Red Star lean on local roots as Paris region core shapes identity | OneFootball

Red Star, fourth in Ligue 2, host Pau on Friday at 20:00. According to L'Équipe, half the squad hail from the Paris region as the club leans into a distinctive local identity.

Pape Meïssa Ba said he had many approaches but did not hesitate to return because the club feels like home. The forward, who hit 24 in 46 in National in 2021-2022, highlights a family culture that welcomes players quickly.

Academy striker Jovany Ikanga joined aged five and only left for a National loan at Dijon in 2024-2025. He says that family culture has always been present and that their bond underpins this season. Kévin Cabral, signed last summer from MLS, grew up in Ris-Orangis, trained at Paris-SG, and says a local-heavy dressing room helps everyone give their best.

Captain Ryad Hachem says many in the squad shared similar upbringings and crossed paths at youth level, deepening attachment to the badge. He calls Île-de-France one of Europe’s richest talent pools and says it is important that Red Star, representing Paris and its suburbs, keep leaning on local youth.

The club inaugurated its academy at the end of the summer. President Patrice Haddad says the team largely comes from the region and hopes, one day, it will be formed by Red Star itself. He calls the club cultural and creative, historic yet contemporary, united by belonging to a territory.

Hachem also cites a 93 mindset of perseverance and says a multicultural crowd reflects Paris and its banlieue.

Source: L'Équipe