Rayan Zidane has signed his first professional contract with Bayer Leverkusen, marking a significant milestone in the young midfielder’s promising career.
The 16-year-old, who joined the German club’s Under-17 side earlier this year, has been rewarded with a professional deal that will keep him at the Bundesliga outfit until June 2028.
Despite having made just four appearances for the U17 team since his arrival in January, Zidane has impressed Leverkusen’s technical staff enough to earn a long-term commitment.
Born in Düsseldorf, Zidane holds Algerian nationality and has recently been called up to represent Algeria at the Under-17 level.
His rapid progression through the youth ranks has caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike, leading to what many see as an early but well-deserved opportunity at the professional level.
The three-year contract, signed shortly after Zidane turned 16, signals Leverkusen’s confidence in the young midfielder’s potential.
The club has a strong track record of nurturing young talent, and Zidane now joins a growing list of players being groomed for the senior squad through a well-structured development pathway.
Although his time on the pitch with Bayer Leverkusen’s U17s has been brief, Zidane has shown maturity beyond his years in both training and competitive matches.
His technical ability, vision, and composure in midfield have reportedly made a strong impression on the coaching staff, who view him as one of the most exciting young prospects within the academy setup.
The decision to offer a professional contract so soon into his spell at the club reflects not only Zidane’s natural talent but also Leverkusen’s strategy of locking in promising players early in their careers.
The move aims to create stability and foster growth by allowing young talents the time and space to develop within the club’s system.
Zidane’s recent inclusion in Algeria’s U17 national team setup further highlights his growing reputation on the international stage.
With dual eligibility through birth and heritage, he has chosen to represent Algeria at youth level, a decision that has been welcomed by the Algerian Football Federation as they continue to scout emerging talents across Europe.
His development will now be closely monitored as he begins life under a professional contract. The coming years will be crucial as Zidane works to progress through the youth tiers and eventually earn a place in Leverkusen’s senior squad.
With the club competing regularly in both domestic and European competitions, the pathway to top-level football remains open for those who can consistently perform and adapt.
For now, Rayan Zidane’s signing stands as a statement of belief in his future. As one of the youngest professionals in the Bundesliga system, all eyes will be on how the talented Algerian midfielder navigates the next chapter of his footballing journey.
