Eric Bailly

COL

• #3 • Center Back

Eric Bailly

COL

• #3 • Center Back

Nationality

Cote d’Ivoire

Position

Role

Ball-Playing Centre Back

Birthdate (Age)

Apr 12, 1994 (32)

Preferred Foot

Right

Height

6'2"

Weight

170 lb

Club

Columbus Crew

League

Major League Soccer

Ranking

Major League Soccer

2026 All matches

Overall grade

58.9

676/758

Impact score

6.9

339/758

Defender rank

212th

212/296

All rank

526th

526/758

Grades

Key Grades

2026 Major League Soccer

Overall

271st/298 DEF

58.9

Passing

229th/298 DEF

62.9

1 V 1 Defending

273rd/294 DEF

58.4

Aerial Duel

274th/295 DEF

58.4

Positioning

250th/298 DEF

60.7

Blocking

255th/294 DEF

Overall Grades by game

2026 Major League Soccer

Metrics

Key Metrics

2026 Major League Soccer

Appearances

Minutes

Goals

Assists

Upcoming matches

Full TimeEastern Conference

DC United

2-1

Columbus Crew

Audi Field • MLS Pass on Apple TV

Sep 9, 2026

Sep 12, 11:30pm UTCEastern Conference

Columbus Crew

New York RB

Lower.com Field • MLS Pass on Apple TV

Sep 19, 11:30pm UTCEastern Conference

CF Montréal

Columbus Crew

Stade Saputo • MLS Pass on Apple TV

Sep 27, 11:00pm UTCEastern Conference

Columbus Crew

Inter Miami

Lower.com Field • MLS Pass on Apple TV

News

Jul 18, 2026

Signs with Columbus Crew

Bailly has signed with the Columbus Crew as a free agent, most recently having played for Real Oviedo, according to the club.

Analysis: Bailly made 113 appearances for Manchester United across seven seasons, contributing one goal and one assist while winning the Europa League, EFL Cup and FA Community Shield, and also had spells with Espanyol, Villarreal across two stints, Marseille and Besiktas before joining Real Oviedo last season, where he made 16 appearances and scored one goal. The 31 year old Ivory Coast international has earned 49 caps for his country and was part of the squad that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. His contract with Columbus runs through June 2027 with club options for two additional seasons, giving the team an experienced defensive presence as it pushes through the second half of the season.

May 13, 2026

In Squad for Thursday

Bailly (undisclosed) has been included in the squad for Thursday's clash against Real Madrid, according to the club.

Analysis: Bailly's return to the matchday squad is an encouraging development after being forced off in the 12th minute of Sunday's match against Getafe, raising fears of a potentially season-ending injury. The defender's inclusion suggests the issue was not as serious as initially feared, giving coach Guillermo Almada an additional option at the back for one of the most high-profile fixtures remaining on Oviedo's calendar. David Costas, who had stepped in to replace him against Getafe, could revert to a depth role with Bailly back in contention.