club duties.
