Olympique Gymnaste Club de Nice Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for Olympique Gymnaste Club de Nice, as the club continues to build on its rich history and ambition to compete at the highest levels of French and European football. With a blend of experienced veterans, rising stars, and strategic acquisitions, Nice’s squad is poised to challenge for silverware and cement its place among Ligue 1’s elite. This season’s roster reflects a careful balance of youth and experience, with players from diverse backgrounds and skill sets contributing to the team’s dynamic style of play. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the squad, categorized by position, and provide an in-depth analysis of each player’s profile, including their nationality, career trajectory, transfer history, and key attributes.
Goalkeepers
Marcin Bulka
Nationality: Polish
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain (loan), Nice
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2022)
Marcin Bulka has established himself as Nice’s first-choice goalkeeper since joining permanently from Paris Saint-Germain. Standing at 6’6”, his towering presence and exceptional reflexes make him a formidable shot-stopper. Bulka’s ability to command his penalty area and distribute the ball accurately under pressure has been instrumental in Nice’s defensive solidity. His performances have earned him recognition as one of Ligue 1’s most reliable goalkeepers, and at just 24 years old, he has the potential to become a mainstay for both club and country.
Teddy Boulhendi
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Nice Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Teddy Boulhendi is a promising young goalkeeper who has risen through the ranks of Nice’s esteemed academy. Known for his agility and composure, Boulhendi has been a consistent performer for the club’s reserve team and is now pushing for more first-team opportunities. At 22, he represents the future of Nice’s goalkeeping department and has already shown glimpses of his potential in cup competitions. His development will be closely monitored as he aims to challenge Bulka for the starting role in the coming years.
Yoan Cardinale
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Nice Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
A seasoned campaigner within the squad, Yoan Cardinale provides valuable experience and depth to the goalkeeping unit. Having spent his entire career at Nice, Cardinale understands the club’s ethos and serves as a mentor to younger players. While primarily a backup option, his professionalism and readiness to step in when called upon make him an essential part of the squad.
Defenders
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 emerged as one of Ligue 1’s standout center-backs, combining physicality, technical ability, and tactical intelligence. His journey from Barcelona to Nice has been marked by steady growth, and he is now a linchpin of the defense. Todibo’s ability to read the game, coupled with his composure on the ball, allows him to initiate attacks from the back. At 24, he is already attracting interest from top European clubs, but Nice will be keen to retain his services for as long as possible.
Pablo Rosario
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: PSV Eindhoven, Nice
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2021)
Originally signed as a midfielder, Pablo Rosario has seamlessly transitioned into a versatile defensive role under Nice’s tactical setup. His adaptability, work rate, and ability to play multiple positions make him an invaluable asset. Whether deployed as a center-back or defensive midfielder, Rosario’s intelligence and positional awareness ensure he consistently delivers solid performances.
Melvin Bard
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Lyon, Nice
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2021)
Melvin Bard has cemented his place as Nice’s first-choice left-back, thanks to his attacking prowess and defensive reliability. A product of Lyon’s academy, Bard’s overlapping runs and precise crosses add a new dimension to Nice’s play. Defensively, he is tenacious and disciplined, making him a well-rounded full-back. At 23, he is already one of the league’s most consistent performers in his position.
Jordan Lotomba
Nationality: Swiss
Former Clubs: Young Boys, Nice
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2020)
Jordan Lotomba’s explosive pace and defensive acumen make him a key figure at right-back. The Swiss international is known for his ability to shut down opposition wingers while contributing to the attack with his surging runs. Lotomba’s consistency and versatility have made him a fan favorite, and he continues to be a vital cog in Nice’s defensive setup.
Youssouf Ndayishimiye
Nationality: Burundian
Former Clubs: Aigle Noir, Istanbul Basaksehir, Nice
Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (2022)
Youssouf Ndayishimiye is a no-nonsense center-back who brings physicality and leadership to Nice’s backline. His aerial dominance and ability to make crucial tackles have been pivotal in tight matches. Ndayishimiye’s journey from Burundi to Ligue 1 is a testament to his determination and talent, and he remains a key figure in the squad.
