- He is an Ivorian professional footballer
- He represented Ivory Coast in two Africa Cup of Nations tournament
- He was part of the Ivory Coast squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Max-Alain Gradel is an Ivorian professional footballer who currently plays as a winger for Turkish Super Lig club Gaziantep FK and the Ivory Coast national team, and is part of the squad representing Ivory Coast at the AFCON 2024.
He started his career in his home country with AS Douanes d’Abidjan. The winger then moved to Europe where he joined the Lewisham College Football Academy in England. His performance at a tournament in the Netherlands caught the eye of several premier league clubs, leading to trials at Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham, and earned a permanent move to Leicester City, which marked the start of his professional career in England.
It wasn’t an easy task as he was sent on loan spells at Bournemouth and Leeds United where his talent truly blossomed. While playing for Leeds, he became a fan favourite and his success led him to a permanent move to Saint-Etienne in France.
His playtime in France was marked by consistent performances and trophies. He helped Saint-Etienne win a Coupe de la Ligue and also helped them reach the Champions League playoffs. A desire for new challenges led him to club Toulouse before moving to Turkey to play for Sivasspor for three seasons. From Turkey, he joined Gaziantep FK where he currently plays.
Internationally, he made his debut for the Ivory Coast in 2011 and since then, he has represented the team in various tournaments including, two African Cup of Nations tournaments where they finished runner-up and was part of the Ivory Coast squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Max Gradel’s Early and Personal Life
Max-Alain Gradel was born on November 30 1987 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast to parents of the country’s origin. His love for football began at an early age, his skills earned him a place with the AS Douanes d’Abidjan academy and at 17 years old, he made his professional debut.
Max Gradel. Photo/ESPN India
His family played a crucial role in seeing him develop into the professional player he is today and are happy that their effort bore fruits. Apart from football, the winger is known for his charity work of supporting underprivileged children and promoting education in his home country.
He is a devout Muslim and is married to his wife Audrey, and the couple is blessed with children.
Max Gradel Career Journey
He started his career in his home country with AS Douanes d’Abidjan.
The winger then moved to Europe where he joined the Lewisham College Football Academy in England. His performance at a tournament in the Netherlands caught the eye of several premier league clubs, leading to trials at Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham, and earned a permanent move to Leicester City, which marked the start of his professional career in England.
It wasn’t an easy task as he was sent on loan spells at Bournemouth and Leeds United where his talent truly blossomed. While playing for Leeds, he became a fan favourite and his success led him to a permanent move to Saint-Etienne in France.
His playtime in France was marked by consistent performances and trophies. He helped Saint-Etienne win a Coupe de la Ligue and also helped them reach the Champions League playoffs. A desire for new challenges led him to club Toulouse before moving to Turkey to play for Sivasspor for three seasons. From Turkey, he joined Gaziantep FK where he currently plays.
Max Gradel. Photo/Sky Sports
Internationally, he made his debut for the Ivory Coast in 2011 and since then, he has represented the team in various tournaments including, two African Cup of Nations tournaments where they finished runner-up and was part of the Ivory Coast squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Max Gradel AFCON 2024 Involvement
Max was named in the final 27-man squad that is playing for Ivory Coast at the AFCON 2024. He has been a key player for the Elephants for many years and is expected to be a part of the team for the home tournament.
He played in a match between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau on January 13, 2024, where the Elephants won and another one between Nigeria where they also emerged winners.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login