Boubakar Dembaga: Franco-Malian midfielder joins Charleroi from Monaco U21

Franco-Malian midfielder Boubakar Dembaga has joined Belgian side R Charleroi SC from Monaco U21, completing a move that takes him into senior first-team football for the first time.

The 20-year-old defensive midfielder, born in Aulnay-sous-Bois and standing at 1.91m, arrives in the Jupiler Pro League after progressing through Monaco’s youth and under-21 set-up. He officially joined the Belgian club on 15 July 2026.

Dembaga, who plays primarily as a holding midfielder and is right-footed, has built his reputation in youth competitions in France and Europe. Across domestic under-19 leagues, the UEFA Youth League and the Premier League International Cup at under-21 level, he has gained experience against a range of continental opposition.

For Monaco’s youth sides, Dembaga made over 40 appearances in competitive youth fixtures, contributing goals and an assist from midfield while accumulating more than 3,000 minutes on the pitch. That run included outings in France’s National U19 groups, the Coupe Gambardella and European youth competition, underlining steady exposure to high-level development football.

His move to Charleroi marks his first step into a top-flight senior league, with Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League offering a platform to translate his youth-level experience into regular professional action. Capable of screening the defence and operating at the base of midfield, he adds height and physical presence to the Belgian club’s options in the centre of the pitch.

Dembaga is now registered as an R Charleroi SC player following his transfer from Monaco U21.