Ayoub Amraoui
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Nice Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Ayoub Amraoui is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Nice’s academy in recent years. The 19-year-old left-back has already made several first-team appearances, showcasing his technical ability and maturity beyond his years. Amraoui’s potential has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best young defenders, and he is expected to play a more prominent role in the coming seasons.
Midfielders
Khephren Thuram
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Monaco, Nice
Transfer Fee: €6 million (2019)
Khephren Thuram has developed into one of Ligue 1’s most complete midfielders, blending physicality, technical skill, and tactical intelligence. The son of French legend Lilian Thuram, Khephren has carved out his own legacy with his dynamic performances. His ability to drive forward with the ball, break up opposition play, and contribute to the attack makes him a cornerstone of Nice’s midfield.
Morgan Sanson
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Le Mans, Montpellier, Marseille, Aston Villa, Nice
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Morgan Sanson’s arrival from Aston Villa brought much-needed experience and creativity to Nice’s midfield. A technically gifted player with an eye for goal, Sanson’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game has been crucial. His leadership and work ethic have also made him a respected figure in the dressing room.
Hicham Boudaoui
Nationality: Algerian
Former Clubs: Paradou AC, Nice
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2019)
Hicham Boudaoui is a versatile midfielder known for his energy and ability to play multiple roles. Whether deployed as a box-to-box midfielder or in a more advanced position, Boudaoui’s work rate and technical ability make him a valuable asset. His performances have also earned him a regular spot in the Algerian national team.
Tom Louchet
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Nice Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Tom Louchet is a promising young midfielder who has impressed with his composure and passing range. The 20-year-old has been a standout performer for Nice’s reserve team and is now knocking on the door of the first team. His development is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Alexis Beka Beka
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Caen, Lokomotiv Moscow, Nice
Transfer Fee: €12 million (2022)
Alexis Beka Beka is a dynamic midfielder whose box-to-box capabilities have added a new dimension to Nice’s play. His ability to cover ground, win duels, and contribute to both defense and attack makes him a key player. Beka Beka’s performances have already justified his significant transfer fee, and he is expected to play a pivotal role this season.
Forwards
Terem Moffi
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Kauno Zalgiris, Riteriai, Kortrijk, Lorient, Nice
Transfer Fee: €25 million (2023)
Terem Moffi has quickly become one of Nice’s most important players since his record-breaking transfer from Lorient. The Nigerian striker’s physicality, pace, and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders. Moffi’s ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play adds another layer to his game, making him a complete forward.
Gaetan Laborde
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Bordeaux, Montpellier, Rennes, Nice
Transfer Fee: €15 million (2022)
Gaetan Laborde’s versatility and goal-scoring ability make him a vital part of Nice’s attack. Whether playing as a center-forward or on the wing, Laborde’s movement and finishing are second to none. His experience and leadership have also been invaluable in guiding the team’s younger players.
Evann Guessand
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Nice Academy, Nantes (loan)
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Evann Guessand is a homegrown talent who has flourished since returning from a successful loan spell at Nantes. The 22-year-old forward’s pace, dribbling, and eye for goal have made him a fan favorite. Guessand’s development is a testament to Nice’s ability to nurture young talent, and he is expected to play a key role this season.
Mohamed-Ali Cho
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Angers, Real Sociedad, Nice
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2023)
Mohamed-Ali Cho is a highly skilled winger whose flair and creativity have added a new dimension to Nice’s attack. The 20-year-old’s ability to take on defenders and deliver precise crosses has made him a constant threat. Cho’s potential is immense, and he is already being touted as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
Badredine Bouanani
Nationality: Algerian
Former Clubs: Nice Academy
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Badredine Bouanani is another academy graduate who has made a significant impact in the first team. The 19-year-old winger’s trickery and ability to create chances have earned him a regular spot in the squad. Bouanani’s performances have also caught the attention of the Algerian national team, and he is expected to play a bigger role this season.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Olympique Gymnaste Club de Nice Squad is a perfect blend of youth, experience, and talent. With a strong core of established players and a pipeline of exciting young prospects, the club is well-positioned to achieve its ambitions. The defensive unit is solid and reliable, the midfield is dynamic and creative, and the attack is potent and versatile. As the season unfolds, Nice fans can look forward to an exciting brand of football and the potential for silverware. The future looks bright for Les Aiglons, and this squad is ready to soar to new heights.