Ilyes Bennane (19/01/2011) is officially a professional player of the Mauves. The attacking midfielder, who has just turned 15, has signed his first professional contract. The right-footed midfielder is now tied to the club until 2028.
Like former RSCA captain Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ilyes was born and raised in Verviers. He arrived at Neerpede at the age of 13. Within Sporting’s youth teams, he won the U15 title, played the final of the Al-Wahda International Youth Tournament against FC Barcelona, and impressed at the KDB Cup.
On the pitch, Ilyes gives free rein to his creativity. Comfortable on the ball, he is known for finding the spaces easily and possesses excellent shooting technique.
At the start of 2024, Ilyes also became the youngest Belgian youth international ever. At 13 years and one month old, he made his debut in an international match against England, making him 20 months younger than the previous record holder, Romelu Lukaku.
In March 2024, he received his first call-up to a Moroccan youth national team and scored twice in friendly matches against Zambia. In November 2024, he even captained his side against football giant Spain.
Ilyes is part of the talented 2011 generation and now becomes the first of that generation to sign a professional contract, on his 15th birthday.
Félicitations, Ilyes.
