Thierno Mamadou Lamarana Ballo (born 2 January 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for French club Saint-Étienne. Born in the Ivory Coast, he represents the Austria national team.
Career Chelsea Born in Ivory Coast, Ballo moved to Guinea at the age of three before leaving for Austria four years later. Ballo joined Chelsea in January 2018, following stints with SV Chemie Linz, LASK, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and eventually, Viktoria Köln. During his debut under-18 campaign with the Blues, Ballo finished as top goalscorer for that respective age group and subsequently made his quick progression into the under-23 side over the next two years. He signed his first professional contract with Chelsea in January 2019.
On 31 August 2021, Ballo returned to Austria to join Rapid Wien on loan for the 2021–22 campaign. Just under a month later, he made his debut for the club featuring as second-half substitute during their Austrian Cup 2–1 victory over Admira Wacker. After only featuring thirteen times in all competitions come January 2022, Ballo's loan was terminated and the forward subsequently returned to Chelsea.
Wolfsberg On 12 July 2022, Wolfsberger AC announced the signing of Ballo on a free transfer, after his release from Chelsea. Ballo signed a two-year contract with an option for a further year. On 23 July, he played his first game for the club in a 1–1 draw against SK Sturm Graz. On 28 August 2023, Ballo scored his first goal in his professional career in a league game against WSG Tirol, helping his team to a 3–1 victory, which is Wolfsberger's first league win of the season.
Loan to Millwall On 1 September 2025, Ballo joined EFL Championship club Millwall on loan until the end of the season.
Saint-Étienne On 11 July 2026, Ballo moved to Saint-Étienne in French Ligue 2 with a four-season contract.
Career statistics
Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsChelsea U232019–20————3Appearances in the EFL Trophy0302020–21————2020Total————5050Chelsea2021–22Premier League000000000000Rapid Wien (loan)2021–22Austrian Bundesliga8020—30—130Wolfsberger AC2022–23Austrian Bundesliga27641—30103572023–24Austrian Bundesliga271221———29132024–25Austrian Bundesliga311063———37132025–26Austrian Bundesliga30——40—70Total882812500701010833Millwall (loan) 2025–26EFL Championship3111010—20351Career total12729155101008016134
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsAustria202510Total10
Honours Wolfsberger AC Austrian Cup: 2024–25
References
External links
(national team)