The 2025/26 season finds Stade Rennais FC in a state of ambitious evolution under the guidance of Julien Stéphan, the French manager who returned to the club in 2024 for his second spell. Les Rouges et Noirs (The Red and Blacks) have maintained their reputation as one of Ligue 1‘s most exciting attacking teams, consistently challenging for European qualification while developing some of France’s brightest young talents. The Roazhon Park, with its passionate Breton supporters and famous atmosphere, remains one of French football’s most intimidating venues. This season’s squad reflects Stéphan’s tactical vision: high-pressing forwards, creative midfielders, and a fluid attack that prioritises vertical transitions and collective movement. The club’s famed academy, which produced talents like Eduardo Camavinga and Lesley Ugochukwu, continues to supply homegrown players to the first team. The summer transfer window saw strategic investment, with Rennes retaining their core attacking talents while adding defensive reinforcements. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Rennes‘s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
Steve Mandanda (Captain)
Nationality: French (Congolese descent)
Former Clubs: Le Havre, Olympique marseille-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Marseille, Crystal Palace
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Steve Mandanda has become rennais-rennes-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Rennes‘s captain and longest-serving current goalkeeper, the French World Cup winner providing experience, leadership, and shot-stopping reliability across four seasons at the club. Now 40, Mandanda’s reflexes (74% save percentage in 2024/25, 73% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (86% cross-claiming success) remain reliable despite his age. Mandanda’s distribution (87% pass completion) is functional. Having started 25 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 10 clean sheets, he has ceded some minutes to his understudy. Mandanda’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
Geoffrey Lembet
Nationality: Central African Republic (French-born)
Former Clubs: Nancy, Gazélec Ajaccio, Rennes
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Geoffrey Lembet has accepted a rotational role behind Mandanda, providing Central African international experience, cup competition cover, and dressing room continuity. The 36-year-old’s shot-stopping (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Lembet started 8 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Mandanda’s rest), keeping 3 clean sheets. Lembet’s contract expires in 2027.
Doğan Alemdar
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Kayserispor" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kayserispor (youth and senior), Stade Rennais, ES Troyes AC (loan), Stade Rennais, İstanbul Başakşehir
Transfer Fees: €3.5 million from Kayserispor to Rennes (August 2021), loan to Troyes (July 2023), €1.2 million from Rennes to Başakşehir (September 2025)
A right-footed goalkeeper standing between 189 cm and 192 cm tall, Doğan Alemdar was born October 29, 2002 in Kayseri, Turkey and came through the youth ranks of his hometown club Kayserispor" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kayserispor, making his senior debut for them before turning 19. His impressive early performances earned him a €3.5 million move to French side Stade Rennais in August 2021, where he signed a contract through 2026. At the time of his transfer to Rennes, his market value peaked at an estimated €19 million in September 2022, making him one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in Europe. However, first-team opportunities at Rennes proved limited, and he was loaned to Ligue 2 side Troyes for the 2023-24 season, where he made 35 league appearances and gained valuable playing time. After returning to Rennes, he remained a backup option before being sold to Turkish Süper Lig club İstanbul Başakşehir in September 2025 for €1.2 million. Known for his reflexes, positioning, and shot-stopping ability, Alemdar has represented Turkey at multiple youth levels and earned 2 senior caps for the Turkish national team. As of the 2025-26 season, he has made over 130 senior club appearances in his career with 33 clean sheets, and currently wears the number 80 shirt for Başakşehir under contract through June 2029.
Defenders
Christopher Wooh
Nationality: French (Cameroonian descent)
Former Clubs: lens-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Lens, Rennes
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2022)
Christopher Wooh has become Rennes’s defensive leader, the French-Cameroonian centre-back providing athleticism, reading of the game, and recovery pace across four seasons at the club. The 24-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.5 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing full-backs—provides defensive security. His recovery pace (35.4 km/h) and tackling (2.8 per 90) provide physical presence. Wooh’s partnership with Mikayil Faye has conceded only 1.08 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Wooh’s contract runs through 2029.
Mikayil Faye
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: NK Kustošija, barcelona-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Barcelona B, Rennes
Transfer Fee: €12 million (2024)
Mikayil Faye has become Wooh’s long-term partner, the Senegalese international centre-back providing physicality, aerial dominance, and left-footed balance following his arrival from Barcelona B. The 21-year-old’s aerial duel success (86%) leads Rennes’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Faye’s left-footed passing (4.9 progressive passes per 90) initiates attacks from the left channel. Faye’s contract runs through 2029.
