Marco Ilaimaharitra (born 26 July 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Belgian Pro League club Standard Liège. Born in France, he is a former member of its under-19 and under-20 national teams but represents Madagascar at senior international level.
Born in Mulhouse, Ilaimaharitra started his career with his hometown club, AS Coteaux Mulhouse. Later, he joined FC Mulhouse. In 2008, he joined the youth team of FC Sochaux-Montbéliard. His professional debut came on 14 December 2013, in a 1âÂÂ0 away defeat against OGC Nice. Four days later, he featured in the Coupe de la Ligue against OGC Nice.
On 15 January 2025, Ilaimaharitra signed a contract with Kortrijk until the end of the 2024âÂÂ25 season, with an option to extend for 2025âÂÂ26. However, he instead joined Standard Liège.
Ilaimaharitra was born in France, and is of Malagasy and Réunionnais descent. Previously a youth international for France, he made his debut for Madagascar in a friendly match against Comoros on 11 November 2017.
On 27 June 2019, Ilaimaharitra scored a late 76th minute free-kick against Burundi to secure a 1âÂÂ0 win and historic first ever win for Madagascar in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
National Team