Boulaye Dia is an international soccer player currently plying his trade in the Spanish La Liga for Villarreal, and the Senegal national team. He was born in France where he began playing club football. He previously played for Reims before signing for Villarreal in 2021.
It wasn’t rosy for him while growing up as a child considering the financial difficulties his family faced. However, football gave him respite despite his parents’ initial resistance when he indicated his desired to play football. They wanted him to focus more on his education than rely on soccer.
Player Profile 2021/22
- Full Name: Bouleya Dia
- Date of Birth: 16th November 1996
- Age: 28 years old
- Place of Birth: Oyonnax, France
- Nationality: Senegal
- Position: Center Forward
- Foot: Right
- Jersey#: 16
- Current Club: Villarreal
- Joined On: 13th July 2021
- Contract Expires On: 30th June 2026
- Club Career: Jura Sud, Reims, Villarreal
- National Team Career: Senegal (2020)
- Current Market Value: €14 million
- Siblings: Harouna, Abou, and Diak
- Brand: Nike
- Player Agent: Frederic Guerra Player Agent
- Height: 1.80m (5 feet 9 inches)
- Weight: 75kg (165lbs)
Biography Of Boulaye Dia
The Senegalese striker was born on 16th November 1996 in Oyannax in the eastern part of France. He is the last and youngest child in a family of all boys. His parents whose names remain unknown raised him and his elder brothers Harouna, Abou, and Diak.
The bond that exists between him and his older siblings is unbreakable. Right from the beginning, they have each other’s interests at heart. It is always like this since they were born. Reports revealed that his father played amateur football in Senegal.
However, it is before their father left the country for France in search of greener pasture and to seek a better life for his family. Dia’s eldest brother, Harouna said that their father had no desire to play professional football.
While the footballer was growing up as a child, his family was living in a tiny apartment where spaces were carved out. But, even as the family was struggling, his parents didn’t want him to comprise his education for football.
So, education became paramount, and soccer was a second option. There is no information to show the school he attended, however, he went to technical school.
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Boulaye Dia’s Career
Initially, Dia’s father kicked against him playing football, but after much persuasion, he allowed him. It turns out to be the best decision he made for his son. He developed into a good footballer.
His first taste of club football began with Jura Sud Foot. In his debut season with the club, he netted 15 goals in 21 games.
He signed his first professional contract with Stade de Reims on 16th July 2018 and made his first appearance for the club in a 1-1 draw with Angers on 20th October 2020.
After spending more than two years with the club, he joined Villarreal on a 5 years contract. He played in the 2021 UEFA Super Cup match against Chelsea. Though the English side won 6-5 on penalties, the forward was praised for his stellar performance.
Dia received a call up to play for the Senegal national team on 1st October 2020. Eight days later, he made his debut in a 3-1 friendly defeat to Morocco on 9th October 2020.
Interesting Facts About Boulaye Dia
1. His Older Brother Played Football Too
Football runs in the family. Asides from Dia and his father, his older brothers played football too. Unfortunately, their football career didn’t materialize just like their father. However, he learned from their mistakes and fashioned ways of avoiding them.
2. He Once Worked As An Electrician
Before succeeding in Reims, the forward was smart enough to seek an alternative just in case football fails to work. So, he became an electrician while growing up, and went on to secure employment at an electrical factory.
He was time conscious. And this helped him to work and play amateur football at the same time.
3. Dia Almost Gave Up On Football After Failing His Trials
When Dia was Twelve, he went for a trial at Saint-Etienne and didn’t pass. It was followed by an inconclusive trial at Olympique Lyonnais. With the permission of his family, he took a 752km journey to Wales for another trial at Wrexham A.F.C.
He was fortunate enough to pass. At this point, the only thought in his head was to quit. But, a family friend encouraged him not to.
4. He Was The First Reims Player To Score A Hat-Trick
Dia put 3 goals in the net in a 4-0 victory over Montpellier on 25th October 2020. With the hat-trick, he became the first Reims player to do so since the former Argentine winger Santiago Santamaria did in 1987.
5. How Tall Is He?
His height and body weight is okay for him as a striker. He is 5 feet 11 inches (1.80m) tall, and his body weighs 75kg (165lbs).
Complete profile of Boulaye Dia
| Boulaye Dia | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Boulaye Dia |
| Date of Birth | 16 November 1996 |
| Age | 28 years |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Birth place | Oyonnax, France |
| Nationality | French/Senegalese |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Playing Position | Foward |
| Clubs | 2017–2018 Jura Sud 2018 Reims II 2018–2021 Reims 2021– Villarreal 2020– Senegal |
| Father | NA |
| Mother | NA |
| Siblings | Harouna, Abou, and Diak |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Spouse/Partner | NA |
| Girlfriend | NA |
| Kids | NA |
| Religion | Muslim |
| Estimated Net Worth: | NA |
| Source of net worth | Football career |
| Height | Feet- 5ft 11in Meters- 1.80m Centimeters- 180cm |
| Weight | 94 kg |
| Eye color | Black |
| Hair color | Brown |
| Social media |
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