RC Lens have confirmed that young striker Samuel Die has signed his first professional contract with the French club, marking a major milestone in the career of the 20-year-old forward of Ivorian descent.
The club announced the development through its official website and social media platforms, confirming that Die has committed his future to the Ligue 1 side until 2029.
Die’s rise is the result of a steady development pathway that began in the Loire region of France before he joined the Le Mans FC youth academy in 2020.
Two years later, he made another important move when he arrived at Lens in 2023, where he has continued his progression within the club’s renowned youth structure.
At Lens, the striker initially featured for the Under-19 side, where he quickly established himself as a reliable attacking presence.
In his first full season, he scored seven goals and provided two assists, helping the U19 team finish fourth in their league campaign.
His performances also earned him exposure to European competition during the 2023/24 season, when he was included in the club’s UEFA Youth League squad.
Die made an appearance as a substitute in a 1-0 away victory over Sevilla, gaining valuable experience on the continental stage.
The following season proved to be a breakthrough year for the young forward. As a regular starter for the U19s, he scored 15 goals in 25 appearances and became one of the team’s key attacking figures.
His leadership qualities were also recognised, with the striker wearing the captain’s armband on several occasions.
His form placed him among the top scorers in the U19 competition, finishing as the third-highest scorer in his group.
He also began to feature more regularly for the club’s reserve team in National 3, making 11 appearances and further broadening his development.
Die’s progress continued as he moved into the club’s Elite squad, where he further refined his attacking skills.
Operating as a central forward, he impressed with his finishing ability, including standout performances in which he scored braces against SM Caen and Paris 13 Atletico.
Across the most recent campaign, he recorded 15 goals and five assists in 35 matches, underlining his consistency and growth in front of goal.
His development has now been rewarded with a first professional contract at RC Lens, securing his future at the club until 2029 and confirming his status as one of the promising young talents emerging from the Lens academy system.
