Bakary Soumaré
A commanding Malian defender who carved out a solid professional career across four countries, becoming a stalwart for club and national team.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Malian footballer·Birthday: November 9·Millennials
Biography
Bakary Soumaré's journey in soccer is one of steady, reliable presence. Born in Mali, he moved to the United States for college, playing at the University of Virginia before being drafted second overall in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire. His physicality and aerial dominance quickly made him a cornerstone of the Fire's defense. This success opened the door to Europe, where he tested himself in France's Ligue 1 with Boulogne and later in the German second division. He returned to MLS for spells with several clubs, including a notable stint helping the Montreal Impact reach the playoffs. For Mali, he earned a dozen caps, representing his homeland with the same quiet strength he showed for his clubs. Soumaré's career wasn't defined by flashy headlines, but by the consistent, tough defending that managers rely on, a professional path spanning continents and leagues.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Bakary was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Bakary Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Bakary's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was selected as the number two overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire.
- Earned 12 international caps for the Mali national team, representing his country in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies.
- Played professionally in four different countries: the United States, France, Germany, and Canada.
- Helped the Montreal Impact secure a playoff berth in the 2015 MLS season as a key defensive player.
Did You Know?
He was named to the MLS Best XI in his rookie season in 2007.
He played college soccer at the University of Virginia, a traditional powerhouse program.
After retiring, he has been involved in coaching and youth soccer development.
“I am a defender; my job is to stop attacks before they become dangerous.”
