Bénie Traoré

Traore signed with New York City FC from Basel as a Designated Player on a contract through the 2029-30 season with an option for 2030-31, the club announced.

Analysis: Traore spent two seasons at Basel, making 80 appearances across all competitions and contributing 25 goals and 15 assists, including a standout 2024-25 campaign in which he scored 13 league goals and played a key role in the club's Swiss Super League title and Swiss Cup double. The 23-year-old Ivorian forward brings pace, versatility and a proven goal-scoring record to NYCFC, arriving as the club's 11th Designated Player in their history. Prior to Basel, Traore gained experience at ASEC Mimosas, BK Hacken, Sheffield United and Nantes, contributing 25 goals and 10 assists across 82 appearances. At international level, he has earned seven caps for Ivory Coast and was named in the preliminary roster for the 2026 World Cup. Sporting director Todd Dunivant highlighted his pace, versatility and infectious personality as key factors behind the signing.