French forward joins SAFC after standout professional and collegiate campaigns
SAN ANTONIO (Aug. 14, 2026) – San Antonio FC has acquired forward Lilian Ricol via transfer from USL League One side Fort Wayne FC on a multi-year deal, pending league and federation approval. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We’re really happy to bring Lilian into the SAFC family,” said SAFC Sporting Director Marco Ferruzzi. “He’s been a player we’ve been tracking since the beginning of the year and have followed his campaign closely with Fort Wayne. He’s adapted very well to the domestic game in his time in the U.S. and has many of the qualities we were looking for in a striker. He gives us a big presence up top, while also bringing physicality, speed and finishing quality in front of goal. He’s in a great rhythm right now, and we’re looking forward to working with him, continuing his development and helping him contribute to the success of our team.”
Ricol joins SAFC after putting together an impressive campaign in his first pro season with Fort Wayne FC. The striker scored the first professional goal in Fort Wayne history on March 14 and went on to record nine goals and two assists in 22 matches across all competitions. The 23-year-old is fresh off a stellar July campaign that saw him tally three goals and one assist, recording a goal contribution every 79 minutes, to take home League One Player of the Month honors.
Prior to his time at Fort Wayne, Ricol starred at the University of Central Florida in 2025, leading the Knights with 13 goals and four assists in 21 matches, including four game-winning goals. He was named the Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year and earned All-Sun Belt First Team honors. The 2025 Sun Belt Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Ricol also helped UCF capture its first conference title in program history, scoring twice in the 3-1 victory in the championship match.
Before joining UCF as a junior, the Paris native spent time playing in France with professional side Chambly-Oise. He recorded three goals and four assists in 26 appearances for Chambly during the 2024-25 campaign after posting eight goals and one assist in 25 matches with Racing Club de France the previous season.
San Antonio FC hosts El Paso Locomotive in a rivalry match to decide the 2026 Copa Tejas trophy this Saturday, Aug. 15. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. CT, and the match will be broadcast on ESPN+. The 2026 season is presented by Toyota.
