Elyaz Zidane signs with Red Star - young centre-back returns to France

Paris – 05.07.2026: Elyaz Zidane, 20 years old, signed a contract with Red Star FC on 4 July 2026 and moves from the youth ranks of Real Betis Sevilla to Ligue 2. The club from Saint-Ouen confirmed the signing in a statement and presented the left-footed player as reinforcement for the centre-back positions in the coming season.

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The transfer attracts attention because of the famous surname, but sportingly it represents a clear profile: Zidane is a left-footed centre-back, trained at Real Madrid and most recently at Betis, and he has collected appearances with French youth national teams. Red Star highlights his qualities in build-up play, his aerial strength and his robustness in duels — attributes that are demanded in the physical second tier.

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For the traditional club the move is part of a squad-balancing approach intended to add more depth after a strong previous season. Red Star finished the 2025/26 campaign in Ligue 2 in fourth place and wants to increase competition in defence to better cope with absences. Zidane is primarily intended for the left centre-back role and could, depending on the system, be used in a back three or four. This is a response to recurring shortages in the final phase of last season.

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For Elyaz Zidane it is also his first permanent station in French professional football. The move gives him the opportunity to gain regular playing time at a high level. From the sporting management’s perspective, patience is part of the plan: the 20-year-old is regarded as a long-term development project to be gradually introduced to the demands of Ligue 2. Left-footed centre-backs are rare in many squads; they facilitate clean build-up down the left side and expand passing angles in the first third.

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The club did not provide detailed information on contract length and terms. Media reports mentioned various scenarios, but official figures are not available. What is clear: Red Star confirmed the signature and welcomed the defender.

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The signing follows a line that combines sporting perspective and development. For the club it is about securing stability while also tying up potential. For the player it is a chance to prove himself in his home country — with the prospect of establishing himself in professional day-to-day football. The name opens doors, but starting places in Ligue 2 will be won on the pitch.

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