Djimi Traore – From Burnley blunder to Seattle screamer

He’s had his fair share of struggles, but Djimi Traore is currently basking in the glory of a CONCACAF Champions League wondergoal.

In the 59th minute, Traore broke a 1-1 tie between the Seattle Sounders and Mexico’s Tigres UANL with an unstoppable 30-yard volley. His bar-down goal helped the Sounders become the first American team to beat a Mexican club since the CONCACAF Champions League’s launch in 2008. This was just the fourth goal scored during his 16-year senior career and his first with Seattle.

Before this strike, the Malian defender had a notorious goal scoring reputation. He is best known for a horrendous own goal he scored during his seven seasons at Liverpool. In the 2004-05 FA Cup, Traore lost an easily controllable ball into his own net. His miscue went on to cost Liverpool the match and they were eliminated by Burnley 1-0.

Despite his blunder, he remained a starter for the Reds and went on to help the club win the 2005 Champions League title. After the 2005-06 season, he failed to find good form again and spent time with seven clubs in the next seven seasons. He is commonly considered one of the worst footballers to win a Champions League medal.

However, Traore will have the opportunity to build a new reputation in the Americas as the Sounders advance to the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals.

Check out this video to compare Traore’s most famous and infamous goals.