Boulaye DIA

Born in Oyonnax, in France, in November 1996, striker Boulaye Dia began his footballing journey as a youth with his local club, PVFC Oyonnax, and then with Jura Sud Foot, before eventually making his first steps as a semi-professional with Jura Sud in the 2017/2018 season. He would attract plenty of attention, scoring 15 goals in 21 matches for the club. Stade de Reims came in to secure his services in 2018. At first, Dia was given a chance to prove his worth in the Reserves, before being promoted to the First Team. In 88 appearances with the professionals, he would score 28 goals for Reims. After his first cap with the Senegal national team in 2020, Dia was given a chance in Spain with Villareal. His first season saw him notch 7 goals in 35 games, but thereafter he would be loaned out to Salernitana in Italy, where he would spend a successful season-and-a-half. 20 goals netted and 6 assists in his 50 appearances on the Amalfi Coast between 2022 and 2024. In the Summer of 2024, Lazio came in to sign the Senegalese International striker, where he would spend two seasons. During his time in the Italian capital city, he would win the AFCON Championships against Morocco in the final, only to see the title withdrawn by the African Federation after Senegal's team had left the pitch in protest over a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco. With Stade Rennais seeking reinforcements in attack, after the sale of Breel Embolo, the Breton club signed Dia on loan, with a buyout clause, at the end of the Summer transfer window on 1st September 2026.