Workhorse defensive tackle Willem Dendele joins the Paris Lights

The Paris Lights have added another homegrown player to their roster, signing 28-year-old defensive tackle Willem Dendele. Dendele comes with three seasons of experience at the Paris Musketeers and arrives hungry to take on a bigger role in 2026.

Three seasons of impact at the Musketeers

Dendele spent the last three seasons with the Paris Musketeers, where he established himself as a reliable rotational player on the defensive line. Across 31 games he recorded 18 tackles, three sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, impressive numbers for a player who was not always a starter. At 1.84m and 120kg, he brings a powerful physical presence to the trenches that is difficult for opposing offensive lines to handle.

Ready for a bigger role

While Dendele made the most of his limited snaps at the Musketeers, the Paris Lights could offer him a more prominent role and the opportunity to show his full potential. The 28-year-old is motivated to prove what he is capable of when given the chance to play more, and defensive coordinator Darion Simmons will have a player on his hands who is eager to make an impact.

With Dendele on board, the Paris Lights continue to build a deep and physical defensive line ahead of their debut season in 2026.