French-Cameroonian forward Marco Essimi has completed a move from French side USL Dunkerque to Portuguese club FC Alverca, marking a significant step forward in his career after two impressive seasons in Ligue 2.
The 27-year-old striker has signed a three-year contract with Alverca, who recently secured promotion to Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
The transfer officially ends Essimi’s spell with Dunkerque, where he established himself as one of the club’s notable attacking performers and attracted attention through a series of eye-catching displays in France’s second division.
For the forward, the move represents a first opportunity to play in Portugal’s top flight and potentially opens the door to greater visibility on the European stage.
Essimi leaves Dunkerque after building a reputation as a dynamic winger capable of scoring and creating goals.
Across all competitions during his time with the French club, he contributed 10 goals and eight assists.
One of the defining moments of his stay came in September 2025, when he scored a remarkable hat-trick in only 34 minutes against Amiens SC, a performance that generated widespread attention across Ligue 2.
That display helped reinforce his growing status as an attacking player capable of influencing matches decisively, and it now appears to have played a role in attracting interest from abroad.
FC Alverca, newly promoted to the Portuguese first division, moved quickly to secure his services as they prepare for the challenge of competing at a higher level next season.
The Portuguese league has increasingly become an important destination for African and Franco-African footballers seeking development opportunities and exposure within European football.
Clubs in Portugal have long been recognised for providing a platform for players to progress before potentially moving to larger leagues across Europe.
For Cameroonian football observers, Essimi’s transfer will also be followed closely because of the possibility that regular football in the Primeira Liga could strengthen his chances of international recognition.
Although he has not yet featured for Cameroon’s senior national team, the move to Portugal could place him more firmly on the radar of the Indomitable Lions setup if he adapts successfully to top-flight football.
USL Dunkerque paid tribute to the player following confirmation of the transfer, thanking him for his professionalism and contribution during his spell at the club.
The French side acknowledged the impact he made while wearing the club’s colours, particularly during memorable performances that helped raise his profile in Ligue 2.
Essimi’s move also reflects the growing links between Francophone African football talent and the Portuguese league, which continues to recruit heavily from French football markets.
