From Ronaldo’s Al Nassr to Rennes: AFCON winner returns to Europe after Saudi adventure

Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana has completed a dramatic return to European football, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with Ligue 1 side Rennes after a brief stint in Saudi Arabia, Soccernet.football reports.

The former RC Lens captain, who was pivotal in their second-place Ligue 1 finish in 2022-23, is now tasked with revitalizing Rennes’ season.

Rennes, currently languishing in 12th place, are banking on Fofana’s experience and leadership to help them recover from an underwhelming start.

“There are some talented players at Rennes, and I don’t think the club is where it should be,” Fofana said during his unveiling. “We have the chance to turn things around quickly, and I’m eager to help us achieve that.”

Fofana, 29, arrives in Brittany after a whirlwind six months in Saudi Arabia.

He initially joined Al Nassr in July 2023, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, before being loaned to Al-Ettifaq.

Fofana’s time in Saudi football followed a standout tenure at Lens, where he scored 21 goals and provided 12 assists in 112 appearances. His efforts helped Lens mount an extraordinary title challenge, finishing just one point behind Paris Saint-Germain in the 2022-23 season.

A product of Paris FC, FC Lorient, and Manchester City’s youth systems, Fofana began his professional career with stints at Fulham and Bastia before joining Udinese in 2016.

During four consistent seasons in Serie A, he exceeded 30 appearances each year, notching 13 goals and 12 assists. Lens made him their marquee signing in 2020, and he quickly became a key figure, combining physicality with creativity in midfield.

Internationally, Fofana has made 25 appearances for Ivory Coast, playing a critical role in their triumphant 2024 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

His arrival at Rennes is seen as a significant coup for the club, who hope his leadership can steer them toward their ambitions.