He emerged from anonymity at the start of the year, and since then there’s been no stopping him. At the age of 21, Djaoui Cissé has become an important element for Habib Beye’s Stade Rennais. A subtle and creative midfielder, the Juvisy-sur-Orge (Essonne) native displays a thoughtful personality off the pitch but on it, things are different. A true footballer, who makes an impact with his vertical passes and very particular movements, within a few games he has regained the confidence he lacked at the start of the season.
In tune with Rennes’ last three matches in Ligue 1, like his colleagues Jérémy Jacquet and Kader Meïté, who are also in good form at the moment, Cissé adapts to the France Espoirs team that faces the Faroe Islands at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, this Monday at 9 pm.
Among the Bleuets, he revealed himself to everyone’s surprise last summer, when he was not even on the list initially selected for the European Championship. Initially a substitute, he eventually became the obvious choice for coach Gérald Baticle who made him the hub in midfield.
Since the tournament held in Slovakia, where he scored three goals, there have been many requests for Djaoui Cissé who found a very unfamiliar environment compared to the one he encountered previously in the reserve team of the Breton club. Uncomfortable in front of a microphone, as a homebody in everyday life, he learns to navigate the not always simple world of professional football. This summer, several clubs tried to poach him, but the door was double closed on the Stade Rennais side who extended his contract at the end of September until 2030, with a salary increase at stake.
This may not be the only extension the player will sign this season. It is true that the transfer window for equipment manufacturers also concerns Djaoui Cissé, whose contract with Puma expires next June. The brand owned by the Artemis group, the parent company of the Pinault family, shareholders of Stade Rennais, has still not renewed its commitment to Ile-de-France talent.
At the same time, at least three major branches had decided to raise their pawns to convince him to change the creamery. Apart from Puma who insists on defending it, Adidas, Nike and Under Armor have already made their arguments, according to our information. It is too early to comment on his choice, but Djaoui Cissé is not only attracting the attention of observers on the pitch. Behind the scenes, his name is increasingly popular.
