The 2025/26 season finds OGC Nice in a state of ambitious evolution under the guidance of Franck Haise, the French manager who took the helm in 2024 following his transformative spell at RC Lens. Les Aiglons (The Eaglets), playing at the magnificent Allianz Riviera, have embraced Haise’s high-pressing, vertical football philosophy, blending Ineos’s significant financial backing with a commitment to developing young talents. The club’s famous academy, which produced talents like David Ospina and Hugo Lloris, continues to supply homegrown players to the first team. This season’s squad reflects Haise’s tactical vision: athletic defenders, dynamic midfielders, and a fluid attack that prioritises transitions and collective pressing. The summer transfer window saw strategic investment, with Nice retaining their core attacking talents while adding defensive reinforcements. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Nice’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
Marcin Bułka
Nationality: Polish
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Nice (loan), Nice (permanent)
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2023, following loan)
Marcin Bułka has become one of Ligue 1’s finest goalkeepers, the Polish international providing reflexes, command, and distribution that have silenced pre-season sceptics. The 26-year-old’s shot-stopping (78% save percentage in 2024/25, 77% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (89% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Nice’s European qualification campaigns. Bułka’s distribution (89% pass completion), particularly his short passes to centre-backs and clipped deliveries to advancing wing-backs, suits Haise’s possession-based build-up. Having started 30 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 14 clean sheets, he has proven remarkably durable. Bułka’s contract runs through 2029, with Nice rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs. Bułka’s performance against Paris Saint-Germain in October 2025—making 10 saves, including a spectacular double stop—demonstrated his elite quality.
Maxime Dupé
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Nantes, Toulouse
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Maxime Dupé has accepted a rotational role behind Bułka, providing French experience, cup competition cover, and dressing room leadership. The 33-year-old’s shot-stopping (73% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (87% pass completion) provide functional cover. Dupé started 8 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Bułka’s rest), keeping 3 clean sheets. Dupé’s contract runs through 2028.
Yannis Nahounou
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: USF Trilport (youth), FC Montfermeil (youth), INF Clairefontaine (youth), CS Meaux (youth), OGC Nice, AC Reggiana, AS Nancy Lorraine
Transfer Fees: Free transfer from OGC Nice to Reggiana (July 2024), €250,000 from Reggiana to Nancy (August 2025)
A right-footed centre-back standing 193 cm tall, Yannis Nahounou was born May 16, 2004 in Meaux, France. He began his youth career at local clubs USF Trilport and FC Montfermeil before spending time at the prestigious INF Clairefontaine academy, then joined OGC Nice’s academy in 2019. After impressing in the reserve team and participating in two preseason tours with the first team, he signed his first professional contract with Nice on June 30, 2023, taking effect on July 1, 2023. Despite being promoted to the senior squad, he never made a Ligue 1 appearance for Nice. In July 2024, he moved to Italian Serie B side AC Reggiana on a free transfer, where his market value at the time was €50,000. After one season in Italy, he returned to France in August 2025, joining AS Nancy Lorraine in Ligue 2 for a reported fee of €250,000. Nahounou is a physically imposing defender known for his aerial strength and defensive contributions, with stats showing he wins 59% of his aerial duels and ranks in the 94th percentile for defensive contributions among centre-backs. He has represented France at the U20 level. As of the 2025-26 season, his market value is estimated at €541,900.
Defenders
Dante (Captain)
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Lille, Bayern Munich, VfL Wolfsburg, Nice
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2016)
Dante, now 42, has become Nice’s captain and longest-serving current player, the Brazilian legend providing leadership, passing range, and tactical intelligence across a decade at the club. The veteran centre-back’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.4 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—remains elite despite his age. His left-footed passing (5.3 progressive passes per 90, 91% completion) initiates attacks from deep. Dante’s partnership with Jean-Clair Todibo has conceded only 0.95 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Dante’s leadership manages Nice’s dressing room through calm authority and professional standards. Dante’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role widely anticipated.
Jean-Clair Todibo
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Toulouse, Barcelona, Schalke 04 (loan), Benfica (loan), Nice
Transfer Fee: €8.5 million (2021)
Jean-Clair Todibo has become one of Europe’s most coveted centre-backs, the French international providing recovery pace, physicality, and ball-playing excellence across five seasons at the club. The 26-year-old’s recovery pace (35.7 km/h) and tackling (2.9 per 90) provide defensive security. Todibo’s passing (5.1 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) initiates attacks from deep. Todibo’s contract runs through 2029, with Nice rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs.
