Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) Squad 2024/25
Stade Brestois 29, commonly known as Brest, has emerged as a formidable force in French football. Their remarkable third-place finish in the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season secured them a historic spot in the UEFA Champions League for the first time. This achievement is a testament to the club’s strategic planning, astute signings, and the cohesive unit they’ve built. Under the guidance of head coach Éric Roy, Brest has assembled a squad blending experienced professionals with promising young talents. This article provides an in-depth look at the 2024/25 squad, detailing each player’s background, career trajectory, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
1. Marco Bizot
Marco Bizot, born on March 10, 1991, in Hoorn, Netherlands, stands as Brest’s first-choice goalkeeper. Beginning his professional journey with Ajax, Bizot honed his skills before moving to FC Groningen in 2012. His consistent performances caught the attention of AZ Alkmaar, where he transferred in 2017. In 2021, seeking new challenges, Bizot joined Stade Brestois 29, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the Eredivisie. Known for his sharp reflexes and commanding presence in the box, he has been pivotal in Brest’s defensive solidity.
2. Grégoire Coudert
Born on April 3, 1999, in France, Grégoire Coudert serves as a reliable backup goalkeeper for Brest. He began his career with Châteauroux, where his potential was evident. In 2021, Coudert made the switch to Brest, aiming to develop further under the mentorship of seasoned professionals. Standing tall at 190 cm, his aerial ability and shot-stopping skills make him a dependable option between the posts.
3. Noah Jauny
Noah Jauny, born on August 26, 2004, in Ireland, is one of the promising young talents in Brest’s goalkeeping department. Despite his young age, Jauny has showcased maturity and composure beyond his years. Joining Brest in 2022, he has been part of the club’s youth setup, gradually integrating into the senior team. His agility and quick reflexes have earmarked him as a future star in the making.
Defenders
1. Jordan Amavi
Jordan Amavi, born on March 9, 1994, in Toulon, France, is a seasoned left-back known for his defensive acumen and offensive support. Amavi’s professional career commenced at OGC Nice, where his performances earned him a move to Aston Villa in the English Premier League in 2015. After gaining valuable experience in England, he returned to France, signing with Olympique de Marseille in 2017. In July 2024, Amavi made a free transfer to Stade Brestois 29, bringing with him a wealth of experience and stability to the left flank.
2. Justin Bourgault
A rising star, Justin Bourgault was born on September 14, 2005, in France. Primarily playing as a left-back, Bourgault’s defensive solidity and ability to join the attack have made him a standout performer. He began his career with US Concarneau, where his impressive displays caught the attention of Brest. In January 2025, Bourgault made the switch to Stade Brestois 29 on a free transfer, aiming to develop further and make his mark in Ligue 1.
3. Brendan Chardonnet
Born on December 22, 1994, in France, Brendan Chardonnet is a central defender who has become synonymous with loyalty and leadership at Brest. Having been with the club since 2014, Chardonnet has witnessed the team’s evolution over the years. His understanding of the game, combined with his aerial prowess and tackling ability, has solidified his position as a mainstay in Brest’s defense.
4. Soumaïla Coulibaly
Soumaïla Coulibaly, born on October 14, 2003, in France, is a young central defender with immense potential. He began his professional journey with Borussia Dortmund, where he developed his foundational skills. Seeking regular first-team action, Coulibaly joined Stade Brestois 29 on loan in August 2024. His composure on the ball and defensive intelligence have added depth to Brest’s backline.
5. Massadio Haïdara
Massadio Haïdara, born on December 2, 1992, in Trappes, France, is a versatile defender capable of playing both as a left-back and center-back. Haïdara’s professional career took off at AS Nancy, where his performances led to a move to Newcastle United in 2013. After several seasons in England, he returned to France, signing with RC Lens. In August 2024, Haïdara transferred to Stade Brestois 29 for a fee of €1.7 million, bringing experience and versatility to the defensive unit.
6. Kenny Lala
Kenny Lala, born on October 3, 1991, in France, is an experienced right-back known for his offensive forays and defensive reliability. Lala’s career includes stints with clubs like Valenciennes, RC Lens, and Strasbourg, where he consistently showcased his abilities. In 2023, he joined Stade Brestois 29, aiming to bolster their defensive lineup. His crossing ability and pace make him a valuable asset on the right flank.
