| Iya Traore | |
| Birth Place: | Kebeya, Guinea |
| Years Active: | 2002 |
Iya Traoré (born 1986)[1] is a Guinean freestyler[2] and former footballer who has been featured in the Guinness World Records three times.[3] He currently resides in Paris and is featured on various TV programs, including reality shows, music videos, and commercials.
Traore started as a local goalkeeper in his village, Kebeya, Republic of Guinea. After his father returned from Europe, Traore moved to Conakry to study, where he joined the football club Ibrahim FC, where his team won numerous local trophies.
In 2000, Traore arrived in Paris, where he played for football clubs[4] such as ESP, Paris FC, Paris Saint Germain.[5] However, he was never offered a professional contract. During this time, he also assisted his father, an African art merchant.[6]
On July 20th, 2011, Traoré achieved a Guinness World Records in Beijing, China, where he ascended 75 steps backward on a fire brigade ladder while managing a football with his feet. The ladder, set at an inclination of 55 degrees and measuring 25 meters in length, concluded at a height of 21.5 meters from the ground.
Traore's work has challenged conventional views of freestyle on the global stage, leading to documentary opportunities and awards worldwide.[7] He appeared in Shakira's "La La La" video in 2014, for the World Cup in Brazil. He has performed[8] in over 40 countries, spanning China, France, Ghana,[9] Egypt, Morocco, Italy, the US, Brazil and more.