Mouad Gounfissi has taken a new step in his progression. At just 16 years old, the Moroccan central defender made his first appearance with the first team of LOSC during a friendly match won against RAAL La Louvière (3-0) on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Domaine de Luchin.
The player, born in 2009, came on right after the break in place of Kamel Hamidi. He thus played the entire second half alongside Isaac Cossier, who was also introduced at halftime. The Lille coaching staff made eleven changes at the break to observe several young players during this preparatory match.
Lille took the lead in the first half thanks to Soriba Diaoune, who scored in the 32nd minute, before Gaëtan Perrin doubled the score in stoppage time. Cossier, who came on at halftime, then scored Lille’s third goal in the 83rd minute. The LOSC managed to keep a clean sheet, with Gounfissi at the heart of the defense during the last 45 minutes.
This appearance recalls the early beginnings of Ayyoub Bouaddi, who was also launched very young by the northern club. The Moroccan midfielder made his first-team debut at 16 during an official UEFA Europa Conference League match against KÍ Klaksvík in October 2023. Bouaddi then gradually established himself among the professionals, a path that can now serve as a reference for the young defender.
As a Moroccan international in the youth categories, Mouad Gounfissi will still need to confirm during the summer preparation. However, this first appearance with the professionals is an encouraging sign and demonstrates Lille’s confidence in the young talents of its training center.