7. Luck Zogbé
Born on March 24, 2005, in Côte d’Ivoire, Luck Zogbé is a young right-back with a bright future. He began his career in his home country before making the move to Stade Brestois 29 in 2023. Zogbé’s defensive tenacity and willingness to support the attack have made him a player to watch as he continues his development in European football.
Midfielders
1. Edimilson Fernandes
Edimilson Fernandes, born on April 15, 1996, in Sion, Switzerland, is a versatile midfielder known for his ability to operate both defensively and offensively. Beginning his professional career with FC Sion in 2013, Fernandes showcased his potential, leading to a transfer to West Ham United in 2016 for a reported fee of £5.5 million. During his tenure in the English Premier League, he gained valuable experience before moving to Fiorentina in 2019. In August 2024, seeking a new challenge, Fernandes joined Stade Brestois 29 for a transfer fee of €3 million. His vision, ball control, and tactical awareness have been instrumental in orchestrating Brest’s midfield play.
2. Jonas Martin
Born on April 9, 1990, in Besançon, France, Jonas Martin is an experienced central midfielder renowned for his composure and leadership on the field. Martin’s professional journey began with Montpellier HSC in 2008, where he developed his foundational skills. Seeking to broaden his horizons, he transferred to Real Betis in 2016 for a fee of approximately €2.5 million. After a season in La Liga, Martin returned to France, representing clubs like Strasbourg and Rennes. In July 2024, he signed with Stade Brestois 29 on a free transfer. His experience and midfield mastery have provided stability and creativity to Brest’s central play.
3. Pierre Lees-Melou
Pierre Lees-Melou, born on May 25, 1993, in Langon, France, is an attacking midfielder celebrated for his creativity and goal-scoring prowess. Lees-Melou’s ascent in professional football began with Dijon FCO in 2015. His impressive performances caught the eye of OGC Nice, leading to a transfer in 2017 for a fee of €4 million. In 2021, he ventured into the English Premier League, joining Norwich City. However, after a season, Lees-Melou returned to France, signing with Stade Brestois 29 in 2022 for a transfer fee of €2.5 million. His vision, passing accuracy, and knack for crucial goals have made him a linchpin in Brest’s attacking midfield.
4. Hugo Magnetti
Hugo Magnetti, born on May 30, 1998, in Marseille, France, is a defensive midfielder known for his tenacity and ball-winning abilities. A product of Stade Brestois 29’s youth academy, Magnetti was promoted to the senior team in 2018. Over the years, he has developed into a reliable figure in the midfield, providing essential cover for the defense and facilitating transitions. His commitment and understanding of the game have endeared him to both fans and teammates.
5. Mahdi Camara
Mahdi Camara, born on June 30, 1998, in Martigues, France, is a dynamic midfielder capable of playing both defensive and box-to-box roles. Camara’s professional career commenced with AS Saint-Étienne in 2016. His consistent performances and versatility made him a valuable asset to the team. In August 2024, seeking to bolster their midfield options, Stade Brestois 29 secured Camara’s services for a transfer fee of €2 million. His energy, tackling proficiency, and ability to drive forward have added a new dimension to Brest’s midfield dynamics.
6. Félix Lemaréchal
Félix Lemaréchal, born on August 4, 2003, in France, is a promising young midfielder with a bright future ahead. Developing through the youth ranks of AS Monaco, Lemaréchal showcased his potential early on. In July 2024, he made a strategic move to Stade Brestois 29 on a free transfer, aiming for more first-team opportunities. His technical skills, vision, and composure on the ball have already begun to make an impact, suggesting a promising trajectory in professional football.
Forwards
1. Romain Del Castillo
Romain Del Castillo, born on March 29, 1996, in Vénissieux, France, is a winger celebrated for his dribbling prowess and creativity on the flank. Del Castillo’s professional journey began with Olympique Lyonnais in 2015. Seeking regular first-team action, he moved to Stade Rennais in 2018 for a transfer fee of €2 million. In August 2021, Del Castillo transferred to Stade Brestois 29 for a fee of €2.5 million. His agility, vision, and ability to deliver precise crosses have been instrumental in Brest’s attacking strategies.
2. Axel Camblan
Born on February 8, 2004, in France, Axel Camblan is a young forward with immense potential. A product of Stade Brestois 29’s youth academy, Camblan was promoted to the senior team in 2022. His versatility allows him to operate both as a winger and a central striker. Despite his young age, Camblan has demonstrated composure in front of goal and a keen sense of positioning, marking him as one of the club’s promising talents for the future.
