Eric Bailly's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Eric Bailly.

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

2013: Senior football debut

During the 2013-14 football campaign, Eric Bailly made his professional senior debut playing for the reserve team of Espanyol in the Segunda División B.

October 2014: La Liga Debut

On 5 October 2014, Eric Bailly achieved a significant career milestone by making his first-team and La Liga debut as a late substitute during a 2-0 victory against Real Sociedad, leading to his subsequent promotion to the main squad.

January 2015: International Debut and Championship Victory

On 11 January 2015, Bailly made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team in a friendly against Nigeria. He subsequently played in all six matches of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, helping his team win the championship title.

2015: International Debut and Africa Cup of Nations Victory

In 2015, Eric Bailly made his international debut for the Ivory Coast national football team and successfully contributed to the team's victory in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

June 2016: Transfer to Manchester United

In June 2016, professional footballer Eric Bailly completed a transfer to the English club Manchester United, marking a significant milestone in his career following his tenure at Villarreal.

August 2016: Voted Manchester United Player of the Month

In August 2016, Eric Bailly was honored as Manchester United's Player of the Month following his strong start with the club and recognition for his hard work leading to Man-of-the-Match performances.

August 2017: First League Goal for Manchester United

On 19 August 2017, Eric Bailly scored his debut league goal for Manchester United during a 4-0 away victory against Swansea City, capitalizing on a rebound from a Paul Pogba header.

February 2018: Return to professional action

On 17 February 2018, Bailly returned to the pitch as a substitute for Romelu Lukaku during a 2–0 FA Cup victory against Huddersfield.

October 2018: First International Goal

On 12 October 2018, Eric Bailly scored his debut goal for the Ivory Coast national team during a 4–0 victory against the Central African Republic in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match held at the Stade Bouaké.

January 2020: Return to play for U-23 squad and contract extension

Throughout January 2020, Bailly marked his return to competitive football by playing for Manchester United's under-23 team against Newcastle United on 10 January 2020, and subsequently signed a two-year contract extension with Manchester United on 17 January 2020.