Biography

Born in Cayenne, Jean-Clair Todibo made his senior debut with Toulouse in the 2018/19 season, and after just 10 Ligue 1 games (1 goal) he was signed by Barcelona. He played four La Liga games and featured in the Champions League with the Catalan giants before a succession of loan moves to Schalke, Benfica and then OGC Nice in winter 2021. He made a career-high 17 appearances in the second half of the season, and — alongside William Saliba — reinforced the defence and even scored the match-winning goal against Montpellier. Named runner-up in the club's Young Player of the Season vote, Todibo's defensive skills and ability on the ball convinced the club to make his move permanent in summer 2021.

On the back of a successful first six months, Todibo solidified his role as one of the leaders among the Rouge et Noir squad. With 36 Ligue 1 and 4 Coupe de France appearances to his name, the number 25 was one of the pillars of the best defence in the league (and Christophe Galtier’s most used player over the course of the season). Precise in his positioning and his tackles, the defender even scored his second goal for Le Gym during the victory over Brest (2-1).

Todibo's next season was one that proved “J-C”’s credentials. A consistent performer and a leader in the dressing room, the central defender was voted Aiglon of the season by Nice fans, after being named player of the month three times, in August, September and January.

Todibo, who made 46 appearances in the 2022-2023 season, had a memorable year, being named Gym captain for the first time in the 3-1 second leg win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Conference League before being called up to the French national team for the first time. The number 25, who has extended his adventure with the Red and Black until 2027, also passed the 100-match milestone with Nice in the 2-1 win over Rennes (J34), just over two years after his arrival.