Sylvain WILTORD

Sylvain Wiltord is probably the most prestigious name to emerge from Stade Rennais’ football development scheme. “Nino” arrived at the club aged 17, and was given his debut by Notheaux in the 1992/1993 season, but it was under Le Milinaire that he really got his chance to shine the following season. As one of the architects in Rennes’ promotion season, scoring 9 goals, this tricky striker was adept in front of goal, netting 7 times in his first season in Division 1. In the 1995/1996 season, he really took off, notching 18 goals. Highly sought-after, and well-known for his enjoyment of the nightlife, in the 1996/1997 season, he was far less switched on, scoring just three times. After an on-off transfer saga with La Coruña, he signed for Bordeaux in 1997, then became European Champion, and decisive goalscorer, for France in 2000. After adding more titles to his CV at Lyon and Arsenal, he returned to Rennes in August 2007, and the end of a seemingly never-ending story. After a devastating comeback match against Metz in a 2-0 win, he scored 7 goals in the 2007/2008 season under Dréossi, and formed a great understanding with Briand. Lacombe ultimately dropped him to the bench, and Wiltord again left his nest to join Marseille at the beginning of 2009.