Habib Beye earns Rennes extension after securing Ligue 1 survival

Stade Rennais has extended the contract of their head coach, Habib Beye. The former Senegal international was tasked with saving the Breton club from relegation, a mission he successfully accomplished with three games to spare.

Beye, 47, was appointed coach of Rennes in late January 2025. The club had struggled in the French Ligue 1 during the first half of the season but things turned around after his arrival. Rennes have now secured their place in next season’s Ligue 1, which automatically triggered a one-year extension in Beye’s contract. He is now signed with the club until 2026.

The former Red Star FC coach is making his top-flight coaching debut in Europe. His appointment came shortly before Stade Reims made history by naming former Mali international Samba Diawara as their head coach in February.

Speaking to L’Équipe, Beye said his extension was not surprising given Rennes’ league status this season. “My clause is clear. If the club is in Ligue 1, I automatically have another year. So it is official,” said the former Marseille and Newcastle United right back.

Rennes are currently 11th with 38 points. They will face Toulouse away on Saturday, May 3.