Islamdine Halifa

Islamdine Halifa is a Nîmes native who came through LSM Nîmois and then the Nîmes Olympique academy, staying with his hometown club until 2021, when Olympique Lyonnais took him on.

The high point of his time in Lyon's youth system came in 2022, when he started and played the full match in the Coupe Gambardella final against SM Caen as Lyon's U19 side lifted the trophy. He had already contributed to the run with a goal in the Round of 32 against AS Saint-Étienne. He turned professional with Lyon in 2023 but his senior football came instead through the reserves, Olympique Lyonnais B, where he made 47 appearances in Championnat National 2 and 3.

A loan to Belgian side RWD Molenbeek for the 2024–2025 season gave him his first extended taste of senior competitive football. He made 28 appearances in the Challenger Pro League, scored once, and featured in two promotion play-off matches. His form there was recognised locally when supporters named him the club's Player of the Month in October 2024.

Halifa returned to Lyon at the end of that loan before moving on a free transfer to Red Star FC in August 2025, signing a contract to 2027. At international level, he represented France at U20 level, winning four caps in 2023. Comorian by heritage, he plays as a defensive midfielder and favours his right foot.