Raphael Coulibaly: Lille sign Swiss-Ivorian midfielder from FC Zurich

Raphael Coulibaly, the Swiss and Ivorian midfielder, has joined LOSC Lille U19 from FC Zurich U21.

The 16-year-old central midfielder completed the move on 4 September 2026, switching from Switzerland’s Promotion League to Lille’s National U19 Group A side. No transfer fee has been disclosed.

Coulibaly is a left-footed midfielder who stands 1.84m tall. He spent the 2025-26 season with FC Zurich U19, helping the team win both the Swiss U19 Championship and the Swiss U19 Cup.

His progression through the Zurich system took him from the club’s youth team to FC Zurich U16 in July 2024, before he moved up to the U21 squad a year later. That step placed him in the Promotion League, where he was registered before his move to France.

Coulibaly’s arrival gives Lille a young central midfield option with experience of football in both academy and senior-development settings. His move also represents a change of domestic system, with the player leaving Swiss competition for a place in French under-19 football.

He has yet to make an appearance in the 2026-27 Promotion League campaign, with FC Zurich U21 having played five possible matches before his departure. Coulibaly now continues his development with Lille’s under-19 side.

The completed transfer moves the teenager from FC Zurich U21 to LOSC Lille U19 on 4 September 2026.