Ihlas Bebou

Executive Summary

Ihlas Bebou is a Togolese centre-forward born on 23 April 1994. He is without a club after leaving TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in January 2026. The striker came through German youth football and built his reputation in the Bundesliga with Fortuna Düsseldorf, Hannover 96 and Hoffenheim. He is available now. Now in his early thirties, he is a free agent with a profile shaped by pace and direct play.

Playing Style and Key Attributes

Bebou is a right-footed centre-forward, 185 cm, who uses explosive acceleration to stretch backlines. His physique is described as uncommon for a mobile forward, and he combines that with quality in ball handling. He is precise in front of goal and contributes as a passer, with a reputation as an excellent team player on and off the pitch. Defences find him difficult to contain when he runs in behind, and his ability to link play adds value beyond finishing.

Career and Recent Context

Bebou began in German youth football, moving from Garather SV Youth to VfB 03 Hilden U17 in January 2009 before entering Fortuna Düsseldorf’s academy in January 2011. He progressed through U18 and U19 and reached the senior squad in January 2013.

He left Fortuna for Hannover 96 in August 2017 for €5.9m, then moved to Hoffenheim in January 2019 for €9m. At Hoffenheim he established himself as a regular Bundesliga attacker and was rewarded with an extension to June 2026 after a run where he was rated among the league’s most dangerous forwards. He arrived in summer 2019 from Hanover and recorded 21 goals and 17 assists in 87 matches for the TSG. The spell ended with his departure to without club in January 2026, closing a long stint in the Bundesliga.

Transfers and Outlook

A year ago it stood at €1m, and it is now €600k. The drop reflects age, reduced playing time and the end of his Hoffenheim spell.

His next step will define whether he can regain regular minutes.