Before dreaming of joining a renowned training centre, Joël-Emmanuel spent his youth playing for a number of clubs in the Paris region. A member of Stade Français, Boulogne-Billancourt AC, Paris FC, Paris Alesia FC and US Villejuif, Joël-Emmanuel Coulibaly has always had a taste for a challenge. Facing up to the competition at the best clubs in his region, he has never stopped progressing. Taking risks but above all making choices that pay off in the end, he joined the Stade Rennais F.C. academy in July 2020 and quickly revealed his qualities as a dynamic worker in midfield. A ball-scraper, a duel player, grinta, natural leadership and a desire to make his partners shine: qualities and skills that have also benefited the French U16 and U17 teams, with 8 caps in 2023.
Joël-Emmanuel Coulibaly :
« It's an important day because it's the result of everything that's been done since I was a little boy. I've been through good times and bad times, and this one will go down in history. I'm very happy to be able to take advantage of the quality of training at Stade Rennais, everything is top-notch here. It's a great source of pride to sign for one of the best clubs in terms of training. To follow in the footsteps of Eduardo Camavinga, Mathys Tel, Désiré Doué, Jeanuël Belocian... That can only motivate me. In football, it's not just the pitch that counts, and I'd like to thank those around me for putting me in the best possible conditions. My family and I share the same values with the club's directors. Stade Rennais is a family.
[When called up for training sessions with the pros] :
The level is very high and I'm always very well received by the group. They include me in their sessions and it's always a pleasure to train with them. I can see how far we still have to go, and we have to keep working hard, because I know that getting to the other side is pretty complicated. A lot of people want to get there but very few succeed. To make it to the pros, you have to redouble your efforts and then seize your chance. »
Denis Arnaud, Director of the Academy :
« Joël has the potential to reach the top level. There are steps to be taken, but he has a certain mentality, he's an intergenerational leader. He's an intergenerational leader. He can bridge the gap between the older and younger players. He's capable of getting others to work, compete and win. That's a rare quality, and it's important. We think he has what it takes to succeed at Stade Rennais. With this contract, we're giving him that extra bit of confidence, so that he can find the extra energy to seize his chance with the pros. He knows that nothing will be given to him, so he'll have to keep working hard. He's a real defensive midfielder who collects a lot of balls and hates defeat. His development will depend on how well he uses the ball, and that's something that will come through hard work and listening, but he has the right mentality. »
