Chicago Fire FC II has signed French forward Tidiane Diawara to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2026 season, with a club option for the 2027 transition season. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Tidiane is a young player with a European academy background experience, and we’re excited to welcome him into our system,” said Chicago Fire FC II head coach Mike Matkovich. “We look forward watching his progress in MLS NEXT Pro.”
Diawara, who is 20 years old, joins from Stade Lavallois 2 in France’s Championnat National 3 Groupe C, where he scored three goals in eight matches. Before that, he played for AJ Auxerre B, making 21 appearances and scoring two goals.
He began his youth career at Olympique Lyon at the U-17 level and progressed to the U-19 team before moving to ESA Linas-Montlhéry and then AJ Auxerre. While playing for Olympique Lyon’s U-19s in the Championnat National 3, he was named one of the Superstars of the Tournament. Throughout his career in France, Diawara has appeared in 70 matches across several competitions including Championnat National 2, Championnat National 3, Championnat National U19, and Coupe Gambardella.
Chicago Fire FC II is part of Chicago Fire FC’s broader efforts to develop professional soccer talent. The main club competes in Major League Soccer conferences with a professional roster and plays its home matches at Soldier Field (official website). Chicago Fire FC also supports youth development and community programs while fostering soccer growth throughout the Midwest (official website).
