25/26 Preview #13: OGC Nice
Last Season
The 2024-2025 season was a somewhat a transitional one for Nice, who claimed a respectable fourth place in Franck Haise's first campaign as head coach of the Riviera club. Whilst Les Aiglons missed out on direct UEFA Champions League qualification, they will be returning to Europe in some form for the 2025-2026 season. Nice logged 6 points across 30 matches in their 120th anniversary year, and dealt Paris Saint-Germain their first Ligue 1 McDonald's defeat of the season. Les Aiglons will be hoping to avoid another disappointing UEFA Europe League campaign like last year, but can potentially qualify for the UEFA Champions League if they can surmount a hefty 2-0 loss to Benfica in qualifying this week.
The Coach: Franck Haise
Last season's move to the French Riviera came with the weight of expectation, given Franck Haise's stock was at an all-time high following his time at Racing Club de Lens and their famous UEFA Champions League appearances. Haise has managed to modernise his pressing, possession-oriented style he had at Lens and adapt it to his current crop of players. Offensively, Nice thrive on quick, intentional transitions, not through prolonged possession, but with vertical, well-timed passes and intelligent movement.
Key arrivals
Nice have reshaped their squad with a targeted mix of experience and youthful promise. Among the most notable arrivals is Swedish winger Isak Jansson from Rapid Vienna, bringing pace, creativity, and a strong end product after registering 10 goals and 7 assists last season.
In goal, Yehvann Diouf joined from Stade de Reims following Marcin Bułka’s departure to Saudi Arabia. The defence has been bolstered by Ghanaian centre-back Kojo Peprah Oppong from IFK Norrköping and Juma Bah, on loan from Manchester City. Young midfielder Gabin Bernardeau has arrived on a free from Le Mans, while academy talents Bartosz Żelazowski and Djibril Coulibaly have been promoted to the senior group as part of a long-term development plan.
Key Departures
Star forward Evann Guessand joined Aston Villa in a €35 million move after a 12-goal Ligue 1 McDonald's campaign, while goalkeeper Marcin Bułka left for Saudi side Neom SC. Veteran striker Gaëtan Laborde also headed to Saudi Arabia with Al-Diriyah Club, and defender Ayoub Amraoui signed permanently with Al-Ahli in Qatar. In defence, Mattia Viti returned to Fiorentina on loan with an option to buy, while in attack and midfield, Aliou Baldé (FC St. Gallen) and Rareș Ilie (Empoli) departed on season-long loans. Additional loans — including Issiaga Camara to IF Brommapojkarna, Victor Orakpo to Montpellier, and Teddy Boulhendi to Bourg-en-Bresse — have trimmed squad depth further.
Remember when...
The 2016–17 season was a breakthrough for OGC Nice when they finished 3rd in Ligue 1 under Lucien Favre, earning their first UEFA Champions League qualification since 1961. With a strong defence and attack led by Mario Balotelli and Allan Saint-Maximin, Nice challenged the league’s top teams and re-established themselves among France’s elite. This campaign set new standards for the club going into the end of the 2010s and into the 2020s.
Cult hero: Dante
A commanding presence in defence, Brazilian centre-back Dante remains one of OGC Nice’s most iconic figures. Arriving in 2016, Dante was instrumental in the club’s strong defensive performances that helped secure their historic Champions League qualification. Since then he's been a mainstay for Le Gym, racking up a record of around 213 Ligue 1 matches. This season is set to be his last at OGC Nice, at the record age of 41.
Photo Credit: OGC Nice
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