Bakary Sako: profile
Bakary Sako (born 26 April 1988 in Ivry-sur-Seine, France) is a former Malian footballer who played as a midfielder.
Sako's senior club career began in 2006 at LB Châteauroux. He played for 4 clubs in 2 countries since 2006. His most appearances came at Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (2012–2015), where he made 118 appearances and scored 36 goals. Across all recorded club spells he totals 292 appearances and 57 goals.
At international level, Sako represented Mali (2014–present). Our match database lists 2 of his international goals; the first came against Ivory Coast on 24 January 2015 (Africa Cup of Nations). He also played for Mali at under-17 level. Before committing to Mali, he had represented France U19 and France U21.
Ivry-sur-Seine has produced 19 footballers in our database, including Sol Bamba, Hannibal Mejbri and Sofiane Hanni.
Nationality explained: Why does Bakary Sako play for Mali?
Key facts
- Senior international debut
- 2014 (aged about 26)
- First international goal
- 2015 – aged 26 (match)
- Countries played in
- 2: France and United Kingdom
- Club goals per game
- 0.20 (57 in 292)
- Height
- 180 cm — taller than 31% of Malian internationals on record
- Latest move
- Crystal Palace F.C. (2015)
- Shares a birthday with
- Khuliso Mudau, Jordan Pefok and Djamal Mahamat (more)
Club career
| Years | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2009 |  LB Châteauroux |
Championnat National 1 | 68 | 9 |
| 2009–2012 | AS Saint-Étienne |
Ligue 2 | 106 | 12 |
| 2012–2015 |  Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. |
EFL Championship | 118 | 36 |
| 2015– | Crystal Palace F.C. |
Premier League | – | – |
| Total | 292 | 57 |
Appearances and goals are league figures where recorded on Wikidata; “–” means not recorded.
International career
| Years | Team | Level | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 |  Mali U17 |
Under-17 | 1 | 0 |
| 2006–2008 | France U19 |
Under-19 | 3 | 0 |
| 2009–2010 | France U21 |
Under-21 | 10 | 2 |
| 2014– | Mali |
Senior | – | – |
International goals (2)
| # | Date | Match | Min | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 Jan 2015 | Ivory Coast 1–1 Mali | 7 | Africa Cup of Nations |
| 2 | 17 Nov 2015 | Mali 2–0 Botswana | 30 | World Cup Qualification |
*Goals listed are those present in our match-by-match goal database, which is most complete for tournament matches.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Bakary Sako?
Bakary Sako was born on 26 April 1988, which makes him 38 years old.
Where was Bakary Sako born?
Bakary Sako was born in Ivry-sur-Seine, France.
Which national team does Bakary Sako play for?
Bakary Sako played international football for Mali.
Which clubs has Bakary Sako played for?
Bakary Sako's recorded clubs are LB Châteauroux, AS Saint-Étienne, Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. and Crystal Palace F.C..
How tall is Bakary Sako?
Bakary Sako is 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) tall.
What position does Bakary Sako play?
Bakary Sako played as a midfielder.
Malian players of the same generation
Mohamed SissokoMali · b. 1985
Modibo MaïgaMali · Buriram United F.C.
Cheick DiabatéMali · Esteghlal F.C.
Bakaye TraoréMali · b. 1985
Sambou YatabaréMali · b. 1989
Moussa MaregaMali · b. 1991
Mustapha YatabaréMali · b. 1986
Adama TambouraMali · b. 1985
Abdoulay DiabyMali · Sporting CP
Abdou TraoréMali · b. 1988
Molla WaguéMali · b. 1991
Garra DembéléMali · b. 1986