Leny Yoro: Becoming the Best CB in the World

Leny Yoro is a generational talent who looks to tread the path of becoming the next Raphael Varane, his talents have launched him into the conversation of players with enough talent to rewrite the history books.

Yoro is considered one of the best talents in the world along with the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Kobbie Mainoo, Lamine Yamal, Jamal Musiala and Alejandro Garnacho. The talented superstars are set to take the world of football by storm.

Player Profile – Leny Olivier Yoro

Leny Yoro is a French centre-back who signed his first professional contract with Lille at the start of 2022. He made his debut a few months later at 16, becoming the second-youngest debutant in the club’s history after Eden Hazard.

In his last season in France for Lille, the Frenchman helped the club secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League and was named in the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Season for the 2022-23 campaign. Yoro currently plays for Manchester United and is yet to break into the Les Bleu side

Player Profile Overview

Leny Yoro’s Early Life and Background

Leny Yoro was born on November 13, 2005, in Saint-Maurice, France, and grew up in Alfortville. He is the son of Alain Yoro, a former footballer of Ivorian descent who played for Lille’s reserve team, and Flore Baugnies, who is of French ancestry.

Yoro started playing football at the age of five in Alfortville, then moved to the Lille area with his family. He continued his football training in Villeneuve-d’Ascq before joining Lille’s youth system in 2017.

Leny Yoro’s Playing Style and Strengths

Yoro is a football player known for his exceptional passing range and accuracy. Despite his large build, he is surprisingly quick, using his long strides to cover ground efficiently.

His excellent anticipation and in-game intelligence allow him to predict opposition attacks effectively. This reduces the need for frequent physical duels compared to his teammates which is reminiscent of one Rio Ferdinand.

First Glimpses of Leny Yoro’s Talent: Youth Academy

Leny Yoro started his football career with Alfortville playing for only one year before spending the next five years with Villeneuve-d’Ascq. His prodigious talent saw him move to French Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille in 2017.

Yoro debuted with Lille’s reserve team in 2022 and signed his first professional contract with the club on January 10, 2022  and he made his professional debut for Lille in a 3-1 Ligue 1 victory over Nice.

His appearance in that match made him the second youngest player in Lille’s history, behind Joël Depraeter-Henry, and surpassing Eden Hazard.

Yoro became a permanent member of the professional squad for the 2022–23 Ligue 1 season, choosing the number 15 for his jersey. He made his professional debut as a starter in a 2–1 win against Toulouse. However, the young Frenchman was fourth on the pecking order for Lille behind the likes of veteran José Fonte.

Making Waves with LOSC Lille

Leny Yoro’s talent began to shine more in his second full season as a professional, Yoro became a key player for Lille along with the likes of Jonathan David, Samuel Umtiti and Angel Gomes. He started as a right centre-back and played 32 out of 34 Ligue 1 matches.

He was the second most-used player in the French championship and scored his first club goal in a 2-1 win over Rijeka during the Conference League play-off round. Yoro later scored his first Ligue 1 goal for Lille with a volley in a 2-2 draw against Rennes and another goal at home against Toulouse FC.

His performances significantly contributed to his team’s 4th place finish, he helped secure Lille’s qualification for the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase and play-off round.

After a hugely impressive 2023–24 season, Yoro was nominated for the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year and was also voted to the Team of the Year.

Leny Yoro Becomes one of the Most Expensive Teenage CBs ever

Yoro’s impressive performances and high potential ceiling saw some of the biggest clubs in world football via for his signature with Liverpool, PSG, Real Madrid and Manchester United all vying for the talented Frenchman’s services.

The battle for his signature was brief as Yoro officially signed a five-year contract with Manchester United, running until 2029 with an option for an additional year for around £52millions plus add-ons.

His transfer to the Red Devils made him the most expensive player aged 18 or younger and one of the most expensive center-backs in history. Leny Yoro picked was assigned squad number 15, previously worn by club legend Nemanja Vidić.

Leny Yoro’s International Career

Influences and Idols

Leny Yoro has previously expressed that he views former Manchester United star Raphaël Varane as a significant inspiration. Yoro’s admiration reflects his appreciation for Varane’s achievements and influence on how he views and plays football.

Comparing Leny Yoro With Other Football Greats

Leny Yoro has been compared with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand due to his impressive ability to read the game, pass the ball and his calm demeanour as the Englishman.

However, some in the French press have recently begun to compare with fellow Frenchmen, Real Madrid legend Raphael Varane and Arsenal defender, William Saliba, for their similar style of play.

Leny Yoro’s Personal Life and Interests

Leny Yoro, of Ivorian descent, his father, Alain Yoro is a former footballer of Ivorian descent who played for Lille’s reserve team and his Flore Baugnies has French ancestry in her blood.

He has three siblings and recently completed his high school education in management sciences. He earned his technological baccalaureate in April 2024.

Conclusion

Moving to arguably the biggest club in world football at age 18 is no mean feat, Yoro’s talent just got a global stage to flourish. With all eyes on the 18-year-old, it is time for him to develop into the world-class talent that saw the biggest clubs in the world battle for his signature.

As he continues to make his mark in the course of his career, Footballers’ Biographies will bring every adventure to you.