RC Lens extend Ismael Ganiou contract until 2030

RC Lens have extended Ismael Ganiou’s contract until 2030 after the defender emerged as one of the club’s most promising young players.

The France Under-21 international, who is of Burkinabe origin, has committed his future to the club where he developed. He was a runner-up in the French championship and won the Coupe de France with his formative club at the age of just 21.

Ganiou first came to wider attention after receiving his initial call-up to the senior squad for a Ligue 1 away match at Nantes in September 2022. He was only 17 at the time.

The centre-back is known for his pace and uncompromising approach in challenges. During the 2023-24 season, he continued his development and became an important figure under Vincent Carlier. Ganiou was part of the RC Lens side that reached the round of 16 in the UEFA Youth League.

After returning to RC Lens in the summer of 2025 following a loan spell, the product of the club’s Gaillette academy quickly established himself as one of the season’s breakthrough performers.

His return did not begin smoothly. Ganiou made a difficult start at Auxerre, including an early sending-off, but responded positively and gradually earned a regular place in Pierre Sage’s starting XI.

The defender marked his first appearance at Bollaert with a decisive goal against Strasbourg. He found the net again in the meeting with Toulouse, adding attacking contributions to a series of impressive displays in defence.

Those performances helped Ganiou win the Ligue 1 “Pepite du Mois” award twice. His form has now been rewarded with a long-term contract, keeping him at RC Lens until 2030.

The agreement represents a significant step in the development of a player who progressed through the club’s academy, made his first senior-team involvement as a teenager and has since become an increasingly important member of the Lens squad.

Ganiou’s new deal also underlines the club’s confidence in his potential after a season in which he overcame a difficult spell and established himself in the team. From his early appearances in the youth set-up to his goals against Strasbourg and Toulouse, the defender has steadily strengthened his position within the squad.

RC Lens’ decision to retain him for the long term reflects the progress he has made since his first involvement with the professional group in 2022. At 21, Ganiou now has the opportunity to continue his development at the club where his football education began.