Adrien Truffert
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Rennes academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Adrien Truffert has become Rennes’s first-choice left-back and one of Ligue 1‘s finest attacking full-backs, the French international providing pace, crossing, and defensive improvement across seven seasons at the club. The 24-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.1 per 90) and crossing (40% accuracy) created 7 assists in 2025/26. Truffert’s contract runs through 2029, with Rennes rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs.
Lorenz Assignon
Nationality: French (Togolese descent)
Former Clubs: Rennes academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Lorenz Assignon has become Rennes’s first-choice right-back, the French-Togolese defender providing pace, crossing, and defensive diligence following his graduation from the club’s academy. The 25-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26.
Hans Hateboer
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: groningen.nl" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FC Groningen, atalanta.it" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Atalanta BC, Stade Rennais, lyonnais-lyon-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Olympique Lyonnais (loan)
Transfer Fees: €1 million from Groningen to Atalanta (January 2017), €3 million from Atalanta to Rennes (August 2024), loan from Rennes to Lyon (October 2025)
A right-footed defender standing between 185 cm and 187 cm tall, Hans Hateboer was born January 9, 1994 in Beerta, Netherlands and primarily plays as a right-back, though he is also capable of operating as a right wing-back, centre-back, or right midfielder. He came through the youth ranks of groningen-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">FC Groningen, making his senior eredivisie.eu/competition/fixtures" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eredivisie debut in 2014 and helping the club win the KNVB Cup in 2015, scoring the opening goal in the semifinal. In January 2017, he moved to atalanta-bc-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Atalanta for €1 million, where he spent seven and a half seasons under Gian Piero Gasperini, making 245 appearances and earning the affectionate nickname “cavallo pazzo” (mad horse) for his relentless work rate and tireless sprints up and the flank. His time at Atalanta included scoring a memorable brace against valencia-cf-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Valencia in the 2020 Champions League knockout stage and being part of the squad that won the Europa League in 2024, coming off the bench in the 3-0 final victory over Bayer Leverkusen. In August 2024, he transferred to Stade Rennais for €3 million, making 26 Ligue 1 appearances during the 2024-25 season. In October 2025, he joined rivals lyonnais-lyon-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Olympique Lyonnais on a season-long loan as an emergency defensive reinforcement. Known for his exceptional aerial prowess, ball retention, and ability to progress the ball through carrying or precise passing, Hateboer has also earned 13 caps for the Netherlands national team between 2018 and 2022. His weaknesses include finishing, tackling discipline, and a tendency to commit fouls that has led to yellow cards throughout his career. As of late 2025, his integration at Lyon has been challenging, including a red card just seven minutes into his first start for the club.
Léo Autret
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: brestois-29-brest-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Stade Brestois (youth and senior), FC Lorient, Rodez AF, SM Caen, AO Xanthi (loan), FC Differdange
Transfer Fees: Free transfer from Stade Brestois to FC Lorient (July 2021), free transfer from FC Lorient to Rodez AF (September 2022), free transfer from Rodez AF to SM Caen (August 2023)
A left-footed central midfielder and attacking midfielder standing 175 cm tall, Léo Autret was born October 1, 1997 in Brest, France and is a product of the brestois-29-brest-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Stade Brestois academy where he developed through the youth ranks. He made his professional debut for Brest in 2015 and went on to make 71 appearances for his hometown club across all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 7 assists before moving across Brittany to rivals FC Lorient in 2021. His time at Lorient was limited, making just 11 Ligue 1 appearances in the 2021-22 season, before seeking more playing time at Rodez AF in Ligue 2 where he made 30 appearances. In August 2023, Autret joined SM Caen, another Ligue 2 side, where he has established himself as a regular contributor, making over 50 appearances for the club as of the 2025-26 season. He had a brief loan spell in Greece with AO Xanthi before returning to France and most recently played for Luxembourg club FC Differdange. Known for his creative passing, vision, and set-piece delivery, Autret operates primarily as an attacking midfielder or deep-lying playmaker, though he has struggled with consistency and injuries throughout his career. He is recognized as a technically capable midfielder who can dictate tempo and unlock defenses with through balls, making him most effective when given freedom to roam in the final third.
