Eric Bailly

Eric Bailly is a professional footballer who has played for top clubs such as Manchester United and Villarreal, and has represented the Ivory Coast national team. After making his La Liga debut for Espanyol on October 5, 2014, Eric Bailly quickly established himself as a formidable defender, leading to a significant transfer to Villarreal CF in January 2015 for €5.7 million. During his two seasons with Villarreal, he made 35 appearances and scored his first career goal in October 2015 during a UEFA Europa League match. The same year, Bailly made his international debut for the Ivory Coast national team and played a crucial role in their triumph at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, featuring in all six matches as his country secured the championship.

He had previously joined Espanyol’s youth system in December 2011, making his senior debut in the 2013–14 season with Espanyol B in Segunda División B. He made an immediate impact, being named man of the match in both his competitive debut in the FA Community Shield and his Premier League debut. Further solidifying his position, Bailly was voted Manchester United’s Player of the Month for August 2016 and was an integral part of the squad that won the UEFA Europa League in the 2016–17 season. His contributions were recognized by his inclusion in the UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season for 2016–17.

In 2023, Bailly transitioned to Turkish football for a brief period with Be?ikta?, before making a notable return to Villarreal CF for a second spell later that year, where he signed a contract through June 2025. Demonstrating his ongoing relevance in top-tier football, Bailly secured a new two-year deal with Real Oviedo in August 2025, marking his latest move in La Liga and affirming his continued presence in elite professional football.