Babe Diarra: Mali defender joins Al-Hilal from Stade Malien on long-term deal

Mali centre-back Babe Diarra has joined Sudanese giants Al-Hilal from Stade Malien on a long-term contract running until June 2030.

The 23-year-old defender makes the move ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, leaving his homeland to continue his career with the Omdurman club. The transfer marks a significant step for Diarra, who has established himself as a regular at continental level for Stade Malien.

Diarra, a right-footed central defender standing at 1.83m, has already built up notable experience in African competition despite his age. He played 12 matches in the CAF Champions League for Stade Malien, clocking 1,080 minutes in the tournament and featuring throughout their campaign at that level.

His performances in those games have now earned him a switch to Al-Hilal, one of the most prominent clubs in Sudanese football and regular participants in CAF competitions. The move also represents Diarra’s first venture outside Mali, having previously been on the books of Stade Malien.

Born on 23 January 2003, Diarra will be 27 when his new deal expires, giving Al-Hilal several peak years of the defender’s career. The length of the contract underlines the club’s commitment to integrating him into their defensive set-up over multiple seasons.

Diarra’s transfer from Stade Malien to Al-Hilal was completed on 16 July 2026, with the Malian centre-back now officially registered as an Al-Hilal player until 2030.