Salis Abdul Samed Set for Champions League Debut as Lens Return After 20 Years
Ghana midfielder Salis Abdul Samed is on the brink of a major career milestone as RC Lens face UEFA Europa League holders Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday night, marking the French club’s return to Europe’s elite competition after a 20-year absence.
At just 22 years old, Abdul Samed’s rise to the top of European football has been nothing short of remarkable. Four years ago, he was honing his craft at the JMG Academy, but his rapid development has since propelled him onto the biggest stage in club football.
His breakthrough came during an impressive loan spell at Clermont Foot, where his commanding midfield displays quickly earned him a permanent deal. Starting his professional journey with Clermont Foot B, Abdul Samed swiftly rose through the ranks to become a mainstay in the first team, making 41 appearances and establishing himself as the club’s midfield anchor.
His consistent performances caught the attention of RC Lens, who had recently returned to Ligue 1 after years away from the top flight. In the summer of 2022, Lens secured his services for a reported €5 million, handing him a five-year contract. The move proved decisive, as the Ghanaian midfielder flourished, becoming a key figure in Lens’ engine room.
Abdul Samed’s impressive club form soon earned him a call-up to the Ghana national team. Although he was not involved in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, he made an immediate impact in a pre-tournament friendly against Switzerland on November 17, 2022, playing the full 90 minutes and earning widespread praise from fans and analysts alike.
He went on to form a solid midfield partnership with Thomas Partey during Ghana’s three matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, emerging as one of the few players to receive commendation despite the Black Stars’ early exit.
Back at club level, Abdul Samed maintained his high standards, playing a pivotal role as Lens mounted an unexpected title challenge, eventually finishing second in the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season, just behind Paris Saint-Germain. The achievement secured Lens a historic return to the Champions League.
His outstanding campaign earned him several individual honours. He was named Ligue 1 Midfielder of the Season by Get French Football News and was included in the Football News Agency’s Team of the Season, featuring alongside stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Neymar, after making 31 league appearances.
Abdul Samed was also shortlisted for the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Award, which recognises the best African player in Ligue 1. Although he narrowly missed out, finishing behind Chancel Mbemba of Marseille, his nomination further highlighted his growing stature in European football.
In recognition of his importance, RC Lens rewarded the midfielder with a contract extension until 2028, underlining their belief in his ability to continue delivering elite performances in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
All eyes will now be on Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, where kickoff is scheduled for 19:00 GMT, as Salis Abdul Samed prepares to write another chapter in his inspiring football journey on a historic Champions League night.
