Djimi Traoré

Liverpool

Traoré started his career at local club Laval before moving on to Liverpool. He made his debut for the Reds on 14 September 1999 in a 5–1 win over Hull City in the League Cup. In the 2001–02 season, Traoré was loaned to Lens for the season, during which he made 19 appearances. He returned to Anfield for the 2002–03 season, scoring his first (and what turned out to be his only) Liverpool goal in the UEFA Cup against Steaua București. Traoré spent the 2003–04 season, manager Gérard Houllier's last at the club, in the reserve team, of which he was captain, and almost left Liverpool for their Merseyside neighbours Everton on the 2004 transfer deadline day, but was convinced to remain at Liverpool by their new manager Rafael Benítez. The defender's career appeared to have been revitalised by Benítez: While the defender had appeared poor positionally, and seemed reluctant to attack, particularly during the 2004–05 season, he showed more willingness to support the left winger, as well as improving his positional play. Traoré scored an own goal in the third round of the 2004–05 FA Cup against then Championship side Burnley, as he attempted a turn and drag-back within his own six-yard box. It turned out to be the only goal of the game and handed Burnley a 1–0 victory over their Premiership opponents. Traoré remained a regular at Liverpool, and eventually made the starting line-up as Liverpool qualified for the 2005 UEFA Champions League final against Milan. After…

Traoré was an assistant coach with Seattle Sounders until 12 August 2021.

Liverpool

FA Cup: 2005–06 Football League Cup: 2002–03; runner-up 2004–05 FA Charity Shield: 2001 UEFA Champions League: 2004–05 FIFA Club World Championship runner-up: 2005 Marseille

Coupe de la Ligue: 2011–12 Seattle Sounders

MLS Supporters' Shield: 2014