Enzo Millot’s career path took an unexpected turn last summer when the highly-rated French midfielder chose Saudi Arabia over Europe’s elite clubs. After two standout seasons with VfB Stuttgart that saw him emerge as an Olympic silver medalist and attract interest from Atlético Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, Millot signed with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. The move surprised many who expected the 23-year-old to be pushing for a regular spot in Didier Deschamps’ France setup following his impressive performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Now, several months into his Saudi adventure, questions arise about how the transition has affected his development and international prospects. Millot’s decision represents a growing trend where talented young European players weigh lucrative offers from the Middle East against traditional career paths in Europe’s top leagues. His situation offers insight into how football’s evolving financial landscape impacts player development at a critical age.
According to his Wikipedia profile, Enzo Camille Alain Millot was born on July 17, 2002, in Le Chesnay, Yvelines, France. The attacking midfielder, who can also play centrally or on the right wing, currently wears the number 10 jersey for Al-Ahli SFC. His professional journey began with AS Monaco’s youth system before moving to VfB Stuttgart in August 2021, where he made 89 appearances scoring 11 goals over four seasons.
The Foot Mercato report from April 25, 2026, notes that Millot “sortait de deux grosses saisons avec Stuttgart” – coming off two strong seasons with the German club. During the 2023-24 campaign, he contributed 12 goals and 8 assists in 43 appearances, numbers that had positioned him as a potential future France international. His Olympic tournament performance, where he scored twice in eight games as France won silver, further elevated his profile.
Transfermarkt data confirms Millot joined Al-Ahli on August 9, 2025, signing a three-year contract that runs until June 30, 2028. The Saudi Pro League club acquired him to replace Gabri Veiga, who had moved to FC Porto. Al-Ahli’s sporting director Matthias Jaissle specifically targeted Millot to bring creativity and dynamism to their midfield alongside established players like Franck Kessié.
Since his transfer, Millot has made 19 appearances for Al-Ahli, scoring two goals according to his Wikipedia stats updated as of April 8, 2026. While these numbers represent a decrease from his Stuttgart output, they come amid adjustment to a new league, culture, and tactical system. The Saudi Pro League has notably improved in quality and competitiveness in recent years, though it still doesn’t match the top five European leagues in overall level.
The Foot Mercato article highlights that Millot’s move to Saudi Arabia came despite being “annoncé proche de l’équipe de France la saison dernière” – reportedly close to the French national team the previous season. His versatility as an attacking midfielder capable of playing on the wings or in a more central role had made him an attractive option for Les Bleus, particularly with emerging talents like Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué, and Maghnes Akliouche also competing for similar positions.
Internationally, Millot has represented France at various youth levels. His Wikipedia page shows he earned 10 caps for the France U16 team (scoring 2 goals), 17 appearances for the U17s (2 goals), 6 games for the U18s (1 goal), and 6 matches for the U21s between 2024-2025. His Olympic participation in 2024 yielded 8 appearances and 2 goals as France secured the silver medal.
The financial aspect of Millot’s decision cannot be overlooked. While specific contract details weren’t disclosed in the verified sources, the move to Al-Ahli reportedly offered significant financial benefits compared to what European clubs were proposing. This reflects the broader trend where Saudi Pro League clubs, backed by national investment initiatives, can compete financially with traditional European powers for certain players.
From a sporting perspective, the verification sources indicate that while the Saudi Pro League has progressed, it remains “encore loin du niveau des cinq plus grands championnats européens” – still notably behind Europe’s top five leagues. However, Al-Ahli’s project under German coach Matthias Jaissle is described as “solide” – solid – suggesting a structured environment conducive to continued development.
Millot’s current market value, according to Transfermarkt, stands at €28.00 million. This valuation reflects his age, potential, and recent performances despite the league change. At 23 years old, he remains in what is typically considered a player’s prime development years, making his league choice particularly significant for his long-term trajectory.
The midfielder’s background adds another layer to his story. Born to a Martiniquais and Malagasy father who was an amateur footballer, Millot represents the multicultural nature of modern French football. His youth career took him through several clubs in the Chartres and Dreux areas before joining Monaco’s academy in 2017.
Looking ahead, Millot’s next challenge involves balancing his club commitments in Saudi Arabia with aspirations of earning senior France call-ups. The January 2025 extension of his Stuttgart contract until 2028 (which he left just months later for Al-Ahli) had shown the German club’s long-term belief in his abilities. Now, his performances in the Saudi Pro League will determine whether he can rekindle that international interest.
For global football fans tracking the evolving landscape of player movements, Millot’s case provides a compelling study in how young talents navigate career decisions amid increasing financial diversification in the sport. His next measured checkpoint will be continued performance evaluation with Al-Ahli as the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season progresses toward its conclusion.
What do you think about Enzo Millot’s move to Saudi Arabia and its impact on his international prospects? Share your perspective in the comments below and join the conversation about the changing dynamics of modern football careers.
