Khalis Merah
French footballer (born 2007)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Khalis Merah (born 24 February 2007) is a French professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ligue 1 club Lyon.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 24 February 2007 | ||
| Place of birth | Meyzieu, France[1] | ||
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Position | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Lyon | ||
| Number | 44 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2012–2015 | US Meyzieu | ||
| 2016–2025 | Lyon | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2025– | Lyon B | 4 | (0) |
| 2025– | Lyon | 16 | (0) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2023 | France U16 | 2 | (0) |
| 2025– | France U19 | 4 | (2) |
| 2025– | France U20 | 2 | (0) |
|
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 8 March 2026 ‡ National team caps and goals as of 18 November 2025 | |||
Club career
Born in Meyzieu in the Metropolis of Lyon, Merah started his youth career at the local US Meyzieu. In July 2016, he joined the youth academy of region giants Lyon.[2]
On 24 February 2025, on his 18th birthday, Merah signed his first professional contract with Lyon, tying him to the club until June 2027.[3] He captained Lyon under-19s side during the 2024–25 season, before being integrated to Lyon reserves team that the end of the season, where he made his senior debut at the Championnat National 3.[4][5]
Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Merah was promoted to Lyon's first team by coach Paulo Fonseca.[6][7] He earned his first official appearance for Lyon on 16 August 2025 in a 1–0 away win over Lens during the first matchday of the 2025–26 Ligue 1, coming in as a substitute in the 66th minute.[8] Shortly after his professional debut, on 26 August, Merah extended his contract with Lyon until 2029.[9] Five days later, he earned his first start for Les Gones, playing 71 minutes in the 1–0 victory over Marseille in the Choc des Olympiques.[10] Following his impressive performances, Merah was given the Pépite du mois award for the best youth talent of the month in Ligue 1.[11]
International career
Merah appeared twice for France U16 in March 2023.[12]
In October 2025, Merah was initially called up to France U20 squad for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, but Lyon refused to release the player as the competition was held outside the FIFA International Match Calendar.[13]
Playing style
Merah is a versatile midfielder. He is capable of anchoring the midfield as a defensive midfielder and as a central midfielder.[14][15] Despite his once slight physique, he has compensated with exceptional positional awareness. He is also known for his proficiency in set pieces.[16][17]
Personal life
Merah was born and raised in France to parents of Algerian descent.[18]
Career statistics
- As of match played 8 March 2026
- Appearance(s) in Premier League International Cup
- Appearances in UEFA Europa League