Yann Ekra

Ekra began his youth career with Lyon in 2002.[1] His roommate for several years was Karim Benzema.[2] Ekra played two games for Lyon's reserve team in the 2007–2008 season - playing two games and scoring one goal.[3]

He signed with Hull City at the beginning of the 2008–09 Premier League season.[4] In the 2009–10 season, he played 7 games for the reserve team, but did not score. On 29 May 2010, Ekra was released by Hull.[5]

To further his career, the young striker, who also holds a French passport, joined Greek side Panionios on loan in the January transfer window until the end of the season.[6][7][8] He played on the team's U21 team. He did not play any first team games[9] although he made the gameday roster in the 26 April 2009 Greek Super League game in which Panionios beat Asteras Tripoli 4–3.[10]

For the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons, Ekra played in France on the reserve team of Berrichonne de Châteauroux.[11]

While visiting his in-laws in Washington D.C. in the Spring of 2012, Ekra attended an open tryout with Harrisburg City Islanders of USL Pro.[12] Following a strong performance in preseason scrimmages in which Ekra scored three goals in three games,[13] he signed with the team. He made his debut on 4 May 2012 in 2–1 loss to the Charlotte Eagles.[14] In his first start on 19 May 2012 against Dayton Dutch Lions, Ekra scored a hat trick on his first three shots.[12] In the 2012 regular season, he played 21 regular season games - scoring 6 goals and assisting on 1 goal. He also played 3 U.S. Open Cup games - scoring 1 goal and assisting on 3 goals. He also played in one playoff game. In the 2013 regular season, he played 24 regular season games - scoring 4 goals and assisting on 3 goals. He also played in one playoff game and one U.S. Open Cup game.

After the 2012 season, Ekra trialed with D.C. United of Major League Soccer.[15]

In 2012–13, Ekra played his first season of indoor soccer with the Harrisburg Heat of the Professional Arena Soccer League.[16] He made his debut on 3 November 2012 in a 6–2 loss to the Dallas Sidekicks. His most productive performance was a 2 goal, 3 assist performance in a 10–8 loss against the Chicago Mustangs.[17] He finished the season playing 11 games, scoring 7 goals and assisting on 8 goals.[18]

On 13 September 2013, Ekra signed with Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer.[19][20] In 2012, Ekra had been productive against Philadelphia - scoring a goal in a 12 June 2012 friendly in which Harrisburg City Islanders won,[21] getting 2 assists in a 26 June 2012 U.S. Open Cup 5–2 loss to the Union[22] as well as playing as a guest player and assisting on the only goal in a D.C. United 1–0 reserve league win over the Union on 12 October 2012.[23] He did not appear for the club and was released at the end of the 2013 season.

In March 2014, Ekra returned to Harrisburg City Islanders.[24]

Ekra signed with Charlotte Independence of United Soccer League in December 2015.[25]

On 7 December 2018, Ekra moved to USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies ahead of their 2019 season.[26]