Guinea: Having represented Guinea, Yasser Baldé opens up about Morocco: “I’m not denying it”.

Yasser Baldé, a central defender for Stade Lavallois in Ligue 2, recently represented Guinea in the FIFA Series tournament. Making his debut for the National Elephants, he was fielded in the overwhelming victories against Vanuatu (6-0) and Bermuda (5-1).

Despite having the option to play for Morocco, the 31-year-old player chose the Guinean national team, while affirming his attachment to his Moroccan roots in an interview with the Guinean Football Federation: “I do not deny my Moroccan origins, I love and adore Morocco, it is my mother’s country,” he explained, while emphasizing that his heart leaned towards Guinea, the country of his father, where competition for his position was less intense.

He expresses no regrets for his choice: “It is a huge pride for me to represent Guinea and wear the Syli jersey, I know my father is very proud of me. Especially, I am proud to have worn the number 5 that my brother Dian Bobo Baldé wore with Guinea (67 caps between 2000 and 2012, editor’s note). It is a huge joy for all of us. And when I see on social media that the fans are happy and proud to see me wearing this jersey, all of this brings me joy and pride.”

A Late Blossoming

Becoming an international after the age of thirty is quite unusual. Yet, Yasser Baldé’s journey makes this evolution almost logical. Coming from the AJ Auxerre academy where he failed to establish himself, he moved between clubs in Ligue 2 and National 1 for seven years. His professional turning point came with Stade Lavallois, a team to which he contributed greatly for its promotion to Ligue 2 during the summer of 2022. Since then, he has accumulated 36 appearances (and scored 2 goals) at this competitive level, including 19 this season. Despite a path strewn with obstacles, this defender from Brignoles has managed to establish himself in Laval, currently 4th in Ligue 2 and vying for promotion to Ligue 1. He thus represents a significant asset for the National Elephants, with whom he aspires to shine in June, surrounded by the team’s key players.