Stade de Reims Squad 2024/25

Stade de Reims Squad 2024/25

The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for Stade de Reims, a club with a rich history in French football. Known for their golden era in the 1950s, Reims has been steadily rebuilding its reputation in Ligue 1, blending youth development with strategic signings. This season’s squad reflects a balance of experienced campaigners and promising talents, all aiming to elevate the club’s standing in French and European football. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the Stade de Reims Squad for the 2024/25 season, categorized by position, with detailed profiles of each player.

Goalkeepers

  1. Yehvann Diouf
    • Nationality: French
    • Former Clubs: Troyes (youth), Stade de Reims (since 2019)
    • Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
    • Description: Yehvann Diouf has established himself as Reims’ first-choice goalkeeper after rising through the club’s youth ranks. Known for his quick reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Diouf has become a reliable last line of defense. His ability to read the game and make crucial saves in one-on-one situations has earned him praise from fans and pundits alike. At 25, he is entering his prime and is expected to play a pivotal role in Reims’ defensive solidity this season.
  2. Patrick Pentz
    • Nationality: Austrian
    • Former Clubs: Austria Wien, Bayer Leverkusen
    • Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
    • Description: Patrick Pentz joined Reims in 2023 as a backup option but has proven to be a dependable deputy. The Austrian shot-stopper brings experience from his time in the Bundesliga and Austrian Bundesliga, showcasing excellent distribution and shot-stopping abilities. While he primarily serves as a backup to Diouf, Pentz’s professionalism and readiness to step in when called upon make him a valuable asset to the squad.
  3. Maxime Pattier
    • Nationality: French
    • Former Clubs: Laval (youth), Stade de Reims (since 2022)
    • Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
    • Description: A product of Reims’ youth academy, Maxime Pattier is the third-choice goalkeeper. At just 22 years old, Pattier is seen as a long-term project for the club. His agility and strong work ethic have impressed the coaching staff, and he is expected to gain valuable experience through cup appearances and training with the first team.

Defenders

  1. Emmanuel Agbadou
    • Nationality: Ivorian
    • Former Clubs: KAS Eupen
    • Transfer Fee: €3 million (2022)
    • Description: Emmanuel Agbadou has been a rock at the heart of Reims’ defense since his arrival from Belgium. The Ivorian center-back combines physicality with composure, making him a formidable presence in aerial duels and ground challenges. His leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on several occasions. Agbadou’s ability to play out from the back aligns perfectly with Reims’ tactical philosophy.
  2. Yunis Abdelhamid
    • Nationality: Moroccan
    • Former Clubs: Dijon, Valenciennes
    • Transfer Fee: €2 million (2017)
    • Description: A veteran of the squad, Yunis Abdelhamid brings a wealth of experience to Reims’ backline. The Moroccan international is known for his tactical intelligence and ability to organize the defense. Despite being 36, Abdelhamid remains a key figure, mentoring younger players and providing stability in high-pressure situations.
  3. Thibault De Smet
    • Nationality: Belgian
    • Former Clubs: Gent, KV Oostende
    • Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2023)
    • Description: Thibault De Smet has quickly become a fan favorite since joining Reims in 2023. The Belgian left-back is renowned for his attacking prowess, often overlapping to deliver precise crosses into the box. Defensively, his pace and positioning make him a reliable option against fast wingers.
  4. Thomas Foket
    • Nationality: Belgian
    • Former Clubs: Gent
    • Transfer Fee: €4 million (2018)
    • Description: Thomas Foket is a versatile defender capable of playing both right-back and center-back. The Belgian’s consistency and work rate have made him a mainstay in the squad. Foket’s ability to contribute offensively, coupled with his defensive discipline, makes him a valuable asset.
  5. Joseph Okumu
    • Nationality: Kenyan
    • Former Clubs: Elfsborg, Gent
    • Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (2023)
    • Description: Joseph Okumu joined Reims in 2023 and has quickly adapted to the demands of Ligue 1. The Kenyan center-back is known for his athleticism and ability to intercept opposition attacks. His calmness under pressure and ability to play out from the back have made him a key player in Reims’ defensive setup.
  6. Cheick Keita
    • Nationality: Malian
    • Former Clubs: Barcelona B, Birmingham City
    • Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
    • Description: Cheick Keita provides depth at left-back and is known for his explosive pace and dribbling skills. The Malian defender has struggled with injuries but remains a useful option for rotation. His attacking mindset adds an extra dimension to Reims’ play down the left flank.

