Ismael Drame joins US Orleans after Nimes Olympique departure

French-Guinean centre-back Ismael Drame has joined US Orleans from Nimes Olympique, switching clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Drame, 25, moves to the Ligue 3 club after one season with Nimes, whom he joined from Les Herbiers in July 2025. The defender’s move to Orleans was completed on 24 August 2026.

Born in Laval, Drame stands at 1.86m and is a right-footed central defender. He began his football education with Stade Laval, progressing from the club’s youth setup to its under-19 side before moving into senior football with Angers SCO B in July 2019.

He spent four seasons with Angers’ reserve side before joining SO Cholet in July 2023. Drame then moved to Les Herbiers the following summer, with that switch recorded as a free transfer.

His arrival at Nimes came in the same way in July 2025, following his departure from Les Herbiers. After a season with the National 1 side, he has now taken the next step by moving to Orleans.

Drame’s career has so far been built around French football, with his route taking him from youth football in Laval through reserve and senior sides in the national divisions. His latest move keeps him in France while taking him to a new club competing in Ligue 3.

The defender’s highest recorded market value was €100,000, reached during his time with Les Herbiers. No transfer fee has been disclosed for his move from Nimes to Orleans.

Drame has represented both France and Guinea in terms of nationality, while his club career has remained in France. His switch to Orleans gives the club a defender with experience of playing for Angers SCO B, SO Cholet, Les Herbiers and Nimes Olympique.

The move was registered on 24 August 2026, with Drame leaving Nimes after their 2025-26 campaign and joining Orleans for the new season. The transfer brings his spell at Nimes to an end and marks his latest club change since entering senior football.

Ismael Drame is now a US Orleans player after completing his move from Nimes Olympique.