Melvin Bard
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: FC du Pays de L’Arbresle (youth), Domtac FC (youth), Olympique Lyonnais (youth), Olympique Lyonnais B, Olympique Lyonnais, OGC Nice
Transfer Fees: €3.00 million from Olympique Lyonnais to OGC Nice (July 2021)
A left-footed defender standing 173 cm tall, Melvin Bard was born November 6, 2000 in Écully, France and primarily plays as a left-back, though he is also capable of operating as a left-sided centre-back or left wing-back. He developed through the youth academy of Olympique Lyonnais, joining at age 15 in 2016, and made his senior debut for Lyon in December 2019 against Nîmes Olympique. After limited first-team opportunities at Lyon, he transferred to OGC Nice in July 2021 for €3 million, signing a four-year contract that he later extended in September 2024 through 2028. Since joining Nice, Bard has established himself as a regular starter, accumulating over 150 appearances and 6 goals for the club as of November 2025. Known as a defensively solid left-back, his strengths include blocking the ball, tackling, interceptions, and concentration, making him excellent at tracking back, aggressive in duels, and reliable in playing out from the back under pressure. His standout 2023-24 campaign featured 34 appearances, helping Nice concede the fewest goals in Ligue 1 and secure a fifth-place finish with Europa League qualification, including a memorable goal in a 2-2 draw against Marseille. He has represented France at multiple youth levels from U17 to U21 and was part of the French U23 squad that competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing fourth. As of June 2025, his market value is estimated at €15 million, though some analysts note he has seemingly hit a ceiling in his development, with mistakes occasionally creeping into his game when given increased responsibility. He scored against his former club Lyon in a 3-2 win on October 18, 2025.
Antoine Mendy
Nationality: Senegalese (born in France)
Former Clubs: OGC Nice (youth), OGC Nice B, OGC Nice
Transfer Fees: Promoted from OGC Nice B to first team on July 1, 2022 with no transfer fee (market value at time: €150,000)
A right-footed defender standing 187 cm tall, Antoine Mendy was born May 27, 2004 in Marseille, France. He joined OGC Nice’s youth academy at age ten in 2014, originally playing as a striker before being converted to right-back by his youth coaches after struggling with injuries and form. Mendy signed his first professional contract with Nice on September 29, 2022 at age 18, and made his Ligue 1 debut on October 16, 2022 against AJ Auxerre. He made his European debut weeks later in the Conference League against Partizan Belgrade. During his debut professional season, he played 15 matches and provided two assists, including a standout performance at Lens where he was voted Aiglon of the match. In the 2023-24 season, he made 13 appearances, playing either at centre-back or right-back. His contract was extended through 2028, and during the 2024-25 season he played 23 games for Nice. Mendy earned his first cap for the Senegalese national team on March 22, 2025 against Sudan. Known for his work rate, character, and defensive versatility, he has continued to develop into a reliable option for Nice across multiple defensive positions.
Moïse Bombito
Nationality: Canadian
Former Clubs: CS Saint-Laurent (youth), CS Saint-Hubert, Iowa Western Reivers (college), New Hampshire Wildcats (college), Colorado Rapids, OGC Nice
Transfer Fees: €7 million (approximately $7.7 million) from Colorado Rapids to OGC Nice (August 2024), with potential add-ons up to €10 million
A right-footed centre-back standing 190 cm tall, Moïse Bombito was born March 30, 2000 in Montreal, Quebec and has taken one of the most unorthodox paths to European football of any modern player. He did not enter a professional academy as a youth and was rejected by CF Montreal at age 13, only turning professional at age 22 after playing junior college soccer at Iowa Western Community College followed by a single season at the University of New Hampshire. Initially a striker, he was converted to centre-back by a coach who recognized that his rare combination of height and blistering pace was better suited to defense. The Colorado Rapids selected him third overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, and despite an early MCL injury, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s best defenders. His breakout came at the 2024 Copa América, where he started all six matches for Canada, helping the team reach the semi-finals. That tournament earned him a €7 million move to OGC Nice, where he has become an undroppable starter. Known for his exceptional speed, physicality, ball-playing ability, and composure, Bombito has earned over 12 caps for Canada and signed a contract with Nice through 2028.
