Childhood and Education Journey of Eric Bailly in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Eric Bailly. A timeline of key moments.

Eric Bailly is an Ivorian professional footballer recognized for his role as a center-back. He gained significant international prominence during his tenure at Manchester United, where he became the first signing of the José Mourinho era in 2016. Known for his aggressive, athletic, and high-energy defensive style, Bailly has been praised for his physicality and technical capability. Despite his undeniable talent, his career has been frequently interrupted by recurring injury struggles, which hindered his consistency at the highest level. Internationally, he has been a key figure for the Ivory Coast national team, helping them secure victory in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. After leaving Manchester United in 2023, he has continued his career in various European leagues, maintaining a reputation as a bold and uncompromising defender.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

17 July 2026: Transfer to Columbus Crew

On 17 July 2026, Eric Bailly officially joined Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew on a free transfer, signing an initial contract set to run until June 2027 with an option for an extension through 2029.

April 1994: Birth of Eric Bailly

On 12 April 1994, Eric Bertrand Bailly was born, marking the beginning of the life of the future Ivorian professional footballer.

Others born on this day/year

December 2011: Joining Espanyol's youth system

In December 2011, at the age of 17, Eric Bailly officially joined the youth system of the Spanish football club Espanyol after being scouted at a tournament in Burkina Faso.

December 2014: Selection for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squad

On 29 December 2014, Eric Bailly was selected by coach Hervé Renard as part of the 23-man squad to represent Ivory Coast in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

October 2016: Serious knee injury against Chelsea

On 23 October 2016, during a match against Chelsea, Eric Bailly suffered a significant knee injury that forced him to be substituted off the pitch in the 52nd minute.

November 2017: Ankle injury sustained

On 8 November 2017, Eric Bailly suffered a significant ankle injury that forced him to the sidelines for approximately 100 days.

2017: Participation in 2017 Africa Cup of Nations

In 2017, Bailly was included in the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations held in Gabon, where he played every minute of all three group stage matches during the team's unsuccessful tournament campaign.

April 2021: Contract Extension with Manchester United

On 26 April 2021, Eric Bailly committed his future to Manchester United by signing a new contract that extends his tenure at the club until 2024, with the potential for an additional year.

2022: Conclusion of Marseille loan spell

During the 2022–23 Ligue 1 season, Eric Bailly completed his time at Marseille, where he participated in 17 matches across all competitions, including five appearances in the starting lineup.

September 2023: Signing with Beşiktaş

On 4 September 2023, the Süper Lig club Beşiktaş officially announced the signing of Eric Bailly, securing the player on a reported one-year contract.

December 2023: Return to Villarreal

On 30 December 2023, Eric Bailly officially rejoined the Spanish football club Villarreal after signing a contract that is set to run until the summer of 2025.

August 2025: Signed with Real Oviedo

On 18 August 2025, Eric Bailly officially joined the Spanish club Real Oviedo by signing a two-year contract to play in the top tier of Spanish football.

24 August 2022: Loan transfer to Marseille

On 24 August 2022, Eric Bailly officially signed with the Ligue 1 club Marseille on a season-long loan deal for the 2022–23 campaign.

29 December 2023: Contract Termination with Beşiktaş

On 29 December 2023, it was confirmed that Eric Bailly's contract with Beşiktaş had been formally terminated.

29 January 2015: Transfer to Villarreal

On 29 January 2015, Eric Bailly officially signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the La Liga club Villarreal for a transfer fee of €5.7 million to replace Gabriel Paulista.