Career Timeline of Cédric Bakambu: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Cédric Bakambu made an impact.

Cédric Bakambu is a professional footballer, known for his role as a forward or winger. He currently plays for Real Betis in La Liga and represents the DR Congo national team. Bakambu has also played for notable clubs like Bursaspor, Villarreal, Beijing Guoan and Marseille. A versatile attacker, he is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability. He has also represented France at the youth level before switching allegiance to DR Congo.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 2010: Professional Debut in Ligue 1

On August 7, 2010, Cédric Bakambu made his professional debut in Sochaux's opening match of the Ligue 1 season against Arles-Avignon, appearing as a substitute in a 2–1 win.

2010: Professional Debut for Sochaux

In 2010, Cédric Bakambu made his professional debut for Sochaux. He played 107 official games for them over five seasons, scoring 21 goals.

2010: UEFA European Championship for the under-19s

In 2010, Cédric Bakambu, representing France, won the UEFA European Championship for the under-19s.

September 2011: First Professional Goal

On September 17, 2011, Cédric Bakambu scored his first professional goal for Sochaux in a 2–2 draw at Lille OSC.

June 2013: Signs three-year deal with Sochaux.

In August 2010, following his debut, Cédric Bakambu signed his first professional contract, agreeing to a three-year deal with Sochaux until June 2013.

2013: Ligue 1 Season with Sochaux

During the 2013–14 Ligue 1 season, Cédric Bakambu scored seven goals in 31 appearances for Sochaux. The team was relegated at the end of the season.

September 2014: Transfer to Bursaspor

On September 1, 2014, Cédric Bakambu moved to Turkey's Bursaspor on a four-year transfer for a fee of €1.8 million. He made his debut in the Süper Lig twelve days later, replacing Ozan İpek in the 55th minute of a 2–1 win at Gençlerbirliği.

March 2015: Chooses to Represent DR Congo

In March 2015, Cédric Bakambu opted to represent DR Congo at senior level. He was greeted by fans with banners upon arrival.

August 2015: Signs with Villarreal

On August 19, 2015, Cédric Bakambu signed a five-year contract with Spanish side Villarreal. He made his La Liga debut four days later, replacing Léo Baptistão in the 61st minute of a 1–1 draw at Real Betis. On the 28th he scored two goals in the closing minutes of the fixture against Espanyol at Estadio El Madrigal, to secure a 3–1 victory.

2015: Senior Debut for DR Congo

In 2015, Cédric Bakambu made his senior debut for the DR Congo national team.

2015: Top scorer in domestic cup

In 2015, Cédric Bakambu was the top scorer with eight goals in 12 games as his team reached the final before a 3–2 home loss to Galatasaray.

2017: Africa Cup of Nations Tournament

In 2017, Cédric Bakambu was chosen in Florent Ibengé's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon, where he started in the opening group match.

January 2018: Transfer to Beijing Sinobo Guoan

In early January 2018, Villarreal manager Javier Calleja revealed that Cédric Bakambu was going through a transfer to Beijing Sinobo Guoan of the Chinese Super League. On January 17, 2018, Bakambu rescinded his contract with Villarreal.

February 2018: Transfer to Beijing Sinobo Guoan Confirmed

On February 28, 2018, Cédric Bakambu's transfer from Villarreal to Beijing Sinobo Guoan was confirmed with the club paying his €40 million release clause.

March 2019: Returns to Action for DR Congo

In March 2019, Cédric Bakambu returned to action for DR Congo and scored the winning goal against Liberia, securing qualification to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

January 2022: Signs for Marseille

On January 13, 2022, Cédric Bakambu signed for French club Marseille on a contract until June 2024. He scored in his first appearance for the club.

September 2022: Signs for Olympiacos

On September 16, 2022, Cédric Bakambu signed for Greek club Olympiacos on a contract until June 2025.

June 2023: Signs with Al-Nasr

On June 29, 2023, Cédric Bakambu signed a two-year contract with UAE Pro League club Al-Nasr.

July 2023: Transfers to Galatasaray

On July 23, 2023, Cédric Bakambu transferred to Süper Lig club Galatasaray on a permanent basis, signing a two-year contract. He made his debut in a Champions League qualifying match on August 2.