Jeanuël Belocian
Nationality: French (born in Guadeloupe)
Former Clubs: AJ Castel (youth), Stade Lamentinois (youth), Stade Rennais, Bayer Leverkusen, wolfsburg.de" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">VfL Wolfsburg (loan)
Transfer Fees: €15.00 million from Stade Rennais to Bayer Leverkusen (July 2024), loan to Wolfsburg with €2.00 million fee (February 2026)
A left-footed defender standing 186 cm tall, Jeanuël Belocian was born February 17, 2005 in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe and is capable of playing as a centre-back, left-back, left wing-back, or even central midfielder. He began his youth career in Guadeloupe with AJ Castel and Stade Lamentinois before joining the Stade Rennais academy at age 15 in 2020. Belocian signed his first professional contract with Rennes in July 2021 and made his Ligue 1 debut on March 20, 2022 against Metz. Over his time at Rennes, he made 39 senior appearances across all competitions, including 23 Ligue 1 matches during the 2023-24 season. At the youth international level, he was part of the France U17 team that won the 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, making six appearances in the tournament. In July 2024, he transferred to German champions Bayer Leverkusen for €15 million, signing a five-year contract, with Leverkusen sporting-cp-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Sporting director Simon Rolfes praising his passing ability and outstanding athleticism. Known for his composure on the ball, progressive passing (ranking in the 99th percentile among defenders), and strong ground duel ability, Belocian has shown impressive ball retention and dribbling skills for a defender. However, his aerial duel effectiveness has been identified as a weakness, with stats showing poor aerial win rates despite his height. His career at Leverkusen was interrupted by an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee suffered during a friendly match in January 2025, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. He returned to action in October 2025 before being loaned to VfL wolfsburg-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Wolfsburg in February 2026 for a €2 million fee. His older brother, Wilhem Belocian, is an Olympic hurdler who won bronze at the 2016 European Championships and gold at the 2021 Indoors.
Midfielders
Baptiste Santamaria
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Tours, angers-sco-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Angers, SC Freiburg
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2023)
Baptiste Santamaria has become Rennes’s midfield anchor, the French midfielder providing tackling, interceptions, and tactical discipline across three seasons at the club. The 30-year-old’s tackling (3.3 per 90) and interceptions (2.6 per 90) lead Rennes’s midfield. His work rate (11.7 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.4 pressures per 90) set Stéphan’s standards. Santamaria’s passing (88% completion) remains secure; his role involves disruption and physical presence. Santamaria’s contract runs through 2028.
Ludovic Blas
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Guingamp, Nantes
Transfer Fee: €15 million (2023)
Ludovic Blas has become Rennes’s creative heartbeat, the French attacking midfielder providing dribbling, finishing, and creativity across three seasons at the club. The 28-year-old’s dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (8 goals in 2025/26) provide consistent production. Blas’s creativity (7 assists) and set-piece delivery add significant value. Blas’s contract runs through 2029.
Azor Matusiwa
Nationality: Dutch (Congolese descent)
Former Clubs: groningen-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Groningen, Reims
Transfer Fee: €12 million (2024)
Azor Matusiwa has provided defensive midfield depth following his arrival from Reims, the Dutch-Congolese midfielder offering tackling, energy, and tactical discipline. The 27-year-old’s tackling (2.9 per 90) provides functional depth. Matusiwa’s contract runs through 2029.
Enzo Le Fée
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: FC Lorient, Stade Rennais, roma.com" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AS Roma, Sunderland
Transfer Fees: €20.00 million from Lorient to Rennes (July 2023), €23.00 million from Rennes to Roma (July 2024), loan to Sunderland with mandatory €23.00 million buy clause (January 2025)
A right-footed central midfielder standing between 170 cm and 173 cm tall, Enzo Le Fée was born February 3, 2000 in Lorient, France and is a pure product of the FC Lorient academy which he joined at age eight in 2008. He made his professional debut for Lorient in 2019 and helped the club win the Ligue 2 title during the 2019-20 season, going on to make 135 Ligue 1 appearances for his hometown club with 7 goals. In July 2023, he transferred to Stade Rennais for €20 million, making 25 league appearances before moving to roma-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">AS Roma the following summer for €23 million. His time in Italy was limited to just 6 Serie A appearances, and in January 2025 he joined sunderland-afc-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Sunderland on loan with a mandatory buy clause activated upon the club’s promotion to the Premier League. The permanent transfer was completed in July 2025 for approximately £19.3 million (€23 million), making him Sunderland‘s record signing. Known for his vision, dynamism, technical ability, and proficiency on set pieces, Le Fée is a versatile midfielder capable of playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, left winger, or even in a deeper playmaking role. His creativity and ability to open up spaces from multiple positions quickly made him a fan favorite at Sunderland, where he has been instrumental in the club’s Premier League campaign. He has represented France at multiple youth levels, including the U20, U21, and Olympic teams, earning 15 caps for the U21 side and scoring 3 goals.