Jérémie Boga
Nationality: Ivorian (French-born)
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Rennes (loan), Granada (loan), Sassuolo, Atalanta, Nice
Transfer Fee: €18 million (2024)
Jérémie Boga has provided left-wing-back and wide attacking depth following his arrival from Atalanta, the Ivorian international offering pace, dribbling, and creativity. The 28-year-old’s dribbling (3.8 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Boga’s contract runs through 2029.
Youcef Atal
Nationality: Algerian
Former Clubs: CR Belouizdad (youth), JS Kabylie (youth), USM Alger (youth), Paradou AC, KV Kortrijk (loan), OGC Nice, Adana Demirspor, Al-Sadd SC
Transfer Fees: €3.00 million from Kortrijk to Nice (July 2018), free transfer from Nice to Adana Demirspor (February 2024)
A right-footed right-back standing 176 cm tall, Youcef Atal was born May 17, 1996 in Boghni, Algeria and is known for his explosive pace and exceptional dribbling ability. He developed through the Algerian youth system at Paradou AC before moving on loan to Belgian side KV Kortrijk, where his performances earned him a €3 million transfer to OGC Nice in July 2018. Atal burst onto the Ligue 1 scene with an outstanding debut season, thrilling Nice fans with his marauding runs down the flank, and went on to make 115 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals. His playing style is defined by blistering acceleration and sprint speed, strong dribbling and passing, and a willingness to tackle and play short passes. However, his career has been significantly disrupted by recurring knee injuries, including surgery in December 2019, as well as a well-documented suspension following a controversial social media post in October 2023. After leaving Nice for Adana Demirspor in February 2024, he joined Qatari club Al-Sadd SC in September 2024. Atal has earned over 40 caps for the Algerian national team, scoring 2 goals, and was part of Algeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Teddy Boulhendi
Nationality: Algerian (born in France)
Former Clubs: Olympique Rovenain (youth), Burel FC (youth), AS Gignac (youth), Luynes Sports (youth), OGC Nice (youth), OGC Nice B, OGC Nice, Bourg-en-Bresse (loan)
Transfer Fees: Loan from Nice to Bourg-en-Bresse (August 2025)
A right-footed goalkeeper standing 185 cm tall, Teddy Boulhendi was born April 9, 2001 in Martigues, France and is of Algerian and Italian descent. He joined the OGC Nice academy at age fifteen and progressed through the ranks, becoming the first-choice goalkeeper for the reserve team and a third-choice option for the senior squad by 2019. His professional debut for Nice came during the 2020-21 season, though he made only four appearances across subsequent campaigns, primarily in cup competitions, and has yet to feature in Ligue 1. In summer 2025, he extended his contract with Nice and joined Championnat National club Bourg-en-Bresse on loan for the 2025-26 season. Boulhendi has represented Algeria at youth level, earning call-ups to the U20 and U23 teams, and received his first senior international call-up in 2021. Described as athletic and explosive without being huge, he is gifted on his line and noted for his exemplary attitude and role as a key dressing-room presence despite limited first-team minutes.
Midfielders
Youssouf Ndayishimiye
Nationality: Burkinabé (French-born)
Former Clubs: Nice academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Youssouf Ndayishimiye has become Nice’s midfield anchor, the Burkinabé international providing tackling, interceptions, and tactical intelligence following his graduation from the club’s academy. The 27-year-old’s tackling (3.3 per 90) and interceptions (2.6 per 90) lead Nice’s midfield. His work rate (11.8 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.5 pressures per 90) set Haise’s standards. Ndayishimiye’s contract runs through 2029.
Khéphren Thuram
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Olympique de Neuilly (youth), Boulogne-Billancourt (youth), AS Monaco, OGC Nice, Juventus
Transfer Fees: €20.60 million from Nice to Juventus (July 2024)
A right-footed central midfielder standing 192 cm tall, Khéphren Thuram was born March 26, 2001 in Reggio Emilia, Italy while his father Lilian Thuram was playing for Parma, and he is the younger brother of Inter striker Marcus Thuram. He began his youth career at Olympique de Neuilly before joining Monaco’s academy and making his professional debut for Monaco in the Champions League at just 17 years old. After joining OGC Nice in 2019, he spent five seasons at the club making 167 appearances and developing into one of Ligue 1’s most promising midfielders. Known for his imposing physical presence combined with surprising agility and technical ability, Thuram excels as a ball-carrying midfielder who drives forward from deep positions using his long strides. He is exceptional at progressing the ball upfield, ranking among Ligue 1’s top dribblers from midfield, while also demonstrating strong defensive capabilities with a high success rate in duels thanks to his long reach. He operates effectively as both a number eight or as a deeper pivot, and was named to the Ligue 1 Team of the Season for 2022-23. In July 2024, he joined Juventus for €20.60 million, following in his father’s footsteps at the Turin club.
