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Boulaye Dia, the latest signing for the Red and Blacks

Lazio’s Senegalese international Boulaye Dia has been loaned out for the season with an option to buy.

Published on 01 September 2026

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Ligue 1, La Liga, Serie A, the Champions League, the Europa League, the World Cup, the Africa Cup of Nations… Boulaye Dia has had a solid professional career, albeit one that began late in life and has followed an unconventional path. One of a group of siblings originally from Oyonnax, in his late teens Boulaye juggled a job in a factory, studying for a vocational baccalaureate in electrical engineering, and pursuing his passion at amateur level. After missing out on places at the Saint-Étienne and Lyon youth academies, it was with Jura Sud that he found his footing and eventually came into his own, racking up the goals: 15 in 21 matches in the National division during the 2017/2018 season. This marked the start of his rise.

Following this prolific season, Stade de Reims decided to put their faith in him to lead the Champagne-based side’s attack. Three more successful seasons followed for the player, whose 28 goals helped SDR qualify for the Europa League play-offs in 2020.

In 2021, Boulaye joined the ranks of the recent Europa League winners, Villarreal FC, with whom he reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, where he gave his team a glimmer of hope at home against Liverpool, whilst also winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal against Egypt that same season. Having gained experience in Spain, he moved to Serie A the following season to join US Salernitana, alongside former Lorient players Loum Tchaouna and Benoît Costil. He made his mark there with an impressive record (52 matches, 22 goals, 7 assists).

Since 2024, Boulaye Dia has been playing for Lazio in Rome, where he has featured in 81 matches, including 12 Europa League fixtures – reaching the quarter-finals in April 2025, as well as an Italian Cup final a few months ago. Eager to experience the thrill of European football once again with an ambitious team, Boulaye has accepted the challenge with the Red and Blacks.

Welcome to Rennes, Boulaye!

Arnaud Pouille, Executive Chairman – Chief Executive Officer :
« We are delighted to be able to round off the transfer window with the signing of an experienced international player. With Boulaye, who has made 168 appearances in Spain and Italy, we are welcoming a player who has experience of playing abroad and in major European competitions, as well as in Ligue 1. His profile will enable us to boost competition for places and complement the qualities already present in the squad. Like all those who have joined us this summer, I am sure Boulaye will fit in very well with his new team-mates. »

Loïc Désiré, Sporting Director :
« Following Breel’s departure, we took the time to look at players whose profiles might suit our style of play. We always try to add value to the squad. Boulaye, who has experience in three major leagues, fits the bill. He has a profile we didn’t necessarily have before, which will, in particular, allow us to move Eliezer Mayenda out to the wing. We wanted a player who was different from and complementary to Estéban, as it is competition that will drive the squad forward. »

Boulaye Dia :
« I’m really pleased to be back in Ligue 1, a league I’ve continued to follow. It’s a great source of satisfaction to now be part of Stade Rennais’ ambitious project. I’ve come here to put the team first. Although I started my career relatively late, I’ve gained a fair amount of experience through several major international competitions. I hope that will benefit the squad. »