Yoann BIGNÉ

Yoann Bigné is a symbolic player at Stade Rennais. A homegrown product, he progressively began to get integrated into the professional squad in 1996. After several promising appearances in his first season, he became a regular starter under Guy David in the 1997/1998 season. During that season Bigné was a stalwart in the fight against relegation, despite only being 20 years old. This pocket-midfielder was even decisive with two goals against neighbours Nantes. In the First Leg, he found the top corner with a free-kick, and in the Second Leg, in particular, his goal enabled his side to equalise, and set up the historic finale against Toulouse. It was a goal which was just as precious, but which got much less media coverage than Kaba Diawara’s subsequent goal against Toulouse. Not being the subject of interest from European clubs (unlike team-mates Dabo and Silvestre) he continued to impress under Paul Le Guen, and was one of the architects of the European odyssey against Juventus. His path was blocked between 2000 and 2001 with a large influx of new signings in the role of linking midfielders. He joined Nice on loan initially, before signing there permanently.