Every day, 28-year-old Iya Traore performs in front of hundreds of spectators positioned on the steps of Sacre Coeur. We’re up in the mountains with a terrific view of Paris. I suggest to him that he should adopt the nickname ‘The King of Montmartre’ and he seems to like it.
It could have been so different for the Guinea-born performer. Formerly on the books of Paris Saint-Germain, he now makes his living as a football freestyler, with donations from supporters and through the sale of his merchandise. He is also regularly booked by major sporting manufacturers such as Nike.
However, if the weather is not on his side he struggles to put on a show. "If there is too much wind, my tricks don’t work", he told Goal. Despite six years of practice to perfect his craft, the weather still holds the final say.
"Football is my passion," the 28-year-old added. Despite the fact he is almost 30, Traore still carries hope that one day he will fulfil his dream of being a professional footballer.
He relocated to France with his parents in order to make the most of the education system. His father, an art dealer from Africa, was wary of Iya’s passion for football and was not keen on his son dedicating himself to the game.
“I wanted to become a professional footballer,” he said. "However my parents were in fear I could become a drug dealer or something like that if it doesn't work with football. I don't have an education."
After an initial spell with FC Paris, Traore joined PSG’s youth ranks. He caught the eye of 2005 Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho, who was starring for the French club while Traore was making his name.
"He said to me that I’m great and if I work hard I will get my chance to play in the first team."
And despite returning to the capital club later on in his life, the travelling to and from training was too much for a young man with no money, and no support from his family – who were football sceptics.
So, now, the 28-year-old has turned his hobby into his career. Troare practices extensively. He carries a ball with him wherever he goes and is enjoying the network of support he has generated.
"I realised the people were watching me and that they like what I'm doing. So I thought, maybe I can do this as a career. I often think about what could have been, but I don’t regret it.”
And although he recognises that professional players often peak a lot younger than he currently is, some professionals have been given their chance later in their life.
"I need help, I need people with contacts, a chance,” he says. "I still want to become a pro. That was my only dream all along.
They [Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Samuel Eto’o] said I'm amazing, that I have great technique. However they did nothing for me. We take a selfie and that's it. I need more than this."
Traore insists that he is a footballer first and artist second. That difference is important for him.
"Most people see me as an artist or a performer. But I would love to prove to everyone I'm a great footballer as well", he says.
- Goal