From Dijon’s loft to the Bundesliga, Rayan Philippe’s startling rise at Hamburg | OneFootball

French forward Rayan Philippe, 25, once cast aside by Dijon in 2021, has rebuilt via Luxembourg and Germany and is now thriving at Hamburg with four goals in 14 Bundesliga matches.

According to L'Équipe, he came close to joining Mainz before choosing Hamburg. Four years earlier he was marginalised at Dijon, then sent on a loan to Nancy where, in 2020-21, he played 16 times without a goal or an assist.

Former Nancy coach Jean-Louis Garcia remembers a player lacking football maturity, saying he saw something in Philippe but not the spark to shine. Philippe cites a loss of confidence, feeling weighed down and regressing.

With no options after that spell, he moved to Hesperange in Luxembourg, targeting eye-catching numbers. In 2022-23 he produced 33 goals and 28 assists in 32 matches, a Europe-leading output.

Interest followed, including from Ligue 2, but he chose Eintracht Brunswick in Germany’s second tier, where over two seasons he helped them stay up with 21 league goals and 10 assists. He says that move was the best decision of his career.

Last summer Cologne, Werder Bremen, Mainz and Espanyol showed interest, yet he chose Hamburg and has settled quickly, making nine starts in the first 14 matchdays as a support striker. Coach Merlin Polzin, 35, praises his speed and finishing but wants better all-round work, especially in transition.

Philippe says he wants to reach Europe and, while distant, the national team, and is proud of his path.

Source: L'Équipe