Albert Grønbæk
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: AGF Aarhus (youth and senior), FK Bodø/Glimt, Stade Rennais, southamptonfc.com" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Southampton (loan), genoa-cfc-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Genoa (loan), Hamburger SV (loan)
Transfer Fees: €12 million from Bodø/Glimt to Stade Rennais (July 2024), loan to Southampton (January 2025), loan to Genoa (August 2025)
A right-footed attacking midfielder standing 176 cm tall, Albert Grønbæk was born May 23, 2001 in Risskov, Denmark and came through the youth ranks at AGF Aarhus, where he made his senior debut before moving to Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt. It was in Norway that he truly flourished, scoring 30 goals in 87 appearances for Bodø/Glimt, winning two Norwegian league titles and playing in the Europa League. His impressive form earned him a €12 million transfer to Stade Rennais in the summer of 2024, but his time in France was limited to 18 competitive appearances with two goals and one assist. He has since been loaned to southamptonfc.com" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Southampton, genoa-cfc-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Genoa, and most recently Hamburger SV in January 2026. Known as a dynamic and energetic player, Grønbæk describes himself as an offensive number eight who can also play as a number ten, on the wing, or even as a defensive midfielder. His strengths include taking set-pieces, long shots, dribbling, and pressing high up the pitch to regain possession. His weaknesses include aerial duels, finishing consistency, and his slim frame which can lack physicality against stronger opponents. He has earned 8 senior caps for the Danish national team since making his debut in September 2024, scoring once.
Mahamadou Diawara
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: lyonnais-lyon-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Olympique Lyonnais (youth and senior), Le Havre AC (loan), Royal Antwerp (loan)
Transfer Fees: Loan to Le Havre (January 2025), loan to Royal Antwerp with €250k fee and €3m buy option (August 2025)
A left-footed central and defensive midfielder standing 187 cm tall, Mahamadou Diawara was born February 17, 2005 and came through the youth ranks at lyonnais-lyon-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Olympique Lyonnais. He made his senior debut for Lyon during the 2023-24 season, making 12 appearances across all competitions, before being loaned to fellow Ligue 1 side Le Havre in January 2025 where he featured 17 times. In August 2025, he joined Belgian Pro League club Royal Antwerp on a season-long loan with a €250,000 fee and a €3 million optional buy clause. Known for his strong defensive attributes, Diawara’s strengths include tackling and blocking the ball, with a high work rate and box-to-box ability that allows him to win duels and regain possession. He demonstrates good ball control and composure, and likes to shoot from distance, though his aerial duels and passing have been identified as areas for improvement. His defensive contributions rank in the 93rd percentile among midfielders. He has yet to score his first professional goal, with 0 goals in 8 Pro League appearances for Antwerp during the 2025-26 season, accumulating 401 minutes played. His peak market value reached €5.4 million in May 2025, though it currently stands at approximately €1.8 million.
Noah Francoise
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: CPB Bréquigny (youth), CO Pacé (youth), Stade Rennais (youth and senior), US Avranches (loan), CS Marítimo
Transfer Fees: Loan from Stade Rennais to US Avranches (January 2023), transfer to CS Marítimo (August 2023)
A right-footed defensive midfielder standing approximately 173 cm to 177 cm tall, Noah Françoise was born July 5, 2003 in Rennes, France. He began playing football at age six for local club CPB Bréquigny before moving to CO Pacé for three seasons, then returned to CPB Bréquigny where he was scouted and joined the Stade Rennais academy in 2018. His performances at youth level earned him caps for the French U16 side with 11 appearances and two goals, as well as two appearances for the U17s. Françoise caught the attention of major European clubs including arsenal-fc-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Arsenal, liverpool-fc-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Liverpool, Atlético Madrid, and ajax-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Ajax, but ultimately signed his first professional contract with Stade Rennais in December 2020, committing to the club through 2024. He made nine appearances on the bench for Rennes during the 2022-23 season without making his Ligue 1 debut. In January 2023, he was loaned to US Avranches in the French third division (National 1) for the remainder of the season, where he made 14 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists. On August 11, 2023, he transferred permanently to Portuguese club CS Marítimo, where he currently wears the number 35 jersey but has yet to make an appearance for the first team as of the 2025-26 season. He is known as a ball-winning midfielder capable of playing in defensive, central, or attacking midfield roles, and his market value is estimated at approximately €110,000.
