Issa Habri: Rennes reward youngster with first professional contract

French Ligue 1 club Rennes have rewarded Morocco U-20 international Issa Habri with his first professional contract.

L’appétit du Lion 𝙙𝙚 𝙡’𝘼𝙩𝙡𝙖𝙨 🆕

✍️ Issa Habri a signé son premier contrat professionnel. Le défenseur, notamment international marocain U20, poursuit l’aventure en Rouge et Noir.

Depuis 2021, jusqu’en 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖, félicitations Issa.

— Stade Rennais F.C. (@staderennais) March 5, 2026

The Morocco U20 international has signed his first professional contract with Rennes until 2028 having been at the club’s youth side since 2021.

The 20-year-old left-back, who can also play as a wing-back, was a finalist at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt where Morocco lost 1-0 in the final to South Africa.

Habri was among four youth players that were awarded professional contracts by Rennes as the Ligue 1 one outfit look to strengthen their bench.

He joins Kilian Belazzoug, Nordan Mukiele and Gabonese international Jonathan Do Marcolino to sign their first professional contracts with Rennes.

The decision by the French club to award Issa Habri his first professional contract reflects the club’s continued commitment to developing young talent through its academy system. Over the years, the French clubhave built a strong reputation in French football for producing promising players who later go on to play key roles in both domestic and international competitions.

Issa Habri joined the  French clubyouth academy in 2021 and has steadily progressed through the club’s development structure. Known for his defensive discipline and ability to contribute in attack, the young left-back has impressed coaches with his consistency and tactical awareness. His versatility also allows him to operate effectively as a wing-back, providing additional width and attacking support down the flank.

The Moroccan youth international gained further recognition during the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he played an important role in helping Morocco reach the final. Although the team narrowly lost to South Africa, Habri’s performances throughout the tournament highlighted his potential and attracted attention from football observers.

By offering him a long-term contract until 2028, Rennes are showing confidence in the defender’s ability to continue developing and eventually challenge for a place in the senior squad. The club has previously integrated several academy graduates into the first team, and Habri will be hoping to follow a similar path in the coming seasons.

For young players, signing a first professional contract is an important milestone in their careers. It not only provides stability but also signals trust from the coaching staff and club management. Habri will now focus on continuing his development and working hard to earn opportunities with the first team in Ligue 1.

Rennes supporters will also be eager to see how the young defender progresses over the next few years. With the club continuing to invest in youth development, players like Issa Habri represent the future of the team and could play a significant role in Rennes’ ambitions both in domestic competitions and on the European stage.

Habri’s development at Rennes has been closely monitored by the club’s technical staff, who believe the young defender has the potential to grow into an important player in the future. His ability to read the game, combine defensive awareness with attacking runs, and maintain composure under pressure has made him one of the promising prospects within the club’s academy structure.

For the Moroccan youth international, the next challenge will be to continue improving and adapting to the higher demands of professional football. With guidance from the Rennes coaching staff and opportunities to train alongside experienced players, Issa Habri will be hoping to gradually earn his place in the senior team and make his mark in Ligue 1 in the coming seasons.