Stade Rennais (Rennes) Squad 2024/25
Stade Rennais, one of France’s most exciting and progressive football clubs, continues to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level domestically and in Europe. Known for their excellent youth academy and shrewd transfer dealings, Rennes have assembled a balanced and dynamic team for the 2024/25 season. This squad blends experienced veterans with promising young talents, ensuring both immediate competitiveness and long-term potential. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the Rennes Squad, categorized by position, highlighting each player’s background, achievements, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
- Steve Mandanda
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Marseille, Crystal Palace
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Steve Mandanda, a seasoned goalkeeper with vast experience, joined Rennes in 2023 after a storied career at Marseille, where he made over 600 appearances. Known for his reflexes, leadership, and ability to organize the defense, Mandanda has been a reliable presence between the posts. His experience in high-pressure situations, including UEFA Champions League matches, makes him an invaluable asset. Despite his age, Mandanda remains agile and continues to deliver consistent performances, mentoring younger goalkeepers in the squad.
- Dogan Alemdar
- Nationality: Turkish
- Former Clubs: Kayserispor
- Transfer Fee: €5 million (2021)
Dogan Alemdar, a rising star in Turkish football, joined Rennes in 2021 and has since developed into a dependable option. Standing at 1.92 meters, Alemdar combines height with excellent shot-stopping abilities. His quick reflexes and command of the penalty area have earned him praise, and he is seen as the long-term successor to Mandanda. Alemdar’s potential has already attracted interest from top European clubs, but Rennes are keen to retain him as a cornerstone of their future.
- Gautier Larsonneur
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Brest (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
A product of Rennes’ renowned youth academy, Larsonneur has spent time on loan at Brest to gain first-team experience. Known for his composure and distribution, Larsonneur is a modern goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet. While he remains third choice behind Mandanda and Alemdar, his development is closely monitored, and he is expected to challenge for more playing time in the coming seasons.
Defenders
- Arthur Theate
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Bologna, Oostende
- Transfer Fee: €19 million (2022)
Arthur Theate, a left-footed center-back, has become a key figure in Rennes’ defense since his arrival in 2022. His ability to play out from the back, combined with his physical presence, makes him a perfect fit for Rennes’ style of play. Theate’s performances have also earned him a regular spot in the Belgian national team. At just 24, he has already established himself as one of the most promising defenders in Ligue 1.
- Warmed Omari
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: None (Academy graduate)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
Warmed Omari is another testament to Rennes’ exceptional youth system. A versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back or right-back, Omari’s athleticism and tactical intelligence have made him a regular starter. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has been vital to Rennes’ defensive solidity. Omari’s rise has not gone unnoticed, with several top clubs monitoring his progress.
- Adrien Truffert
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: None (Academy graduate)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
Adrien Truffert, a dynamic left-back, has been a revelation since breaking into the first team. Known for his pace, crossing ability, and defensive work rate, Truffert is a modern full-back who contributes equally to attack and defense. His performances have earned him call-ups to the French U21 team, and he is widely regarded as one of the best young full-backs in Europe.
- Christopher Wooh
- Nationality: Cameroonian
- Former Clubs: Lens, Nancy
- Transfer Fee: €4 million (2022)
Christopher Wooh, a towering center-back, joined Rennes in 2022 and has quickly adapted to the demands of Ligue 1. His aerial dominance and physicality make him a formidable presence in both boxes. Wooh’s ability to play in a high line and his composure under pressure have been crucial to Rennes’ defensive setup. At 22, he has a bright future ahead.
- Hamari Traoré
- Nationality: Malian
- Former Clubs: Reims
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2017)
Hamari Traoré, the club captain, has been a consistent performer for Rennes since his arrival in 2017. A right-back with excellent defensive instincts and attacking flair, Traoré’s leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in the team’s success. His experience and versatility make him a vital part of the squad, and he continues to set high standards for his teammates.
- Jeanuël Belocian
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: None (Academy graduate)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
Jeanuël Belocian, a young and versatile defender, has shown immense promise since his promotion to the first team. Capable of playing as a center-back or left-back, Belocian’s technical skills and composure on the ball stand out. His development is a priority for Rennes, and he is expected to play a more significant role in the coming seasons.
