Samy Benchamma joins JS Kabylie in Ligue 1 switch from Rodez AF

French-Algerian midfielder Samy Benchamma has joined Algerian top-flight club JS Kabylie from French side Rodez AF.

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder moves to the Ligue 1 club after spending the 2025-26 season with Rodez, having previously played for FC Sochaux and Chamois Niort in France.

Benchamma made two Ligue 2 appearances for Rodez before completing his move to JS Kabylie on 31 August 2026. He played 95 minutes in the competition and started 25% of Rodez’s possible league matches during the current campaign.

The midfielder was born in Castres, France, and has French and Algerian nationality. At 1.87 metres tall, he is a right-footed player whose primary role is in defensive midfield.

Benchamma joined Rodez from Sochaux on 1 September 2025. His time at Sochaux followed a move from Chamois Niort, where he spent three seasons after leaving Montpellier in July 2021.

He joined Chamois Niort as a free agent from Montpellier, beginning a spell outside the Montpellier system after progressing through the club’s youth and reserve sides. Benchamma had moved from Montpellier’s under-19 team to Montpellier B before reaching the senior squad.

His arrival gives JS Kabylie a midfielder with experience in France’s professional league system. The Algerian club competes in Ligue 1, while Rodez played in Ligue 2 before the transfer.

Benchamma’s market value was €600,000 at the time of the move, following a previous high of €700,000. No transfer fee has been disclosed for the switch from Rodez to JS Kabylie.

The move represents a new stage in the career of a player who developed in France and has now moved to Algeria’s top division. Benchamma joins JS Kabylie after making two Ligue 2 appearances for Rodez in the 2026-27 season.

His transfer to JS Kabylie was completed on 31 August 2026.