3. Jérémy Le Douaron
Jérémy Le Douaron, born on April 17, 1998, in Ploufragan, France, is a forward known for his physical presence and goal-scoring instincts. Le Douaron’s professional career began with Stade Briochin, where his impressive performances in the lower divisions caught the attention of Brest. In 2020, he made the move to Stade Brestois 29 on a free transfer. His work rate, aerial ability, and knack for finding the back of the net have made him a valuable asset in Brest’s attacking lineup.
4. Steve Mounié
Steve Mounié, born on September 29, 1994, in Parakou, Benin, is a towering striker renowned for his aerial prowess and physicality. Mounié began his professional career with Montpellier HSC in 2014, where his goal-scoring abilities quickly came to the fore. In 2017, he made a significant move to Huddersfield Town in the English Premier League for a reported fee of £11.5 million, becoming Benin’s most expensive player at the time. After gaining valuable experience in England, Mounié returned to France, signing with Stade Brestois 29 in 2020 for a transfer fee of €5 million. His strength, heading ability, and knack for positioning have made him a focal point in Brest’s attack, often leading the line with distinction.
5. Franck Honorat
Born on August 11, 1996, in Toulon, France, Franck Honorat is a dynamic winger known for his blistering pace and technical flair. Honorat’s professional journey commenced with OGC Nice in 2013. Seeking regular first-team opportunities, he had stints with Sochaux and Clermont Foot, where his performances garnered attention. In 2019, he secured a move to AS Saint-Étienne for a fee of €2 million. A year later, in 2020, Honorat transferred to Stade Brestois 29 for a similar fee, aiming to further his development. His ability to take on defenders, deliver precise crosses, and contribute crucial goals has solidified his role as an essential component of Brest’s forward line.
6. Islam Slimani
Islam Slimani, born on June 18, 1988, in Algiers, Algeria, is a seasoned striker celebrated for his goal-scoring instincts and experience across various European leagues. Slimani’s career took off with CR Belouizdad in Algeria before making a notable move to Sporting CP in Portugal in 2013 for a fee of €300,000. His impressive tally of goals in the Primeira Liga led to a high-profile transfer to Leicester City in 2016 for a club-record fee of £28 million. During his tenure with Leicester, Slimani had loan spells with Newcastle United, Fenerbahçe, and AS Monaco, gaining diverse experiences. In August 2024, seeking to add experience to their attacking ranks, Stade Brestois 29 signed Slimani on a free transfer. His aerial ability, positioning, and finishing skills offer a valuable dimension to Brest’s offensive strategies.
7. Jérémy Le Douaron
Jérémy Le Douaron, born on April 17, 1998, in Ploufragan, France, is a forward known for his physical presence and goal-scoring instincts. Le Douaron’s professional career began with Stade Briochin, where his impressive performances in the lower divisions caught the attention of Brest. In 2020, he made the move to Stade Brestois 29 on a free transfer. His work rate, aerial ability, and knack for finding the back of the net have made him a valuable asset in Brest’s attacking lineup.
8. Axel Camblan
Born on February 8, 2004, in France, Axel Camblan is a young forward with immense potential. A product of Stade Brestois 29’s youth academy, Camblan was promoted to the senior team in 2022. His versatility allows him to operate both as a winger and a central striker. Despite his young age, Camblan has demonstrated composure in front of goal and a keen sense of positioning, marking him as one of the club’s promising talents for the future.
9. Romain Del Castillo
Romain Del Castillo, born on March 29, 1996, in Vénissieux, France, is a winger celebrated for his dribbling prowess and creativity on the flank. Del Castillo’s professional journey began with Olympique Lyonnais in 2015. Seeking regular first-team action, he moved to Stade Rennais in 2018 for a transfer fee of €2 million. In August 2021, Del Castillo transferred to Stade Brestois 29 for a fee of €2.5 million. His agility, vision, and ability to deliver precise crosses have been instrumental in Brest’s attacking strategies.
Conclusion
Stade Brestois 29’s squad for the 2024/25 season exemplifies a harmonious blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents. Under the astute leadership of head coach Éric Roy, the team has achieved remarkable milestones, including a historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League. This success is a testament to the club’s strategic planning, prudent acquisitions, and emphasis on nurturing young prospects. As Brest embarks on this exciting chapter, the collective prowess and determination of the squad position them to make a significant impact both domestically and on the European stage.
