PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ismaël Gharbi |
| Date of Birth | 22 years old (2004) |
| Place of Birth | Paris, France |
| Nationality | Tunisian / French / Spanish |
| Height | — |
| Weight | — |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | — |
| Current Club | C.D. Leganés (on loan from Sporting Braga) |
| Previous Clubs | Paris Saint-Germain, Lausanne-Sport, Sporting Braga, FC Augsburg |
| International Caps | 20 |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 (loan with option to buy) |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
Ontime Butarque, Leganés. July 22, 2026. The announcement came through—Ismaël Gharbi, the 22-year-old Tunisian international, had joined C.D. Leganés on loan from Sporting Braga. Just weeks earlier, he had been on football’s grandest stage, representing Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup.
His tournament had been brief but significant—appearances against Sweden (7 minutes), Japan (45 minutes as a starter), and the Netherlands (75 minutes as a starter). Tunisia were eliminated after three defeats in Group F, but for Gharbi, the experience was unforgettable.
“The truth is that it was a dream, an incredible dream to play in a World Cup,” Gharbi would later say. “For me, personally, it was incredible. The truth is that we didn’t have a great time as a team, but for me it was a very good experience. I learned a lot.”
The boy from Paris who had grown up in the youth academy of Paris Saint-Germain, who had played for youth teams of both France and Spain, who had finally committed to his father’s homeland of Tunisia, had achieved his dream. The journey had only just begun.
Origins
Ismaël Gharbi was born in Paris, France. He holds a unique triple nationality—his father is Tunisian, his mother is Spanish, and he was born in France. This heritage would shape his international football journey in extraordinary ways.
He joined the youth academy of Paris Saint-Germain at the age of twelve. His talent was evident early—he was a prolific scorer at youth level, recording 20 goals and 10 assists in 29 matches with the PSG U19s. He made his first-team debut for PSG in August 2021, appearing in the French Supercup against Lille.
His international career began with France at youth level. He then switched to Spain, playing for the U18 and U19 teams under Santi Denia. But the call of his father’s homeland proved strongest. In September 2025, at just 21 years old, Gharbi committed to Tunisia’s senior team. The decision was driven by the opportunity to play in the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. He made his senior debut for Tunisia and quickly accumulated 20 caps.
The Forge
Paris Saint-Germain (2016–2024):
Gharbi was a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, joining at age twelve. He made his first-team debut in August 2021 in the French Supercup. Over his time at PSG, he made 12 appearances for the senior team, recording one assist. At PSG, he was considered one of the “protected” youth players by Leo Messi.
Lausanne-Sport (Loan, 2023–2024):
In the 2023–24 season, Gharbi was loaned to Lausanne-Sport in the Swiss Super League for his first full professional campaign. He was a success, recording 7 goals and 6 assists in 31 appearances. This breakthrough season established him as a professional footballer.
Sporting Braga (2024–2026):
In the summer of 2024, Gharbi signed for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Sporting Braga. In his first season, he made 35 official appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists, and debuted in the UEFA Europa League.
FC Augsburg (Loan, 2025–2026):
The 2025–26 season saw Gharbi loaned to Bundesliga side FC Augsburg. It was a frustrating campaign—he accumulated only 88 minutes across six league appearances, none as a starter. His time in Germany was limited, but he did feature in the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup with Tunisia.
C.D. Leganés (Loan, 2026–Present):
On July 22, 2026, Gharbi joined Spanish Segunda División side C.D. Leganés on a one-season loan from Braga, with an option to buy. The buy option is set at €3 million and becomes mandatory if Leganés are promoted or if Gharbi plays more than 45 minutes in more than 25 matches. Braga also secured a 15% sell-on clause and up to €500,000 in bonuses.
Gharbi described the move as a fresh start. “The truth is that last year was difficult. I don’t know why. Many things. Many things may be my fault too, because there is always a part of my fault and a part of the club’s,” he admitted. “What I wanted was to find this project, where I’m going to play, obviously, but also where the style of play is a bit like mine.”
