Imourane Hassane: a first for Benin

Transferred from Loto-Popo FC to Grasshopper Zürich, Imourane Hassane has become the first player trained in Benin to join a European first division club directly.

Since April 2025, Imourane Hassane has officially been a Grasshopper Zürich player, after the Swiss club exercised the purchase option from Benin's Loto-Popo FC. With a transfer fee of over 248 million CFA francs, this move marks the most significant transfer ever recorded for a locally trained player. According to Wilfrido Ayibatin, Loto-Popo's general manager speaking to Gaskiyani, it’s a historic moment:

It's a double historic first for Beninese football. Not only is Imourane the first to make a direct leap to a European top flight, but this transfer also reaches a record figure of over 248 million CFA francs.

For him, this moment is the culmination of patient work and a consistent policy:

This shows that our league is producing competitive players. It also validates the government's vision, which has heavily invested in sports infrastructure.

But beyond the pride, this transfer also highlights a major economic opportunity for Beninese clubs:

The amount generated by this deal is almost four times the usual annual state subsidy. This proves that player sales can become a key revenue stream and ensure the financial autonomy of clubs—provided solid business models are built.

The Loto-Popo general manager also emphasized the crucial role of public partners:

The Benin National Lottery, under the leadership of the head of state, enabled us to structure our sports project. Thanks to this stability, young talents like Imourane can now dream of Europe—and make it a reality.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr