Sources: Soldier set to join Ici Japon Corp in the LFL

Thomas “Soldier” Haudecoeur is set to join Ici Japon Corp. Esport in the Ligue Française de League of Legends (LFL), sources tell Sheep Esports on Saturday. The 23-year-old AD Carry won the 2025 LFL Division 2 Spring Split with Team Valiant, where he was also named Rookie of the Split in his debut year.

Last offseason, Ici Japon Corp attempted to sign Soldier following the sale of Lee "Hans SamD" Jae-hoon to NAVI. After long consideration, Soldier declined the offer to remain with his LFL2-champion lineup, and IJC instead signed Jeon "Pangjin" Gwang-jin. This offseason, Soldier once again drew Ici Japon’s interest, with AD Carry Théo "Booshi" Mouchiroud also heavily considered. After careful deliberation, the French organization ultimately chose Soldier.

Soldier is therefore joining IJC’s new roster in the LFL for the 2026 season. As previously reported by Sheep Esports, Lucas “Badlulu” Piochaud is returning to France after a year in Spain with GIANTX Pride. The 23-year-old toplaner is set to join the roster alongside Turkish jungler Osman “Kaboom” Onur Korkmaz, who played the Summer Split with Papara SuperMassive.

After winning two Division 2 splits in 2024, IJC played their first year in the LFL, which started perfectly with a final at the LFL Flash In followed by a final at the EMEA Masters in their first and only participation. The Spring and Summer Splits were much more difficult, as the team finished sixth and seventh. Soldier will therefore succeed Jeon "Pangjin" Gwang-jin, who himself had succeeded Lee "Hans SamD" Jae-hoon, who moved up to the LEC with Natus Vincere.

Just two years ago, Soldier was unknown on the French scene, beginning his career at the end of 2023 in the French Cup. He joined the LPLOL with EGN Esports and reached the Summer Split final, with the team even participating in the EMEA Masters.

At the start of 2025, he returned to France with Team Valiant; the team finished fourth in the Winter Split and went on to win the Spring Split of LFL Division 2. The organization later disbanded amid financial issues to clear its debts. In a subsequent article by Sheep Esports, the player shared some details about the precarious financial situation in which the club had left its players.

Soldier then played for Caldya Esports, the team that took over Valiant’s slot in Division 2, and they finished fourth in the league—unfortunately not enough to compete in the promotion tournament, as they had slightly fewer championship points than Project Conquerors and were far behind Esprit Shonen.

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.