Former Senegal striker Demba Ba has taken the next step in his post-playing career after being appointed sporting director of Le Havre AC ahead of the new Ligue 1 season.
The 40-year-old joins Le Havre from USL Dunkerque, where he spent the past three years building a reputation as one of the most promising football executives in French football.
Ba’s work at Dunkerque, particularly in recruitment, squad development and long-term sporting strategy, reportedly impressed Le Havre’s leadership, who have now entrusted him with overseeing the club’s sporting operations.
His new role will see him take responsibility for player recruitment, talent identification, squad planning and the overall sporting direction of the club as Le Havre seek to consolidate their position in Ligue 1.
The appointment marks another significant milestone in Ba’s transition from player to executive following a distinguished playing career that spanned Europe and Asia.
Widely respected for his professionalism and leadership, Ba enjoyed memorable spells with clubs including Chelsea FC, Newcastle United FC, West Ham United FC and Beşiktaş JK.
At international level, he earned numerous caps for Senegal and established himself as one of the country’s most recognisable football figures during his playing days.
Since retiring, Ba has steadily built a career away from the pitch, demonstrating the same ambition and football intelligence that defined his time as a striker. His tenure at Dunkerque was regarded as a success, with the club making notable progress both competitively and structurally.
Le Havre will now hope that experience can help guide the club through the challenges of Ligue 1 and support its ambitions for growth and stability in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
For Ba, the move represents a return to the forefront of elite French football, this time from the boardroom rather than the penalty area, as he looks to make his mark in a new chapter of his football journey.