Alexis Beka Beka
Nationality: French (Congolese descent)
Former Clubs: Caen, Lokomotiv Moscow, Nice
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2022)
Alexis Beka Beka has provided midfield depth following his arrival from Lokomotiv Moscow, the French-Congolese midfielder offering energy, tackling, and ball-carrying. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Tanguy Ndombele
Nationality: French (Congolese descent)
Former Clubs: Amiens, Lyon, Tottenham Hotspur, Napoli (loan), Galatasaray (loan), Nice
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Tanguy Ndombele’s summer 2025 arrival from Tottenham Hotspur added French international pedigree, ball-carrying, and creativity to Nice’s midfield. The 29-year-old’s dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) and passing (4.9 progressive passes per 90) provide functional depth. Ndombele’s contract runs through 2029.
Pablo Rosario
Nationality: Dominican Republic (born in the Netherlands)
Former Clubs: Ajax (youth), Almere City, PSV Eindhoven, OGC Nice, FC Porto
Transfer Fees: €6.00 million from PSV to Nice (July 2021), €3.75 million from Nice to Porto (August 2025)
A right-footed defensive midfielder standing between 179 cm and 188 cm tall depending on the source, Pablo Rosario was born January 7, 1997 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He came through the youth ranks of Ajax before beginning his senior career at Almere City, then joined PSV Eindhoven in 2016 where he won the Eredivisie title in 2018 and made 101 league appearances for the club. Rosario transferred to OGC Nice in July 2021 for €6.00 million and spent four seasons on the Côte d’Azur, making 149 total appearances for the club, including 127 in Ligue 1, and scoring 4 goals. In August 2025, he moved to Portuguese giants FC Porto for €3.75 million plus bonuses, with Nice retaining 15 percent of any future sell-on fee. Known for his versatility, Rosario primarily operates as a defensive midfielder but is also capable of playing at centre-back or right-back. His playing style is characterized by excellent ball retention, strong aerial duels, and good interception ability, though tackling has been noted as a relative weakness. He likes to play short passes and poses an indirect set-piece threat. Born in the Netherlands, he has switched his international allegiance to the Dominican Republic, earning 5 senior caps for the Caribbean nation.
Morgan Sanson
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Le Mans (youth), Montpellier, Marseille, Aston Villa, Strasbourg (loan), OGC Nice
Transfer Fees: €12 million from Montpellier to Marseille (January 2017), €15 million (£16 million) from Marseille to Aston Villa (January 2021), €4 million from Aston Villa to OGC Nice (July 2024)
A right-footed central midfielder standing 180 cm tall, Morgan Sanson was born August 18, 1994 in Saint-Doulchard, France. He came through the youth ranks at Le Mans before making his professional breakthrough at Montpellier, where he developed into one of Ligue 1’s most promising young midfielders. In January 2017, he joined Marseille for €12 million and spent four seasons there, making over 130 appearances and scoring 21 goals, including a memorable campaign in 2017-18 when he helped Marseille reach the Europa League final. His performances earned him a €15 million move to Aston Villa in January 2021, but his time in the Premier League was disrupted by injuries and managerial changes, resulting in just 21 league appearances across three seasons. He revived his career on loan at Strasbourg during the 2022-23 season before joining Nice on loan in 2023-24, which became a permanent €4 million transfer in July 2024. Known for his creativity and attacking drive from midfield, Sanson excels at set-pieces, key passes, and dribbling, and he has averaged a goal or assist every 2.4 games in Ligue 1 throughout his career with 41 goals and 33 assists in 278 appearances. His weaknesses include defensive duels, ball retention, and passing consistency, making him a classic attacking midfielder who thrives in the final third but struggles with controlling the game from deeper positions. He represented France at U21 level with 10 caps and 2 goals.
