Despite being in Atlanta for the Sounders’ match against Atlanta United on Sunday afternoon, at least part of Djimi Traore's attention was turned to the FIFA World Cup Final in Moscow. A native of France, the Sounders Assistant Coach rooted on his nation to a 4-2 victory against Croatia.
A few minutes after arriving at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, France had claimed their victory.
Traore, 38, was born in Saint-Ouen, a commune in the north suburbs of Paris. He grew up playing for Laval's youth system, where he made his pro debut. As an 18-year-old defender just beginning his professional career, Traore was in France when they won their first FIFA World Cup. Twenty years later, now as a coach, Traore revels in his country's win once again.
Traore went on to play for Liverpool from 1999-2006, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2005, as well as various other European clubs before finishing his career with the Sounders from 2013-14. His parents are from Mali, and Traore made six appearances with the African nation from 2004-06 after playing with France's youth teams.
