Zoumana Bakayogo

Early career

Born in Paris, France, Bakayogo began his career at Paris Saint-Germain Youth Academy, and spent two years at the club since turning professional but never made a single appearance for the side and left the club in 2006. Bakayogo moved to England when he went on trial at Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2006. However, the club decided against giving Bakayogo a contract. He joined Millwall on a free transfer shortly after on 3 August 2006. 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. By the time he departed Millwall on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion, Bakayogo reflected on his time for the side, saying: "I didn't have much time to play at Millwall. I'm here to play now and I hope it brings results. At the start (at Millwall) it was a bit too physical. I had to get used to it, I had no choice. I feel more comfortable now." 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. As a result of his injury he sustained during his time at Brighton & Hove Albion, Manager Dean Wilkins branded…

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.

As of match played 5 May 2018

Bakayogo has a younger brother, Abou Bakayogo, who also a footballer, and once had a trial at Tranmere Rovers and played together with him in a friendly match against Chester in July 2010.