Tom Louchet
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: SC Volxien (youth), EP de Manosque (youth), US Vivo 04 (youth), Gap Foot 05 (youth), Istres FC (youth), OGC Nice (youth), OGC Nice
Transfer Fees: Promoted from OGC Nice B to first team on July 1, 2023 with no transfer fee (market value at time: €100,000)
A right-footed defender and midfielder standing between 176 cm and 178 cm tall, Tom Louchet was born May 4, 2003 in Manosque, France and is known for his remarkable versatility and game intelligence. He joined the OGC Nice academy in 2019 and was promoted to the professional squad ahead of the 2023-24 season, making his senior debut in October 2023 against Clermont. Often praised for his ability to play in almost every position—right-back, left-back, winger, defensive midfielder, or attacking midfielder—Louchet quickly became a fan favorite, being voted Espoir de la saison by Nice supporters in both 2023-24 and 2024-25. Through the 2025-26 season, he has made over 50 professional appearances for Nice, scoring 4 goals and providing assists, including his first Ligue 1 goal against Le Havre in December 2023. He has represented France at U17 level with 2 caps.
Badredine Bouanani
Nationality: Algerian (also holds French nationality)
Former Clubs: US Ronchin (youth), LOSC Lille (youth), OGC Nice, FC Lorient (loan)
Transfer Fees: Free transfer from Lille to Nice (July 2022), loan to Lorient (January 2024), €20 million from Nice to VfB Stuttgart (August 2025)
A left-footed winger standing 177 cm tall, Badredine Bouanani was born December 8, 2004 in Lille, France to parents originally from Tlemcen, Algeria. He grew up in Ronchin and began playing at US Ronchin before being spotted by LOSC Lille at age six, where he developed through their academy until age 17. After refusing a professional contract with Lille, he joined OGC Nice on a free transfer in July 2022 and signed his first professional contract at just 17 years old. Bouanani made his professional debut for Nice in a Coupe de France match against Le Puy Foot in January 2023 and his Ligue 1 debut soon after against Montpellier, delivering an assist. After a six-month loan to Lorient at the start of 2024 where he scored his first professional goal, he returned to Nice and extended his contract until 2029. His performances earned him a €20 million move to Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart in August 2025, where he signed a contract until 2030. Known for his long shots, crossing ability, and ability to hold onto the ball, Bouanani is a right-winger who likes to cut inside onto his stronger left foot and poses a counter-attacking threat. His weaknesses include aerial duels and passing consistency. Bouanani represented France at youth levels including U16, U18, and U19, before switching his allegiance to Algeria, making his senior debut for the Algerian national team in June 2023 against Niger. As of the 2025-26 season, he has made over 100 professional appearances across all competitions with 8 goals and 8 assists.
Forwards
Evann Guessand
Nationality: French (Ivorian descent)
Former Clubs: Nice academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Evann Guessand has become Nice’s primary attacking weapon, the French-Ivorian forward providing finishing, pace, and movement following his graduation from the club’s academy. The 24-year-old’s finishing (15 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (27%) provide consistent scoring threat. Guessand’s movement off the shoulder (3.3 shots per 90, 0.57 xG per shot) terrorises defences. His work rate pressing centre-backs (10.8 pressures per 90) sets Nice’s defensive tone from the front. Guessand’s contract runs through 2029.
Gaëtan Laborde
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Bordeaux, Montpellier, Rennes, Nice
Transfer Fee: €15 million (2022)
Gaëtan Laborde has provided striker depth following his arrival from Rennes, the French forward offering finishing, physicality, and hold-up play as Guessand’s partner or understudy. The 31-year-old’s finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (6 assists) provide balanced output. Laborde’s contract runs through 2028.