Midfielders

  1. Marshall Munetsi
    • Nationality: Zimbabwean
    • Former Clubs: Orlando Pirates, FC Cape Town
    • Transfer Fee: €2 million (2019)
    • Description: Marshall Munetsi is the engine of Reims’ midfield, combining defensive grit with an eye for goal. The Zimbabwean international is a box-to-box midfielder who excels in breaking up play and driving forward with the ball. His aerial ability and knack for scoring crucial goals make him a fan favorite.
  2. Azor Matusiwa
    • Nationality: Dutch
    • Former Clubs: Groningen
    • Transfer Fee: €4 million (2022)
    • Description: Azor Matusiwa is a technically gifted midfielder who controls the tempo of the game. The Dutchman’s passing range and ability to retain possession under pressure have been instrumental in Reims’ build-up play. His versatility allows him to play as a deep-lying playmaker or in a more advanced role.
  3. Dion Lopy
    • Nationality: Senegalese
    • Former Clubs: Diambars
    • Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2021)
    • Description: Dion Lopy is a dynamic midfielder known for his energy and tenacity. The Senegalese youngster has quickly risen through the ranks, earning a regular spot in the starting XI. His ability to win tackles and drive forward with the ball makes him a key player in Reims’ midfield.
  4. Jens Cajuste
    • Nationality: Swedish
    • Former Clubs: Midtjylland, Napoli
    • Transfer Fee: €10 million (2023)
    • Description: Jens Cajuste joined Reims in 2023 and has since become a cornerstone of the midfield. The Swedish international is a complete midfielder, capable of contributing defensively and offensively. His physicality and technical skills make him a standout performer in Ligue 1.
  5. Teddy Teuma
    • Nationality: Maltese
    • Former Clubs: Union SG
    • Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
    • Description: Teddy Teuma is a creative force in Reims’ midfield. The Maltese international is known for his vision and ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes. His set-piece delivery and work rate add further value to the team.

Forwards

  1. Folarin Balogun
    • Nationality: American
    • Former Clubs: Arsenal, Middlesbrough (loan)
    • Transfer Fee: €25 million (2023)
    • Description: Folarin Balogun is Reims’ marquee signing and primary goal threat. The American striker enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Reims in 2022/23, prompting the club to secure his services permanently. Balogun’s clinical finishing, movement, and ability to hold up play make him one of the most feared strikers in Ligue 1.
  2. Mohamed Daramy
    • Nationality: Danish
    • Former Clubs: Copenhagen, Ajax
    • Transfer Fee: €8 million (2023)
    • Description: Mohamed Daramy is a versatile forward who can play on the wing or as a secondary striker. The Danish international is known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances for his teammates. His adaptability adds depth to Reims’ attacking options.
  3. Junya Ito
    • Nationality: Japanese
    • Former Clubs: Genk, Kashiwa Reysol
    • Transfer Fee: €10 million (2022)
    • Description: Junya Ito is a dynamic winger who has been a revelation since joining Reims. The Japanese international’s speed and crossing ability make him a constant threat down the right flank. His work rate and defensive contributions also make him a valuable asset in pressing systems.
  4. Oumar Diakité
    • Nationality: Ivorian
    • Former Clubs: ASEC Mimosas
    • Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
    • Description: Oumar Diakité is a young forward with immense potential. The Ivorian’s physicality and technical skills have drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba. While still developing, Diakité has shown glimpses of his talent and is expected to play a more prominent role this season.
  5. Réda Khadra
    • Nationality: French
    • Former Clubs: Brighton, Blackburn (loan)
    • Transfer Fee: €5 million (2023)
    • Description: Réda Khadra is a versatile attacker capable of playing on either wing or as a central forward. The Frenchman’s dribbling skills and creativity make him a valuable option in the final third. His ability to score spectacular goals adds an extra dimension to Reims’ attack.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 Stade de Reims squad is a blend of youth and experience, with a strong emphasis on tactical flexibility and attacking flair. Under the guidance of their coaching staff, this group of players has the potential to challenge for European qualification and make a deep run in domestic cup competitions. With a solid defensive foundation, a dynamic midfield, and a potent attack, Reims is poised to make waves in French football this season. Fans can look forward to an exciting campaign filled with memorable moments and standout performances.