Ligue 2: Five Players Who Could Make the Leap to Ligue 1 in 2026
Enzo Bardeli (USL Dunkerque)
One of the division’s standout creative midfielders, Bardeli has become the heartbeat of Dunkerque’s attacking football. Intelligent between the lines and technically polished in possession, the 24-year-old has added consistency and maturity to his game this season.
Capable of operating as a No.10, deeper playmaker or advanced relayeur, Bardeli increasingly looks ready for a Ligue 1 move. For clubs seeking domestic creativity without major financial risk, he feels like one of the most obvious market opportunities in Ligue 2.
Giovani Versini (Pau FC)
Compared stylistically to Mathieu Valbuena because of his profile and explosiveness, Versini has emerged as one of the revelations of the Ligue 2 campaign. The Pau FC winger combines acceleration, unpredictability and growing end-product in transition.
Already linked with interest from Belgium and the Netherlands during the winter window, the 21-year-old increasingly looks destined for a higher level. Ligue 1 clubs looking for vertical attacking profiles should be watching closely.
Quentin Braat (Rodez AF)
Goalkeepers often take unconventional pathways to the top flight, but Braat’s performances for Rodez have made him impossible to ignore this season. One of Ligue 2’s most reliable shot-stoppers, the 28-year-old has repeatedly kept Rodez competitive with decisive interventions.
Strong on his line and increasingly commanding aerially, Braat looks ready for another opportunity in Ligue 1 after establishing himself as one of the division’s most dependable goalkeepers.
Jordan Mendes (Rodez AF)
Not every Ligue 1-calibre midfielder dominates headlines, and Mendes falls firmly into that category. The Rodez midfielder has quietly developed into one of the smartest tempo-setters in Ligue 2, combining maturity in possession with impressive defensive intensity.
His ability to dictate rhythm and cover ground efficiently has already attracted outside interest, and his profile feels particularly suited to the modern pressing demands of Ligue 1 football.
Kévin Pedro (AS Saint-Étienne)
Originally developed as a central defender before transitioning to right-back, Pedro has enjoyed a breakout season with Saint-Étienne. Dominant physically and increasingly comfortable progressing possession, the 20-year-old fits the profile modern Ligue 1 recruitment departments prioritise.
With athleticism, technical security and tactical flexibility, Pedro appears well-positioned to become one of the next young defenders to make the jump from Ligue 2 to the French top flight.
Honourable Mentions
- Joseph Kalulu (Pau FC)
- Mathys Niflore (USL Dunkerque)
- Zakaria Ariss (SC Bastia)
- Martial Tia (Stade de Reims)
- Omar Sissoko (Pau FC)
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