Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, made headlines on March 26, 2025, after delivering an impressive performance in a football match featuring some of Africa’s most celebrated legends.
Captaining a team of non-legendary players, Traoré put on a spectacular show, netting three goals in style.
His first came from a perfectly executed free-kick that sailed past the goalkeeper.
He followed up with a powerful strike from distance before completing his hat-trick by swiftly reacting to a rebound and slotting the ball home.
The star-studded game featured legendary footballers, including former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor and Nigerian maestro Jay-Jay Okocha. Also on the field were Cameroon’s Stéphane Mbia, along with Senegalese greats Mamadou Niang and Souleymane Diawara.
Traoré’s standout performance has captivated fans and sports enthusiasts alike, earning him admiration not just as a leader but as a skilled footballer.
At 37, he continues to prove that his talents extend beyond the political arena and onto the football pitch.