Khalil‑Liam Kie has taken a significant step in his career by agreeing his first professional contract with Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims at just 16 years of age, the club confirmed on Saturday, 28 June.
Joining the Champagne-based side in August 2023, after progressing through the youth systems at Club Omnisports des Ulis and Montrouge, Kie quickly rose through the ranks.
Initially featuring for the U17s, he earned promotion to the U19s last season, showcasing maturity and leadership beyond his years.
Throughout the 2024/25 campaign, Kie made 11 appearances with the U19 squad, contributing one goal.
His performances also led to five outings with the Pro 2 team in National 3 (the fifth tier of French football), where he gained valuable experience of senior football’s physical intensity.
“I’m proud to sign my first professional contract with Stade de Reims,” Kie said, speaking on the club’s official website. “It’s a club driven by strong human values.
From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was joining a real family. I thank all the coaches, staff members, and everyone who works at the Club, who supported me and helped me achieve this goal.”
Standing at the heart of defence, Kie is praised for his tactical intelligence, composure under pressure, and ability to read the game.
Those attributes have earned him a place in Reims’ reserve side, Groupe Pro 2, where he will continue his development during the 2025/26 season.
Reims’ sporting director welcomed the signing as a commitment to the club’s youth-first philosophy. By offering Kie a long-term deal, the club aims to safeguard his future and integrate him into their senior structure over time.
Kie’s progression from regional youth teams to a professional setup within two years is a testament to his talent and determination.
He is now part of a professional environment that prioritises both athletic and academic growth, reflecting Reims’ approach to nurturing young players.
Next season, alongside full-time training with the U19s and reserve team, Kie will receive guidance from the club’s senior coaching staff.
Their plan is to expose him gradually to first-team training and develop his skillset in a structured yet challenging environment.
At an age where many are still navigating academic commitments, Kie faces the demands of full-time football and professional discipline.
Khalil-Liam Kie , a young Franco-Ivorian prospect, has just reached a key milestone in his young career. At just 16 years old, he has officially signed his first professional contract with Stade de Reims.
The announcement was made this Saturday, June 28th, via the Champagne club’s various official channels. The young central defender signed his first professional contract and will join Reims’ reserve team next season.
𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐥-𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐊𝐢𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥!
At just 16 years old, the young defender signed his first professional contract with Stade de Reims and will play with Groupe Pro 2 this season.
𝘍𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘒𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘭!
— Stade de Reims (@StadeDeReims) June 28, 2025
Arriving at the Rouge et Blanc in August 2023, after starting his training at the Club Omnisports des Ulis, then at Montrouge, Khalil-Liam Kie quickly distinguished himself with the U17s to be directly promoted to the U19 team during the past season.
During this season, he played 11 matches in all competitions with the U19s, scoring one goal. He also had the opportunity to experience the next level by playing five matches with the Pro 2 Group in National 3 (France’s fifth division).
Following the signing of his contract, Khalil-Liam Kie expressed his joy and pride on the club’s official website . He thanked the entire Reims team for their support throughout his career.
I’m proud to sign my first professional contract with Stade de Reims. It’s a club driven by strong human values. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was joining a real family. I thank all the coaches, staff members, and everyone who works at the Club, who supported me and helped me achieve this goal.
His adaptation to this dual responsibility will be pivotal to his long-term success.
Reims’ decision to offer Kie his first contract is a strong message to aspiring talents: youth progression is central to their identity.
It also adds to their track record of promoting academy graduates to professional status, reinforcing their reputation as a club committed to homegrown development.
As Reims look ahead to the new season, they have added a promising defender to their pipeline.
If Kie continues his upward trajectory, he could emerge as a key part of the club’s defensive structure in the coming years.
For now, signing a professional contract at 16 is a milestone moment for Kie and Stade de Reims.
It signals the beginning of what could be a promising career anchored in the club’s supportive environment, paving the way for future success at the highest level.
