# African footballers in French leagues

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/african-footballers-in-french-leagues
> Updated: 2026-09-19T19:58:37.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

African footballers are making significant moves and impacts within the French league system.

Malian midfielder Mamady Diambou joined Stade Brestois to compete in Ligue 1. Diambou, who previously played in Austria, noted the club’s ‘very familial’ environment and the advantage of using French. He is joined at the club by fellow academy graduate Kamory Doumbia.

In Ligue 2, 18-year-old Senegalese international Abdourahmane Mbodji scored on his professional debut for FC Metz. Entering as a substitute against AS Saint-Étienne, Mbodji’s goal contributed to a 2-2 draw. The former Senegalese league top scorer signed a contract with Metz running until June 2031.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Abdourahmane Mbodji scores on Ligue 2 debut for FC Metz

Senegalese striker Abdourahmane Mbodji scored his first professional goal in his Ligue 2 debut for FC Metz, helping his team secure a 2-2 draw against AS Saint-Étienne.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abdourahmane-mbodji-scores-on-ligue-2-debut-for-fc-metz

### 2026-08-29: Mamady Diambou joins Stade Brestois to play in Ligue 1

Malian midfielder Mamady Diambou has joined Stade Brestois, realizing a childhood dream to compete in France's Ligue 1 alongside fellow academy teammate Kamory Doumbia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mamady-diambou-joins-stade-brestois-to-play-in-ligue-1

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Cite as: African footballers in French leagues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/african-footballers-in-french-leagues