Olympique Lyonnais (OL) has extended its professional squad with the inclusion of 21-year-old goalkeeper Lassine Diarra, marking his maiden call-up to the senior team after previously representing Mali’s under-23 side.
Standing at an impressive height of 1.95 meters, Diarra will grace the bench at Parc OL this Saturday during the clash against Stade de Reims, a pivotal fixture in the 27th round of the French Ligue 1 championship.
While his chances of taking to the field remain slender, given the presence of Anthony Lopes and understudy Lucas Perri, Diarra’s inaugural selection with the senior squad signifies a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Hailing from Aspire, a renowned Qatari academy based in Dakar, Senegal, Diarra transitioned to FC Lakika, a club situated in Niamakoro, a suburb of Bamako, Mali. Spending nearly a decade honing his skills there, Diarra embarked on a new chapter by joining La Berrichonne de Châteauroux in the summer of 2022.
During his tenure with the Indre-based club’s reserves, he showcased his prowess by featuring in 10 matches in the National 3 league (French fourth division) last season.
Additionally, Diarra earned several opportunities with the first-team squad in National 1 towards the culmination of the campaign. Following the expiration of his contract with La Berri, he inked a deal with OL last summer.
Having made five appearances for the Gones’ reserve team, conceding four goals in the process, Diarra’s elevation to the senior squad is a testament to his rapid progression.
His maiden inclusion among the seasoned campaigners arrives merely months after his arrival at the club, underscoring the promise and potential he embodies.
Diarra’s ascent to the forefront of OL’s professional setup heralds a bright future for the talented shot-stopper.
As he embarks on this new phase of his journey, all eyes will be on Diarra as he seeks to leave an indelible mark on the storied legacy of Olympique Lyonnais.
🚨 Lassine Diarra (21 ans) est convoqué pour la première fois avec le groupe professionnel de l’Olympique Lyonnais ! 🦁
Le gardien international U23 est arrivé cet été au club 🇲🇱 pic.twitter.com/PjSPbh0Q0d
— Les Aigles Du Mali 🇲🇱🦅 (@AiglesDuMali_) March 30, 2024
