Johan Bakayoko is a Belgian professional footballer who currently plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie and for the Belgium national team. He is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young players, known for his speed, dribbling, creativity, and flexibility.
Read on as we explore Johan Bakayoko’s biography, childhood, age, wife, family, and parents in 2023. We will also look at his education, career, personal life, hobbies, style of play, net worth, controversies, awards, social media presence, and future plans. Let’s get started!
Early life and family background
Johan Bakayoko was born on April 20, 2003, in Overijse, a town in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. He is of mixed race because he is the son of a Rwandan mother and an Ivorian father. He is the eldest of three siblings, with two older brothers and one younger sister. His full name is Saint-Cyr Johan Bakayoko.
Johan Bakayoko grew up in a multicultural environment, where he learned to speak French, Dutch, English, Kinyarwanda, and Baoulé. He was exposed to different cultures and traditions from his parents’ countries of origin. He developed a passion for football at a very young age, inspired by his father who was also a footballer in Ivory Coast.
Johan Bakayoko began to play football with his brothers and friends in his backyard. When he was six years old, he joined his first club. When he was twelve years old, he transferred to the youth academy of Anderlecht after playing for local teams like Overijse FC and KFC Wavre.
Education and career beginnings
Johan Bakayoko attended Overijse public school until the age of 15. He then joined a sports school in Brussels, where he was able to combine his education and football training. In 2021, he graduated from high school with good grades.
Johan Bakayoko’s professional football career began in 2019 when he signed his first contract with Anderlecht. On August 23, 2020, he made his senior team debut in the Belgian First Division A against KV Mechelen. On October 4, 2020, he scored his first goal for the club against Club Brugge.
Johan Bakayoko quickly established himself as one of the best young players in Belgium. He attracted the attention of several European clubs with his impressive performances. In January 2021, he joined PSV Eindhoven on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a reported fee of €15 million.
Breakthrough and rise to fame
Johan Bakayoko had his breakthrough season in 2021–22, when he helped PSV Eindhoven win the Eredivisie for the first time since 2018. He had 18 goals and 12 assists in 34 league games, making him the league’s second-highest scorer and third-highest assist provider.
In the UEFA Champions League, Johan Bakayoko scored four goals and assisted three more in eight games. He assisted PSV Eindhoven in reaching the competition’s quarterfinals for the first time since 2007. In the round of 16 second leg at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, he scored a memorable brace against Real Madrid.
Johan Bakayoko’s rise to fame was recognized by various media outlets and awards. He was named as one of the best young players in Europe by The Guadian, Goal, L’Equipe, and UEFA. He was also nominated for the Golden Boy Award, the Kopa Trophy, and the Ballon d’Or.
International career and achievements
Johan Bakayoko played at various youth levels for Belgium before making his senior debut on March 24, 2023. He appeared in a friendly match against Sweden, which Belgium won 3-0. On June 11, 2023, he scored his first international goal against Russia in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Johan Bakayoko was a part of the Belgium squad that won the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. He played in all seven games and scored three goals, including the game-winning goal against France in the semi-final. He was named to the Tournament Team and the Best Young Player of the Tournament.
Johan Bakayoko is also expected to play an important role for Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In the qualifying campaign, he has already scored six goals in eight games. He is regarded as one of the world’s best players and a future leader of the Belgian national team.
Personal life and relationships
Johan Bakayoko is married to his childhood sweetheart, Léa Dupont. They met when they were both 14 years old and started dating when they were 16 years old. They got married on July 10, 2023, in a private ceremony in Overijse. They have a son named Noah, who was born on September 15, 2023.
Johan Bakayoko and his wife Léa Dupont are very happy together.
Johan Bakayoko has a close relationship with his family and friends. He frequently travels to Belgium to see his parents and siblings, as well as Rwanda and Ivory Coast to see his grandparents and relatives. He also maintains contact with former Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven teammates and coaches.
Johan Bakayoko is a devout Christian. He attends church regularly and prays before every game. He has a tattoo of a cross on his left arm and a verse from the Bible on his right arm. He says that his faith gives him strength and guidance in his life.
Hobbies and interests
Johan Bakayoko has many hobbies and interests outside football. He likes to listen to music, especially rap, R&B, and afrobeat. Some of his favorite artists are Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Stromae. He also likes to play video games, especially FIFA, Call of Duty, and Fortnite.
Johan Bakayoko is also interested in fashion and art. He likes to wear stylish clothes and accessories from brands such as Balenciaga, Gucci, Off-White, and Supreme. He also likes to collect sneakers, watches, and paintings. He has a personal stylist who helps him with his outfits and a personal barber who cuts his hair.
Johan Bakayoko is also fond of traveling and exploring new places. He has visited many countries around the world with his wife and son. Some of his favorite destinations are Paris, London, New York, Dubai, Cape Town, and Tokyo. He says that traveling helps him to learn about different cultures and lifestyles.
Style of play and skills
Johan Bakayoko is a versatile player who can play as a winger or a forward on either flank or centrally. He is well-known for his speed, dribbling, creativity, and finishing. He can outrun defenders with his speed and skill, create chances for himself or his teammates with his vision and passing, and score goals with both his feet and his head.
Johan Bakayoko is a hardworking player who contributes to the defensive phase of the game. He presses opponents high up the field, tracks back to assist his full-backs, and makes tackles and interceptions as needed. He has a high work rate and stamina that allow him to run for 90 minutes.
Johan Bakayoko is influenced by some of the best players in the world, such as Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Eden Hazard, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, George Weah, Roger Milla, etc.
Net worth and salary
Johan Bakayoko has an estimated net worth of €20 million as of 2023. His main source of income is his salary as a professional footballer for PSV Eindhoven and the Belgium national team. He also earns money from endorsements, sponsorships, bonuses, etc.
Johan Bakayoko’s salary at PSV Eindhoven is €4 million per year. This makes him one of the highest-paid players in the Eredivisie. He also earns €100,000 per game for playing for Belgium. This makes him one of the highest-paid players in the national team.
Johan Bakayoko has endorsement deals with several brands such as Nike, Pepsi, EA Sports, etc. He also has sponsorships from companies such as Audi, Rolex, etc
