Istres FC strengthen defence with Comoros-France centre-back Ahmed Soilihi

Comoros and France defender Ahmed Soilihi has joined Istres FC from SC Toulon on a free transfer, returning to the club where he began his senior career.

The 30-year-old centre-back becomes an Istres player after one season with Toulon, for whom he played in National 1 – Group C. Soilihi previously joined Toulon from Quevilly-Rouen Metropole in August 2025, also on a free transfer.

Soilihi is a right-footed defender standing 1.85m tall. His arrival adds a player with extensive experience in France’s lower divisions, including 55 National 1 appearances and two assists across spells in Groups A and C.

He has also recorded 114 appearances in Ligue 3, with two assists, as well as 13 matches in National 2 – Group A. His domestic experience includes 12 Coupe de France appearances.

The move marks a return to familiar surroundings for Soilihi, who came through Istres’ youth system. He joined Istres FC Under-17s from Caillolais in 2011 before progressing to the club’s Under-19 team and then the senior side.

Soilihi left Istres for GS Consolat Marseille in July 2017. He later represented Athletico Marseille and Quevilly-Rouen Metropole before moving to FC Martigues in January 2022 after a period without a club.

His career has also included a spell outside France with Georgian side Dinamo Batumi, whom he joined from Martigues in July 2024. He then returned to French football with Quevilly-Rouen Metropole before continuing to Toulon.

The defender now returns to Istres after a season in the same National 1 group as his new club. His previous club and new club have therefore competed in the same division, while his earlier time in the Istres setup provides a direct link to the club.

Soilihi’s transfer was completed on 3 August 2026.