Bienvenu Joachim Vigninou has completed a transfer to Rayon Sports FC, with the Kigali-based club confirming the arrival of the 22-year-old Beninese striker during the January transfer window as they seek to strengthen their attacking options.
The announcement, made earlier this week, brings to an end his latest spell at Loto-Popo FC in the Celtiis Ligue Pro of Benin, where he has spent the majority of his short but eventful career.
For Rayon Sports, one of the most decorated clubs in Rwanda, the signing is viewed as a statement of intent as they attempt to close the gap on long-time rivals APR FC, who have dominated the domestic landscape in recent seasons.
Born on 26 July 2003, Vigninou has progressed rapidly through the ranks of Beninese football.
A product of the Loto-Popo system, he first drew attention with a series of influential displays that underlined his blend of technical ability, pace and an instinct for goal, attributes that soon marked him out as one of the most exciting young forwards in the country.
His development was further highlighted on the international stage, where he represented Benin at both under-20 and under-23 level.
Among the standout moments of that period was his participation at the 2023 UFOA U20 tournament in Abidjan, a competition in which he scored and delivered performances that showcased his maturity and composure against regional opposition.
The following year brought his first taste of football outside the continent.
In 2024, Vigninou joined Israeli second-division side Maccabi Herzliya, an experience that allowed him to test himself in a new environment.
He featured in a number of fixtures across the Toto Cup and league competition, finding the net on several occasions before returning to Loto-Popo FC midway through the 2024/25 season.
That return proved to be brief, however, as interest in his services continued to build.
Rayon Sports have now moved decisively, securing his signature as part of their mid-season recruitment drive.
The club is betting on his youth, energy and attacking flair to inject renewed dynamism into a forward line that has struggled at times to match the consistency of their domestic rivals.
For Vigninou, the switch represents another important step in a career that has already crossed borders and continents.
Moving to the Rwandan Primus League offers him the chance to establish himself in a competitive setting while continuing his progression as an international prospect.
Rayon Sports supporters will be hoping that his powerful left foot, combined with the sharp movement and finishing that characterised his time in Benin, can translate quickly to his new surroundings.
With the Kigali club eager to challenge the established order, the arrival of a striker eager to prove himself could prove timely.
As he begins this new chapter in East Africa, the young Beninese forward carries not only the expectations of his new employers but also the growing reputation he has built across several leagues.
For a player still in the early stages of his journey, the move to Rayon Sports may yet become one of the defining moments in a career that is gathering pace.
