Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Boli moved to France at an early age and began his career in local youth football in Paris before signing for AJ Auxerre in 1982. A powerful defender, Boli made his way into the Auxerre first team and soon made his debut for the France national team in 1986 for whom he went on to win 45 caps. His form meant that he soon became a transfer target for the leading clubs in France. Finally in 1990 Boli signed for Olympique de Marseille who, under Bernard Tapie, were fast becoming the leading club in France. Boli starred as the club won Ligue 1 in 1991 and 1992 and was also a regular in the club's 1992–93 UEFA Champions League campaign, topping the season off by scoring the only goal of the final against A.C. Milan that gave the cup to OM. Whilst at the club he even joined teammate Chris Waddle in recording a song entitled 'We've Got a Feeling'. He is remembered by football fans in England for his appearance for France against the England team in Euro 92 where he headbutted Stuart Pearce.