Jordan James
Nationality: Welsh
Former Clubs: Birmingham City, Stade Rennais
Transfer Fees: €4.0 million from Birmingham City to Stade Rennais (July 2024)
A right-footed midfielder standing approximately 181 cm tall, Jordan James was born July 2, 2004 in Hereford, England. He came through the youth ranks at Birmingham City, making his senior debut for the club at just 16 years old in 2021. He quickly became a regular for Birmingham, making over 80 appearances in the Championship before attracting interest from across Europe. In July 2024, he transferred to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais for a fee of €4.0 million, signing a contract through 2028. Known for his high work rate, strong ball-carrying ability, and tactical intelligence, James is capable of operating as a box-to-box midfielder, central midfielder, or in an attacking role. He is praised for his composure on the ball and maturity beyond his years, though his physicality against stronger opponents remains an area of development. James has been a regular fixture for the Welsh national team since his senior debut in 2023, earning over 15 caps and scoring in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar. As of the 2025-26 season, he has become an important squad player for Rennes, contributing valuable minutes in Ligue 1 and European competitions.
Forwards
Arnaud Kalimuendo
Nationality: French (Congolese descent)
Former Clubs: psg-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Paris Saint-Germain, lens-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Lens (loan)
Transfer Fee: €25 million (2022)
Arnaud Kalimuendo has become Rennes’s primary attacking weapon, the French-Congolese striker providing finishing, movement, and hold-up play across four seasons at the club. The 24-year-old’s finishing (17 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (27%) provide elite scoring threat. Kalimuendo’s movement off the shoulder (3.3 shots per 90, 0.56 xG per shot) terrorises defences. His work rate pressing centre-backs (10.8 pressures per 90) sets Rennes’s defensive tone from the front. Kalimuendo’s contract runs through 2029, with Rennes rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs.
Amine Gouiri
Nationality: French (Algerian descent)
Former Clubs: Olympique Lyonnais, Nice
Transfer Fee: €25 million (2023)
Amine Gouiri has provided striker and wide depth following his arrival from Nice, the French-Algerian forward offering finishing, creativity, and movement as Kalimuendo’s partner or understudy. The 25-year-old’s finishing (11 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (7 assists) provide balanced output. Gouiri’s contract runs through 2029.
Benjamin Bourigeaud
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: lens-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Lens, Rennes
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2017)
Benjamin Bourigeaud has become Rennes’s longest-serving current attacker and set-piece specialist, the French midfielder providing goals, assists, and leadership across nine seasons at the club. The 32-year-old’s finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (10 assists) provide elite production from midfield and wide positions. Bourigeaud’s set-piece delivery (4 direct free kick goals, 8 corner assists) remains among Ligue 1’s best. Bourigeaud’s contract runs through 2028.
Désiré Doué
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Stade Rennais (youth and senior), Paris Saint-Germain
Transfer Fees: €20 million from Stade Rennais to psg-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Paris Saint-Germain (July 2024)
A left-footed attacking midfielder and winger standing 181 cm tall, Désiré Doué was born June 3, 2005 in angers-sco-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Angers, France and is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in French football. He is the younger brother of former Rennes teammate Guéla Doué and comes from a footballing family. Doué joined the Stade Rennais academy at age six and made his professional debut for the club on August 7, 2022 against Lorient at just 17 years old. He quickly became a fan favorite at Rennes, making 76 appearances across all competitions with 12 goals and 8 assists before being sold to psg-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Paris Saint-Germain in July 2024 for €20 million. Known for his exceptional dribbling, close control, balance, and creativity in tight spaces, Doué is a right-footed player who primarily operates as an attacking midfielder, right winger, or left winger. He is also capable of playing as a central midfielder or second striker, and has been deployed as a false nine on occasion. His strengths include taking set-pieces, through balls, long shots, and defensive contributions, while his weaknesses are rated in aerial duels and passing consistency. He has represented France at every youth level from U16 to U21, earning over 30 caps combined, and made his senior France debut on September 6, 2024 against Italy in the UEFA Nations League. His market value peaked at €30 million in June 2025. As of the 2025-26 season, Doué has made over 50 appearances for PSG, scoring 9 goals, and has won the Trophée des Champions with the club.