International Career:
Gharbi has earned 20 caps for Tunisia since committing in September 2025. He has scored 2 international goals, coming in World Cup qualifiers against São Tomé and Príncipe and Tanzania. He represented Tunisia at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Anatomy of His Game
Ismaël Gharbi is a 22-year-old attacking player defined by his technical ability, versatility, and creativity. A right-footed player who frequently operates as a left winger, he can also play as an attacking midfielder or on the right flank.
In Possession:
Gharbi is a talented dribbler with excellent technique and ball control. He possesses the ability to receive the ball in tight spaces and progress play in the final third. His 7 goals and 6 assists for Lausanne demonstrate his attacking output when given consistent minutes. In World Cup qualifying, he scored 2 goals, showing his threat at international level. His pace with the ball is another key asset.
Out of Possession:
Gharbi’s work off the ball has been less prominent in his recent loan spells, where playing time has been limited. At Leganés, he hopes to re-establish his rhythm and show his hunger on and off the ball. He has been described as a player with “hambre” (hunger) and the desire to prove himself.
Psychological Edge:
Gharbi’s mental resilience is defined by his journey through multiple countries and leagues at a young age. He has played in France, Switzerland, Portugal, Germany, and now Spain. His decision to commit to Tunisia, after representing both France and Spain at youth levels, required conviction. His honesty about his difficult spell at Augsburg—”muchas cosas pueden ser culpa mía también”—demonstrates self-awareness and maturity. The World Cup experience, despite Tunisia’s group-stage exit, has left him hungry for more.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga (FC Augsburg) | 6 | 88 | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Tunisia) | 3 | 127 | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 9 | 215 | 0 | 0 | — |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–24 | Paris Saint-Germain | Ligue 1 | 12 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Lausanne-Sport (loan) | Swiss Super League | 31 | 7 |
| 2024–25 | Sporting Braga | Primeira Liga | 35+ | 4 |
| 2025–26 | FC Augsburg (loan) | Bundesliga | 6 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | — | ~84+ | 11 |
TABLE C: International Record (2025–2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifiers | 4 | 2 |
| Africa Cup of Nations 2025 | 4 | 0 |
| FIFA Arab Cup 2025 | 2 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 7 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 20 | 2 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | PSG Academy | Joined Paris Saint-Germain at age 12 |
| 2021 | PSG Debut | French Supercup vs Lille |
| 2023 | Spain U18/U19 | Represented Spain at youth level |
| 2023–24 | Lausanne Loan | 7 goals, 6 assists in Switzerland |
| 2024 | Braga Move | Signed for Portuguese club |
| 2025 | Tunisia Commitment | Switched to Tunisia senior team |
| 2025 | AFCON & Arab Cup | Represented Tunisia |
| 2025–26 | Augsburg Loan | Bundesliga experience |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | Played in all 3 group matches |
| 2026 | Leganés Loan | Joined Spanish Segunda División |
What these figures reveal is a player of immense potential whose career has been marked by frequent moves. He has already played in five different countries by age 22. His Lausanne loan (7 goals, 6 assists) demonstrates his quality when given consistent playing time. His international caps (20) and World Cup experience reflect his importance to Tunisia, despite his club struggles. The Leganés move is designed to finally give him stability and the opportunity to play regularly.
The Present Tense
Ismaël Gharbi is 22 years old, entering the prime of his career. He is C.D. Leganés’s attacking midfielder, a Tunisian international with 20 caps, and a 2026 World Cup participant.
The Leganés Story:
Gharbi joined Leganés in July 2026 on a season-long loan from Sporting Braga, with an option to buy. The buy option is €3 million and becomes mandatory if Leganés are promoted or if Gharbi plays more than 45 minutes in over 25 matches. Gharbi described the move as a return to his Spanish roots—he holds Spanish nationality through his mother. “I wanted to come here to Spain a lot, because I think the game is perfect for me,” he said.
