Badredine Bouanani: Nice’s Young Ace Begins Flashing Potential
One To Watch
OGC Nice’s Badredine Bouanani scored the eventual game-winner last weekend in the 2-1 win over Le Havre. The 20-year-old is the latest young talent attempting to make their name in Ligue 1.
Born in Lille, France, Bouanani began his journey with the local club, US Ronchin, before moving to LOSC Lille in 2011.
The forward spent 12 years in Lille’s youth system, working his way up through the youth system, and, in October 2021, was recognized by The Guardian as one of the top players globally born in 2004.
Despite spending over a decade in Lille’s youth academy, Bouanani decided to leave in 2022 to sign his first professional contract with Nice.
In 2023, the winger spoke with Onze Mondial and noted why he decided to leave Les Dogues and begin his professional career with Le Gym.
“When Nice’s sporting project was presented to me, I thought about it carefully with those close to me. We saw that everything was perfect to succeed here: the stadium, the facilities, the supporters, and the management. INEOS’s grand project is very appealing.”
“It definitely made me want to join. The sporting aspect was crucial in my decision. At Nice, everything is in place to be at the top. I know I will continue to grow and thrive even more here.”
Nice sent Bouanani on loan to FC Lorient for the second half of the 2023-24 season, making 11 appearances and scoring one goal. He returned to Nice for the 2024-25 season and the young forward is flashing his potential as he’s recorded two goals in his last four matches across all competitions.
In October, Nice also made a commitment to Bouanani as Les Aiglons signed the player to a two-year contract extension, keeping him with Nice until 2029. Bouanani spoke to the club’s official website and noted the reason why he wanted to prolong his stay.
“I am very proud to extend my contract. I feel that the club is doing everything to help me thrive, and I want to give everything back to repay that trust. I have everything I need to succeed here, in a club with ambition that perfectly fits me.
“My goals are clear: I want to keep progressing, be more and more in the starting eleven, prove to my coach that he can trust me, and make the fans happy. And of course, I want to be more decisive. I know that’s an area for improvement, and I’m working hard to keep growing, knowing this is the best place to do so.”
At the international level, Bouanani played with France throughout his youth career, but now, at the senior level, the Nice standout has opted to represent Algeria. In February, while on loan with Lorient, the player spoke with the club’s official website and noted why representing Algeria is important for him.
“My choice was clear. I wanted to represent Algeria, the birthplace of my parents. I thank France for allowing me to develop through its youth system. I was able to progress from the U16 to the U19 teams. Without Les Bleus, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.
“Today, I have had the chance to wear the Algerian jersey on several occasions, and I am extremely proud of it. Unfortunately, I couldn’t participate in the last AFCON this winter due to an injury. But I am, of course, already thinking about the next AFCON in 2025, in Morocco.”
Bouanani made his debut for Algeria in 2023 and has made five appearances for the African nation. The forward will attempt to continue this upward trajectory with Nice as he can use his club performance to secure a spot on the Algerian squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations that begins next December.
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