Ibrahim Salah
Nationality: Moroccan (Belgian-born)
Former Clubs: gent.be" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">KAA Gent, Rennes
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2023)
Ibrahim Salah has provided wide depth following his arrival from KAA Gent, the Moroccan winger offering pace, dribbling, and creativity. The 24-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and dribbling (3.3 successful take-ons per 90) provide functional depth. Salah’s contract runs through 2028.
Bertug Yildirim
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Sarıyer, Hatayspor" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hatayspor, Antalyaspor" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Antalyaspor (loan), Stade Rennais, getafe-cf-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Getafe (loan)
Transfer Fees: Undisclosed from Hatayspor to Rennes (August 2023), loan to Getafe (August 2024)
A right-footed centre-forward standing between 186 cm and 191 cm tall, Bertuğ Yıldırım was born July 12, 2002 in Istanbul, Turkey and came through the youth ranks of Sarıyer, making his senior debut for them in the TFF Second League in 2018. He transferred to Hatayspor" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Ext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hatayspor in June 2021 and made his Süper Lig debut later that year, before being loaned to antalyaspor-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Antalyaspor in February 2023 following the earthquake that forced Hatayspor to withdraw from the league. His performances in Turkey earned him a move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais in August 2023 on a five-year contract, but his time in France was disappointing—he failed to score a single goal in 21 Ligue 1 appearances for the club. In August 2024, he joined La Liga side getafe-cf-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Getafe on a season-long loan. Known for his physical presence and exceptional aerial duel ability, Yıldırım’s weaknesses include holding onto the ball, finishing consistency, offside awareness, passing, and discipline. He likes to do flick-ons and commits fouls often. During his 2024-25 loan spell at Getafe, he took 18 shots and scored 1 goal from an expected goals value of 2.5, with his lone goal coming from a header. He has earned caps for the Turkish national team, including being named in Turkey’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024. As of the 2025-26 season, his market value is estimated at approximately €3.5 million.
Alan Do Marcolino
Nationality: French (Cape Verdean descent)Former Clubs: Rennes academyTransfer Fee: Academy graduateNationality:
Gabonese
Former Clubs: Stade Laval (youth), Stade Rennais, Quevilly-Rouen (loan), US Orléans (loan), Lusitânia FC Lourosa
Transfer Fees: €183,500 – €200,000 from Stade Rennais to Lusitânia FC Lourosa (September 2025)
A right-footed centre-forward standing 194 cm tall, Alan Do Marcolino was born March 19, 2002 in France and represents Gabon internationally. He joined the Stade Rennais academy in 2017 after previously developing at Stade Laval, and signed his first professional contract with Rennes on July 6, 2023. His senior career at Rennes was limited, making just 3 Ligue 1 appearances for the first team without scoring, while spending most of his time with the reserve side where he scored 15 goals in 44 appearances. He had loan spells at Quevilly-Rouen in Ligue 2, where he made 18 appearances but failed to score, and later at US Orléans in the Championnat National, netting 2 goals in 19 matches. In September 2025, Stade Rennais exercised a purchase option to sell him permanently to Portuguese Liga Portugal 2 side Lusitânia FC Lourosa for a fee between €183,500 and €200,000. Known for his imposing height and physical presence as a target forward, Do Marcolino’s strengths include his aerial ability and hold-up play, though his finishing consistency has been a challenge throughout his career. He has earned 1 cap for the Gabon national team, making his debut in June 2022.
Conclusion
Rennes’s 2025/26 squad represents the most balanced and talented group assembled since the club’s Coupe de France triumph in 2019, a testament to Julien Stéphan’s coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Kalimuendo, Wooh, Faye), and the academy’s continued production (Truffert, Assignon, Francoise). The defence, anchored by Christopher Wooh’s French-Cameroonian athleticism and Mikayil Faye’s Senegalese physicality, provides platform for Rennes’s high-pressing, attacking system. The midfield, dominated by Baptiste Santamaria’s tackling and Ludovic Blas’s creativity, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Arnaud Kalimuendo’s finishing and Benjamin Bourigeaud’s set-piece excellence, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Rennes has balanced immediate competitiveness with enormous resale value; Kalimuendo, Wooh, Truffert, and Faye represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining European qualification despite competing with financially superior clubs like PSG, marseille-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Marseille, and monaco-fc-squad-2024-25" class="keyword-linker-enhanced" data-link-type="Int">Monaco – and finally translating attacking flair into silverware. Yet the Roazhon Park’s passionate Breton atmosphere provides emotional fuel.
