Jeanuël Belocian: Who is the Bayer Leverkusen and France U21 defender?
Bayer Leverkusen made Jeanuël Belocian their first signing since winning a Bundesliga-DFB Cup double in 2023/24. bundesliga.com has the scoop on the up-and-coming defensive specialist…
Data correct as of 12 July 2024
Jeanuël Belocian
Age: 19 (born 17 February 2005)
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Position: Centre-back/ left-back/ central midfield
Country: France (28 youth caps)
Key stats
Guadeloupe-born Belocian has signed a five-year deal with Leverkusen, valid through to 30 June 2029. He is a product of the Rennes youth academy, having first joined the French club at the age of 15. The 6'0" defender made his senior debut in March 2022 - his first of 39 competitive appearances in Rennes colours. He featured in 23 Ligue 1 games in 2023/24, ranking in the top 77th percentile for tackles won per 90 minutes, as well as the top 99th percentile for progressive passes. Now a France U21 international, he was previously part of the U17s team that won the 2022 UEFA European Championship.
Plays a bit like: David Alaba
Being a left-footed central defender isn’t all that Belocian has in common with former Bayern Munich man David Alaba. Like the Real Madrid and Austria all-rounder, he can operate at left-back or even in central midfield. He also has the necessary composure to dribble out from the back and the passing range to go long or short.
Did you know?
Jeanuël's older brother, Wilhem, is an Olympic hurdler and sprinter, who won bronze at the 2016 European Championships and gold at the 2021 Indoors. He also collected multiple accolades at youth level.
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What they're saying
"Jeanuël Belocian is a great talent, but already has a lot of experience at the highest level in France. He has the ability to pass well and also has outstanding athleticism. He has the potential to become an important player for Bayer." - Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes
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