The World Cup Campaign:
Gharbi was named in Tunisia’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tunisia were drawn in Group F and lost 5-1 to Sweden, 4-0 to Japan, and 3-1 to the Netherlands. Gharbi played 7 minutes against Sweden, started against Japan (45 minutes), and started against the Netherlands (75 minutes). Tunisia were eliminated without a point.
International Record:
Gharbi has earned 20 caps for Tunisia since committing in September 2025. He has scored 2 international goals, both in World Cup qualifying. He has represented Tunisia at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Ismaël Gharbi is defined by his multicultural heritage and his ambition to finally find stability. Born in Paris to a Tunisian father and a Spanish mother, he has navigated three different footballing nations—France, Spain, and Tunisia.
His choice to represent Tunisia came in September 2025, driven by a desire to play in the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. His grandmother’s heritage in Spain also connects him to the country where he now plays his club football.
Gharbi is refreshingly honest about his career struggles. He admitted he “didn’t know” Leganés before joining. He took responsibility for his difficult spell at Augsburg, saying many things “may be my fault too.” He described himself as “a very calm, very humble guy” with “talent, technique, and also a lot of hunger.”
His World Cup debut was a dream fulfilled. “It’s every soccer player’s dream to play in the World Cup,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many. Despite Tunisia’s disappointing tournament, Gharbi sees the experience as a step forward.
The Verdict from the Camp
CD Leganés
, on Gharbi’s arrival:
Gharbi is a talented attacking player who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger on either flank. Raised in the youth system of Paris Saint-Germain from the age of twelve, Gharbi made his first-team debut in August 2021.
Diario AS
, on the transfer details:
The Leganés have a new winger. The option to buy will be mandatory if Lega are promoted and the player plays 25 matches with more than 45 minutes per game.
Ismaël Gharbi
, on his Leganés move:
The truth is that last year was difficult… What I wanted was to find this project, where I’m going to play, obviously, but also where the style of play is a bit like mine.
Gharbi
, on his World Cup experience:
The truth is that it was a dream, an incredible dream to play in a World Cup. For me, personally, it was incredible. I learned a lot.
OneFootball
, on Gharbi’s profile:
A Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate, he left on a free in summer 2024 to sign for Braga. He can operate as a playmaker or out wide.
Foot Africa
, on Gharbi’s quest for stability:
As almost every transfer window, Ismaël Gharbi must change clubs. The young player, revealed at PSG, struggles to give stability to his career. At only 22 years old, Gharbi is about to discover a new country.
Where Next?
Ismaël Gharbi is 22 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is on loan at C.D. Leganés from Sporting Braga, a Tunisian international with 20 caps, and a World Cup participant.
For Tunisia
, Gharbi represents the future. At 22, he has already earned 20 caps and played in a World Cup. He will be expected to be a key player for the Eagles of Carthage in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup qualification campaign.
For Leganés
, Gharbi is a player with immense potential. The club has taken a calculated gamble—if he performs, the €3 million option to buy could prove a bargain. He is the club’s first attacking signing of the summer, brought in to provide creativity and goals.
For Braga
, Gharbi’s future depends on his performance. If the option to buy is triggered, he will leave permanently. If not, he will return to Portugal in 2027.
His career trajectory is one of talent seeking stability. He has played in five different leagues by age 22. He has experienced the highest highs—a World Cup debut, PSG’s first team, European football—and the lowest lows—limited minutes at Augsburg. Now, at Leganés, he has the chance to finally fulfill his potential.
The boy from Paris who chose Tunisia, who played for France and Spain at youth levels, who scored a World Cup goal in qualifying, who now seeks to rebuild his career in Spain—Ismaël Gharbi’s journey is a story of talent, identity, and the pursuit of stability on football’s greatest stage.
