One to Watch: Lille's Soriba Diaoune
Lille OSC have built a reputation as one of France’s most productive academies, and Soriba Diaoune is the latest name pushing his way into the spotlight. At just 18 years old, the attacker announced himself to Ligue 1 McDonald’s in spectacular fashion during LOSC’s thrilling 4-3 victory away at AJ Auxerre.
Introduced from the bench, Diaoune needed just five minutes and nine seconds to score his first goal in the French top flight. That strike not only helped secure a memorable win for Lille, but also made him the first LOSC player born in 2007 to score in Ligue 1, a landmark moment both for the club and its academy.
Impact off the bench
Diaoune’s goal was another example of Lille’s efficiency from the substitutes’ bench this season, with LOSC now joint-top (alongside AS Monaco) for goals scored by replacements. Individually, the teenager ranked among the fastest-scoring substitutes of the campaign, underlining his instinctive attacking profile.
He also became the fifth-youngest goalscorer in Ligue 1 McDonald’s this season, placing him in select company among France’s emerging talents. More broadly, Diaoune is only the sixth player born in 2007 to score in Ligue 1 history, following previous breakthroughs at Rennes, Marseille, Angers, Strasbourg and Paris Saint-Germain.
A product of the LOSC academy
Diaoune’s rise has been carefully managed at the Domaine de Luchin. A key figure in Lille’s run to the U17 National Championship final in 2023–24, he has steadily climbed through the club’s youth ranks. Comfortable operating on the left wing or centrally behind the striker, his game is built around percussion, acceleration and directness.
Last season, he was one of the attacking leaders of Lille’s Youth League campaign, while also gaining experience with the reserves in National 3. Across U19, N3 and European youth competition, Diaoune combined regular minutes with goals and assists, while working on improving his consistency, intensity and finishing.
Genesio’s faith
After completing his first full pre-season with the senior squad and featuring in all of Lille’s summer friendlies, Diaoune has begun to earn trust under Bruno Genesio. Even limited opportunities have been maximised: on his Ligue 1 debut, he registered an assist within minutes and came close to scoring with a strike off the crossbar.
“He’s a player with a lot of qualities – speed, generosity in his runs, and he’s progressing in front of goal,” said Genesio, who also highlighted the wider importance of Diaoune’s emergence for the club’s long-term project and academy philosophy.
With competition fierce in Lille’s attacking ranks, Diaoune’s minutes may be carefully rationed. But his ability to make an immediate impact, combined with his versatility and academy pedigree, make him a name worth tracking as the season progresses.
Soriba Diaoune may only be at the beginning of his Ligue 1 journey – but his first steps suggest Lille have uncovered another gem.
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