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Issa Soumaré is a Rouge et Noir player!

Having scored 13 goals in Ligue 1 last season, Issa Soumaré (25) has joined the Brittany-based club from Le Havre. The 25-year-old striker has signed a contract with the Rouge et Noir until 2030.

Published on 16 June 2026

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𝗡𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝘁𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗲 𝗹'𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗲 🏹 avec Café Joyeux #NosHérosDuQuotidien

Having trained at the prestigious Génération Foot Academy, like Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Fallou Diagne before him, Issa Soumaré made his debut in France in 2019 when he joined US Orléans. After scoring eight goals in the National division, he went on to play in Belgium for Beerschot, then for Quevilly-Rouen, before joining Le Havre. On loan at Auxerre, where he helped the club win the French Ligue 2 title in 2024 (17 appearances), Soumaré then returned to Normandy to become a key player in Didier Digard’s system.

Capable of playing in various formations – as a lone striker, part of a two-man strike partnership, or on the left wing – the forward enjoyed a successful second half of the 2025 season, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists. His team secured their survival in the dying moments of the season, away at Strasbourg (2–3), and he provided the assist for the equaliser.

Has featured in Le Havre’s last 52 Ligue 1 matches

The 2025/2026 season was set to be one of confirmation, and the forward continued to shine. Out of the 34 McDonald’s Ligue 1 matches, the former AJA player featured in all 34 (33 starts). The Senegalese player went the extra mile to create opportunities for his team-mates, scoring 8 goals and providing 5 assists. Against Monaco in January, the only time he was not in the starting eleven, he eventually came on at half-time. As proof of his indispensable role in Didier Digard’s eyes, he wore the captain’s armband on five occasions. If any further proof of his consistency were needed, Issa Soumaré has quite simply featured in Le Havre’s last 52 league matches.

Ligue 1 observers are therefore well acquainted with this pacy forward, renowned for his effectiveness, particularly in the air thanks to his height of 1.83 metres. For the Rouge et Noir supporters, he is no stranger either. In October, whilst Breel Embolo and Estéban Lepaul were delighting the SRFC crowd at the Stade Océane, the Senegalese forward stepped up to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot.

With his contract at Le Havre coming to an end, Issa Soumaré is therefore heading to Brittany for a new challenge. Here he is in the Red and Black, until 2030. Degemer Mat Issa!

Arnaud Pouille, Executive Chairman – Chief Executive: “We are delighted to welcome Issa to Stade Rennais. His ability to make a decisive impact, his knowledge of Ligue 1, his versatility and his determination to continue climbing the ranks will all be assets that will benefit the squad. Issa ticks a lot of boxes and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us. He is a clinical striker who has patiently built his career. We hope he will flourish in the Red and Black, building on his fine performances for his former club.”

Loïc Désiré, Sporting Director: “We had set our sights on Issa because he knows Ligue 1 very well; he’s a striker capable of playing in different systems with remarkable versatility. He has progressed through the ranks patiently and with ambition. His effectiveness is also a real asset. We want players who can make a difference – that’s essential – and Adrien (Thomasson) and Issa fit perfectly with that aim. On a personal level, he is exactly what we’re looking for and embodies what Stade Rennais stands for today.”

Issa Soumaré’s opening remarks: “What attracted me most to Stade Rennais was the project. It’s one that will allow me to continue my development and play at the highest level. It was an easy choice. I’ve played in the lower divisions, which have also helped me develop, but in a different way. I’ve already played alongside Estéban Lepaul at Orléans for a season, so we’re quite similar in that respect. When you see that he finished as the league’s top scorer this season… But I didn’t tell him anything about my transfer (smiles). It’s always been my dream to play at the highest level. I’m here now, but I haven’t achieved all my goals yet. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at Roazhon Park when the season starts again.”