Bénie Traoré

Bénie Traoré joined New York City FC after two seasons at FC Basel 1893, where he played 80 matches in all competitions and scored 25 goals with 15 assists. [1] He is listed as a forward who stands 5 ft 8 in and weighs 150 lb. [2] The club profile gives his birthplace as Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire. [2] Wikipedia gives a different town, Ouragahio, and we have not been able to settle which is right from a primary source, so treat the birthplace as unconfirmed. The club announcement signed him as a Designated Player. [1]

The winner against Atlanta

On 28 October 2026, Traoré scored the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time as NYCFC beat Atlanta United 2-1. [6] [7] Breel Embolo had equalised for Atlanta in the 88th minute. [8] [7] The AP report, carried by Infonews, framed the result as keeping NYCFC's playoff hopes alive. [7]

Two seasons at Basel

In 2024/25 he scored 13 league goals, the second-highest tally for the club in the Swiss Super League. [1] That season Basel won its 21st Swiss Super League title. [1] He also scored in the Swiss Cup semi-final win and started the final, which Basel won for its 14th Swiss Cup. [1]

Sources do not agree on how long he stayed at Basel. AfricaSoccer described a single season there, while NYCFC's announcement says two. [5] [1] AfricaSoccer also gives his 2025/26 Basel figures as 11 goals and five assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. [5]

Route to Basel

He came through ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast, where he started his professional career. [3] He then played for BK Häcken in Sweden, Sheffield United in England and Nantes in France. [3] AfricaSoccer says he joined Basel from Sheffield United in 2024. [5] Across his professional career so far, the MLS announcement counts 50 goals and 25 assists in 162 matches. [3]

The club profile gives his age as 23. [2] NYCFC lists seven senior appearances and two assists for the national team. [1]

The move to New York

NYCFC announced the signing on 29 June 2026. [3] The contract runs through the 2029/30 season, with an option for 2030/31. [1] The MLS report on the signing does not state a fee. [3] He could join only after his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa had been received. [1]

The signing made him the 11th Designated Player in the club’s history. [1] Sporting director Todd Dunivant said the club was “excited to welcome Bénie to New York City FC.” [3] He added that the club had been after his signature “for quite some time.” [4] Dunivant also said Traoré “brings pace, versatility, and a proven track record of getting on the score sheet.” [1]

Traoré explained his choice: “The style of play, the ambition of the Club, and the belief shown in me made this the right opportunity.” [1] Traoré also said he was “excited to join New York City FC and begin this next chapter of my career.” [3]

First weeks in MLS

NYCFC unveiled him at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt on 3 August 2026. [4] He had no pre-season with the club, because the European season had ended in May. [4]

By early August he had played in each of NYCFC’s three MLS matches after the World Cup break. [4] He was direct about his condition: “I’m not fit, and other players are.” [4] Dunivant said he would need time to adjust, though early signs were encouraging. [4]

He said he is comfortable playing in transition or in possession. [4] Comparing New York with Basel, he said: “This is the best city in the world.” [4] His own view was simple: “I know if I play well, I’m going to score.” [4]

The club he joined

At the World Cup break NYCFC were eighth in the Eastern Conference with 19 points. Pascal Jansen was the head coach at that point. [3] The club is scheduled to open its new Queens stadium, Etihad Park, for the 2027/28 season. [3]