25/26 Preview #18: Toulouse FC

Last Season

Toulouse enjoyed their highest Ligue 1 McDonald's finish since promotion in 2022, taking 10th place and showing flashes of genuine European potential. Steady progress has been the name of the game under Carles Martínez Novel, but Les Violets will be looking to address some attacking inconsistency and their home form if they are to make a push for European football this campaign.

The Coach: Carles Martínez Novell

Carles Martínez Novell returns for his third season in charge, having signed a contract extension after guiding Toulouse to a record 10th-place finish last season. The Spaniard’s flexible approach — alternating between a 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1 — has brought structure and identity to the Violets. This season the Spaniard has set his sights on European qualification, but has put the emphasis on gradual progress and change.

Key Arrivals

Toulouse’s summer recruitment has focused on adding youth, pace, and defensive depth. The headline signing is Santiago Hidalgo, a 20-year-old Argentine winger from Independiente, whose speed, dribbling and direct play make him a natural successor to Zakaria Aboukhlal. In defence, Austrian Mario Sauer has joined from Sturm Graz to offer extra competition and flexibility across the back line.

Key Departures

The transfer window has seen the loss of several key figures from recent seasons. Star winger Zakaria Aboukhlal, a constant source of goals and creativity, has moved to Torino in an €8.5m deal. Midfield organiser Vincent Sierro has departed after two consistent seasons controlling the tempo in the middle, while versatile left-back and dressing-room leader Gabriel Suazo has joined Sevilla on a free transfer. Together, their exits leave both a technical and leadership gap that the new recruits must be ready to fill.

Remember When…

Toulouse’s famous Coupe de France triumph in 2023 was their first major silverware in over 65 years. A 5-1 demolition of Nantes at the Stade de France not only brought joy to the “Ville Rose” but also secured a long-awaited return to European competition. That day remains a proud benchmark for the modern era of TFC.

Cult Hero: André-Pierre Gignac

André-Pierre Gignac – Born in Martigues but raised in the Toulouse academy, Gignac became a fan favourite with his prolific scoring between 2007 and 2010. His physical presence, aerial dominance, and knack for big goals helped TFC to a third-place Ligue 1 finish in 2006/07 and endeared him to the faithful long before his famous exploits with Marseille and Tigres UANL. With Les Violets the France international would score 34 goals in 98 appearances for the club. 

Photo Credit: TFC 
 

READ MORE: 

>>25/26 Preview #14: PSG