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This is Big Man – welcome, Eliezer Mayenda!

A promising striker, who came through the ranks at Sochaux before gaining experience in English football, 21-year-old Eliezer Mayenda has joined Stade Rennais F.C. The Spanish Under-21 international, nicknamed ‘Big Man’, has signed a contract with the club based in the capital of Brittany until 2031.

Published on 05 July 2026

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English football is a legendary world, and it has a knack for providing wonderful stories for those who write about it. Eliezer Mayenda is in a class of his own and, at just 21, he already has a chant in his honour. “Hey, big man, what’s your name?” has regularly rang out at the Stadium of Light, to the tune of ‘Dakota’ by the Stereophonics, celebrating a striker who has often proved decisive in helping his team return to the Premier League.

Sochaux, the springboard

Hardened by the gruelling battles of the Championship and then the Premier League, the striker has made his mark in England, but one must travel further south to understand his journey. Born in Zaragoza, he began playing football in Spain before moving to the Paris region with his family. Quickly identified as one of the talents of the 2005 generation, the Spaniard joined Sochaux’s renowned academy. Ligue 2 discovered a complete and powerful attacking player. At 16 years and 8 months, he became the youngest player to sign a professional contract with the Bonal-based side, breaking the record previously held by Jérémy Ménez. After 15 appearances in the French second division, he moved to England to join the Black Cats, before spending a few months in Scotland on loan at Hibernian. Back in the Championship, Eliezer Mayenda established himself under manager Régis Le Bris.

« Hey, big man, what's your name ? »

Towering at 1.83 metres, versatile, strong in one-on-one situations and capable of making runs into space, he lived up to the expectations placed on him and made his mark on a historic season. Coined by a fan after a brace against Sheffield Wednesday, his chant became a hit. No supporter could forget his memorable goal against Bristol, where he ran 80 metres and held off five defenders before beating the goalkeeper. Having scored in the first leg of the promotion play-off semi-final, he did it again in the final. England had well and truly been introduced to Eliezer Mayenda, who rode the wave of success with his team.

Last season, the former Brétigny player, like his long-time friend Djaoui Cissé, made his Premier League debut, making 20 appearances (scoring two goals) as he continued to develop his game. A polyglot, the son of a Congolese father and a Togolese mother, the player who represents Spain has chosen to return to France. A significant attacking reinforcement for Franck Haise’s squad, the striker has signed for the Rouge et Noir until 2031. Welcome home, Eliezer!

ArnArnaud Pouille, Executive Chairman – Chief Executive: “There was fierce competition for Eliezer’s signature, and he showed unwavering determination to join us. We are proud to see him sign for Stade Rennais today. We are delighted to welcome him and his family to the Rouge et Noir. I wish him every success in settling into his new dressing room, where he will be able to bring all his qualities to bear.”

Loïc Désiré, Sporting Director: “We were looking for a quick player capable of providing depth; Eliezer also has the ability to play out wide as well as in central positions. He’s a young player but has already played in several leagues across different countries. We’re aware of his potential; he’ll settle into the squad and I have no doubts about him. His mentality is exemplary. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about his attitude, and that’s just as important as what he’ll show on the pitch.”

Eliezer Mayenda’s first words: “I’m very happy to be joining Stade Rennais, a great club we often talked about at Sochaux. I’d describe myself as a complete forward who likes to get behind the defence, dribble and take on opponents. I can’t wait to play at Roazhon Park, to play alongside my new team-mates, and to discover Ligue 1, a league that’s underrated.”