Hacene Benali joins Pau FC from Red Star in Ligue 2 move

Algerian-French centre-forward Hacene Benali has joined Pau FC from Red Star FC, strengthening the Ligue 2 club’s attacking options with an experienced 26-year-old striker.

Benali’s move was completed on 31 July 2026 after three seasons with Red Star, whom he joined from Concarneau in August 2021. He made the switch to Red Star as a free transfer and established himself in French football’s professional and semi-professional divisions.

The Poitiers-born forward has recorded 56 Ligue 2 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists. He has also made 123 appearances in the French third tier, where he scored 32 goals and delivered 10 assists.

Benali’s career includes a French third-tier championship, while his experience also extends to the Coupe de France, in which he has scored five times in 15 appearances. His record across the competition reflects a player who has operated regularly as a central striker since beginning his senior career.

Before moving into Ligue 2, Benali played for Concarneau and Stade Poitevin. He joined Concarneau from Stade Poitevin in 2019, having developed in the Poitevin setup after earlier involvement with Migne-Auxances and S.Poitevin’s under-19 side.

The 1.82m forward is right-footed and joins Pau after Red Star’s promotion-level campaign in Ligue 2. Both clubs compete in the same division, meaning Benali remains in France’s second tier while changing clubs for the 2026-27 season.

Benali’s arrival adds a striker with experience across Ligue 2, the third tier and domestic cup football to Pau’s squad. His career statistics include 213 minutes per goal in Ligue 3 and 199 minutes per goal in Ligue 2, underlining his record of contributing goals at different levels of the French game.

The Algeria and France international-nationality player now continues his career in Pau’s colours, with the club becoming the fourth senior side of his career after Stade Poitevin, Concarneau and Red Star.

The transfer from Red Star FC to Pau FC was completed on 31 July 2026.