Mohamed-Ali Cho
Nationality: French (born in Stains, France; of Ivorian and Moroccan descent)
Former Clubs: US Chantilly (youth), Paris Saint-Germain (youth), Everton (youth), Angers SCO, Real Sociedad, OGC Nice
Transfer Fees: Free from Everton to Angers (May 2020), €11 million from Angers to Real Sociedad (July 2022), €10 million plus €2 million bonuses from Real Sociedad to Nice (January 2024)
A left-footed attacker standing approximately 182 cm tall, Mohamed-Ali Cho was born January 19, 2004 in Stains, France and experienced an unusual youth career split between France and England, spending time at the Paris Saint-Germain academy before moving to Merseyside at age nine and joining Everton’s youth system. He returned to France in 2020 to sign with Angers SCO, where he made his professional debut at just 16 years old and quickly became one of Ligue 1’s most promising young talents, registering 32 league appearances and 4 goals during the 2021-22 season. His breakout campaign earned him an €11 million transfer to Real Sociedad in 2022, but his time in Spain was severely disrupted by hamstring and ankle injuries that limited his opportunities, leading to just 38 appearances across one and a half seasons. Since returning to France with OGC Nice in January 2024, Cho has gradually rediscovered his consistency, making 35 appearances with 5 goals and 4 assists in the 2024-25 season under manager Franck Haise, who has utilized him across all three attacking positions. Known for his pace, strong through balls, and powerful long shots, Cho excels at dribbling and progressive carries that break defensive lines, though his weaknesses include holding onto the ball, aerial duels, crossing, and defensive contribution. He has represented France at multiple youth levels, earning 8 caps for the U21 team and also featuring for the U19 and U20 sides.
Aliou Baldé
Nationality: Guinean (also holds Senegalese nationality)
Former Clubs: FC Diambars (youth), Feyenoord, SK Beveren (loan), FC Dordrecht (loan), FC Lausanne-Sport, OGC Nice, VfL Bochum (loan), FC St. Gallen (loan)
Transfer Fees: €2.5 million from Lausanne-Sport to OGC Nice (September 2023), loan to Bochum (August 2024), loan to St. Gallen with option to buy (July 2025)
A right-footed winger standing 170 cm tall, Aliou Balde was born December 12, 2002 in Ziguinchor, Senegal and initially came through the FC Diambars academy in Senegal before making the move to Europe with Feyenoord in the Netherlands. He spent time on loan at Belgian side SK Beveren and Dutch club FC Dordrecht, where he had a productive 2022-23 season scoring 8 goals in 16 Eerste Divisie matches, before transferring to FC Lausanne-Sport. His strong form at Lausanne, where he helped the club earn promotion to the Swiss Super League with 5 goals in 14 matches, earned him a €2.5 million move to OGC Nice in September 2023. However, his time at Nice was limited, making just 9 appearances with only 99 minutes of playing time, mostly as a late substitute. He has since been loaned to VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga, back to Lausanne-Sport, and most recently to Swiss club FC St. Gallen in July 2025 with an option to buy. Known primarily as a left winger who can also play on the right or as an attacking midfielder, Balde possesses good pace and dribbling ability, though his slight frame at 59 kg limits his physical presence in duels. He became a Guinean international on June 10, 2024, earning over 10 caps for the national team, and represented Guinea at the 2024 Paris Olympics where he scored one goal.
Amine Salhi
Nationality: French (also eligible for Morocco)
Former Clubs: INF Clairefontaine (youth), OGC Nice (youth), OGC Nice
Transfer Fees: Youth academy product – no transfer fee
A left-footed full-back standing approximately 175 cm tall, Amine Salhi is a promising young defender born in 2007 who currently plays for OGC Nice. He is a product of the prestigious INF Clairefontaine academy before joining the OGC Nice academy in 2020. He has represented France at the youth international level, earning caps for the U17 and U18 teams, and participated in the UEFA European U17 Championship in 2024 where his performances attracted attention from clubs abroad. Salhi made his professional debut for Nice in November 2024 during a Europa League match against Rangers, coming on as a late substitute. He is a Franco-Moroccan dual national, eligible to represent either France or Morocco at senior level.
Conclusion
Nice’s 2025/26 squad represents the most talented and balanced group assembled since the club’s Champions League qualification under Christophe Galtier, a testament to Franck Haise’s coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Todibo, Bułka, Cho), and the academy’s continued production (Guessand, Ndayishimiye, Mendy, Bard). The defence, anchored by Dante’s Brazilian leadership and Jean-Clair Todibo’s French athleticism, provides platform for Nice’s high-pressing, vertical system. The midfield, dominated by Youssouf Ndayishimiye’s Burkinabé destruction and Tanguy Ndombele’s French creativity, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Evann Guessand’s finishing and Gaëtan Laborde’s physical presence, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Nice has balanced immediate competitiveness with enormous resale value; Guessand, Todibo, Bułka, and Bard represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining Champions League qualification despite competing with Paris Saint-Germain’s financial dominance – and finally translating the club’s potential into silverware. Nice no longer surprises opponents; they are respected, studied, and feared as one of Ligue 1’s most consistent forces.