Midfielders
- Baptiste Santamaria
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Angers, SC Freiburg
- Transfer Fee: €10 million (2021)
Baptiste Santamaria, a defensive midfielder, is the engine of Rennes’ midfield. Known for his tireless work rate, tackling, and ability to break up play, Santamaria provides the balance between defense and attack. His experience in both Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga has made him a reliable presence in the heart of the team. Santamaria’s leadership and consistency are invaluable to Rennes.
- Benjamin Bourigeaud
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Lens
- Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (2017)
Benjamin Bourigeaud, a versatile midfielder, has been a key player for Rennes since his arrival in 2017. Known for his vision, passing range, and set-piece expertise, Bourigeaud contributes both goals and assists. His ability to play in multiple midfield roles makes him a tactical asset for the team. Bourigeaud’s loyalty and consistency have made him a fan favorite.
- Lovro Majer
- Nationality: Croatian
- Former Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb
- Transfer Fee: €12 million (2021)
Lovro Majer, an attacking midfielder, is one of Rennes’ most creative players. His dribbling, vision, and ability to unlock defenses have made him a standout performer. Majer’s performances have attracted interest from top European clubs, but Rennes are determined to keep him as a central figure in their project. His flair and technical skills make him a joy to watch.
- Lesley Ugochukwu
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: None (Academy graduate)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
Lesley Ugochukwu, a product of Rennes’ academy, is a powerful box-to-box midfielder. His physicality, energy, and ability to drive forward with the ball have drawn comparisons to some of the best midfielders in Europe. Ugochukwu’s potential is immense, and he is seen as a future star for both Rennes and the French national team.
- Enzo Le Fée
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Lorient
- Transfer Fee: €20 million (2023)
Enzo Le Fée, signed from Lorient in 2023, is a technically gifted midfielder known for his passing and creativity. His ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate play has added a new dimension to Rennes’ midfield. Le Fée’s vision and intelligence make him a key player in the team’s build-up play, and he is expected to play a pivotal role in the 2024/25 season.
- Désiré Doué
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: None (Academy graduate)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
Désiré Doué, a young and dynamic midfielder, has emerged as one of Rennes’ most exciting prospects. His dribbling, agility, and ability to operate in tight spaces make him a constant threat. Doué’s potential is sky-high, and he is already being touted as a future star for both club and country.
Forwards
- Martin Terrier
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Lille, Lyon
- Transfer Fee: €12 million (2020)
Martin Terrier, a versatile forward, has been Rennes’ talisman since joining in 2020. Known for his pace, finishing, and ability to play across the front line, Terrier has consistently delivered goals and assists. His partnership with other attacking players has been crucial to Rennes’ success, and he remains one of the most feared forwards in Ligue 1.
- Amine Gouiri
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Nice, Lyon
- Transfer Fee: €28 million (2023)
Amine Gouiri, signed from Lyon in 2023, is a technically gifted forward with a keen eye for goal. His dribbling, creativity, and ability to score from distance make him a constant threat. Gouiri’s versatility allows him to play as a striker or winger, adding depth to Rennes’ attacking options. His flair and goal-scoring prowess have made him a fan favorite.
- Arnaud Kalimuendo
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Lens (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €10 million (2022)
Arnaud Kalimuendo, a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, joined Rennes in 2022. A clinical finisher with excellent movement, Kalimuendo has quickly established himself as a key player. His ability to score in crucial moments has been vital for Rennes, and he is seen as a future star for the French national team.
- Jérémy Doku
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Anderlecht
- Transfer Fee: €26 million (2020)
Jérémy Doku, a winger with blistering pace and dribbling skills, has been a revelation since joining Rennes in 2020. His ability to take on defenders and create chances has made him one of the most exciting young players in Europe. Doku’s performances have attracted interest from top clubs, but Rennes are determined to keep him as a cornerstone of their attack.
- Matthis Abline
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Le Havre (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Matthis Abline, a young striker, has shown immense promise since his promotion to the first team. Known for his finishing and work rate, Abline has the potential to become a top striker. His loan spell at Le Havre provided valuable experience, and he is now ready to contribute more significantly to Rennes’ attack.
Conclusion
Stade Rennais’ 2024/25 squad is a blend of experience, youth, and talent, reflecting the club’s commitment to sustainable success. With a strong core of homegrown players and strategic signings, Rennes are well-positioned to challenge for honors both domestically and in Europe. The balance between defense, midfield, and attack, combined with the depth of the squad, ensures that Rennes remain one of the most exciting teams to watch. As the season unfolds, the club’s ambition and vision will be put to the test, but with this squad, the future looks bright for Stade Rennais.
