The club announced the signing on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, as part of a group of new contracts awarded to players in its youth setup.
Nkulikiyimana, 21, is also a player for Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi. The contract marks a major milestone in his career, becoming his first as a professional footballer.
In a statement published on social media, Standard de Liège said the central defender earned the deal following strong performances during the 2025/26 season with the club’s Under-23 side, SL16 FC.
“Darryl Nkulikiyimana has signed as a professional player. The 21-year-old defender earned this reward after the hard work he showed throughout the season with the Under-23 team, receiving a contract for next season with an option for an extension,” the club said.
Reacting to the announcement, Nkulikiyimana expressed his excitement, describing the contract as the result of perseverance and hard work.
“Today I signed my contract, feeling happy and proud. It comes after dedication and hard work through difficult moments. This is a new beginning. Thanks be to God,” he said.
Nkulikiyimana made his international debut for Amavubi in late 2025, earning caps against Zimbabwe and South Africa during the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 21-year-old centre-back spent his early development years within Standard de Liège’s youth system before a stint at FCV Dender EH, where he made the senior matchday squad in early 2025. He returned to Standard de Liège in August 2025, immediately establishing himself as a defensive pillar for the U23 side, clocking over 2,000 minutes across 26 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign.
Also handed a professional contract was 18-year-old Congolese striker Kelyan Kielo-Lezi.
Leave a Reply