Kilian Belazzoug impresses in Stade Rennais FC friendlies this summer
Stade Rennais FC is banking on a young Algerian goalkeeper to bolster its bench. Kilian Belazzoug, 20, has starred in the Merlus' pre-season friendlies and is closing in on his professional debut.
Called up to Algeria's senior squad in March without playing, the 1.98m tall stopper featured in both of Stade Rennais FC' opening pre-season fixtures. On July 9, Stade Rennais FC lost 2-1 to SM Caen. Then, on July 12, the Ligue 1 side beat EA Guingamp 3-1 - Belazzoug guessed the right way on a conceded penalty.
Why is this Algerian keeper on Stade Rennais FC' radar?
Belazzoug, a Stade Rennais FC academy product, is now in the running for the backup role behind Brice Samba. The French international, who left for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Les Bleus, has left a gap in the Stade Rennais FC squad. The club signed Nicolas Lemaitre, 29, from Troyes this summer to challenge the young Algerian.
Right now, Belazzoug and Lemaitre are battling for the number-two spot behind Samba. Both keepers will need to impress in upcoming friendlies and training sessions to secure their place in the pecking order.
What's next for Belazzoug?
The young stopper still has work to do before earning regular first-team football. But his pre-season performances could fast-track his integration into the senior squad. Stade Rennais FC is playing through a packed pre-season schedule ahead of the Ligue 1 restart in August.
If Belazzoug delivers, he could become Samba's ideal backup or even push for a bigger role in the coming months. The Breton club is betting on youth to shape its future.
