Prince Cisse, the son of former Liverpool forward and Champions League winner Djibril Cisse, has officially signed his first professional contract with Liverpool. The 17-year-old defender has earned this milestone following a standout 2025-26 season that saw him emerge as a vital part of the Reds’ youth setup.

Recognition for a breakthrough season

Liverpool announced that Cisse is among eight academy players who have signed new contracts after an outstanding year at the AXA Training Centre. The young defender was a consistent performer for the Under-18 side during the 2025-26 campaign, featuring in 19 league matches and captaining the team on four occasions.

Cisse’s development extended beyond the U18s. He made four appearances in the UEFA Youth League for the Under-19s and even marked his debut for the Under-21 squad with a goal. His new professional deal will reportedly keep him at Anfield until 2029, the maximum duration allowed for a player of his age, as Liverpool aims to secure the future of one of its brightest prospects.

Carrying on his father’s legacy

While Djibril Cisse was known for his blistering pace and clinical finishing—netting 24 goals in 79 appearances for Liverpool—Prince is forging his own identity at the opposite end of the pitch. A tactical decision last season saw him shift from an attacking role to central defence, a move that has paid off handsomely for both the player and the club’s academy teams.

Reflecting on comparisons with his father, Prince told Liverpool’s official website in February: “I’ve seen his highlights. It’s fun watching what he was like — a bit wild with his hairstyles and all that. Playing as a centre-back now, he’s probably the kind of striker I wouldn’t want to face! He looked like a really good player. I had pace but maybe not the same finishing ability, which is probably why I moved to centre-back. He was lightning-fast, but I’d say I might be just a little quicker.”

Ambitions for the future

The young defender has been open about his dream to replicate his father’s success at senior level, which included winning the Champions League, FA Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. For now, Prince is focused on continuing his development through the age groups, with the goal of earning a regular spot in the Under-21 team next season.

“In the short term, I just want to keep improving, getting better, starting regularly for the U18s, and maybe getting a few games for the U21s — who knows?” Cisse said when asked about his future ambitions. “Long term, I definitely want to make it to the first team. I want to play for Liverpool for the rest of my life — that’s really my dream.”

Climbing the ranks at Liverpool

Cisse will face stiff competition as he seeks to progress through the club’s ranks, particularly following the arrival of Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna, who adds further depth to the defensive lineup. However, his adaptability and leadership—displayed during his time as U18 captain—suggest that he possesses the maturity and professionalism needed to thrive under Liverpool’s new coaching regime led by Andoni Iraola.