Zoumana Bakayogo

Millwall

Bakayogo was born in Paris. He featured in seven games for Millwall in the first half of the 2006–07 season, making his competitive debut on 22 August 2006, in a 2–1 win over Gillingham at The New Den in the League Cup First round. Following Willie Donachie's appointment on 22 November, he was only to make three further appearances that season. In January 2007 he was sent on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion. He suffered a nightmare season on the south coast where, despite staying at the Withdean for the rest of the season, he played no first team games due to an ankle injury and international call-ups.

Tranmere Rovers

On 1 September 2009 it was announced that Tranmere Rovers had signed Bakayogo on a free transfer until January 2010. He had a successful start at Tranmere with two man-of-the-match performances. Speculation was rife that Bakayogo would leave Prenton Park at the end of his short term deal with several clubs showing an interest in him. Leeds United and Southampton were clubs that had been mentioned as supposedly wanting to sign the defender, however at the end of December 2009 it was announced that the player had agreed a new deal until the end of the season. He signed in time to be included in the squad for the 3rd round of the English FA Cup, playing against Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers. He played well at left back in a game Tranmere lost 1–0.

Impressive performances earned him a new contract offer in May 2010 He signed a new one-year contract on 6 July 2010. Parry added: "I'm delighted Zoom has decided to stay at the club. He was one of our most consistent performers last season and he has a fantastic attitude in training and around the ground."

In March 2011 he scored his first goal for the club in a match against Exeter City. In May 2011 he signed a further two-year contract until 2013.

Ronnie Moore confirmed that Bakayogo was leaving the club at the end of the 2012/13 season. This was confirmed with the signing of left back Evan Horwood from Hartlepool United and when he did not return to pre-season training in June 2013.

Leicester City

On 22 July 2013, the BBC reported that Leicester City had signed Bakayogo on a two-year contract following his release from Tranmere Rovers.

Bakayogo made his début on 27 August 2013 in Leicester's 5–2 League Cup win against Carlisle United.

On 17 January 2014, Bakayogo joined Yeovil Town on a month-long loan deal as cover for the injured Liam Davis. Bakayogo made his Yeovil debut against Birmingham City, on 18 January 2014, in a 2–0 win but ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament after just 37 minutes and returned to parent club Leicester.

Crewe Alexandra

On 15 January 2016, Bakayogo signed for League One side Crewe Alexandra on a deal until the end of the season. Almost two years since he last played a competitive match, Bakayogo made his Crewe debut as a substitute against Swindon Town on 16 January 2016. Just over a month later, on 20 February 2016, he scored his first Crewe goal in a 3-1 defeat at Chesterfield.

After 22 first team appearances, in June 2016, Bakayogo signed a one-year contract at Crewe, with an option of a further year. In March 2017, Bakayogo earned an extended deal through to the summer of 2018 after triggering a contract clause.

Career statistics

International career

Although born in the French capital Paris, Bakayogo is of Ivorian descent and is thus eligible to play for their national side. He was part of the Ivory Coast under-23 Olympic side and played against African rivals Senegal on 22 August 2007 in a qualifier for the 2008 Summer Olympics.