Die-hard connoisseurs of Les Rouge et Noir have been following him for years already, ever since Junior joined OGC Nice in 2015 at just six years of age. A native of Saint-Roch, the left-footer first kicked a ball at the Stade Charly Marchetti and has worn only one jersey throughout his career: the one bearing the Eagle. It was the club that guided him from the academy to the professional squad, via the pre-academy program and then the Youth Academy.

A France U-17 international, Junior Mandza is coming off a great season, that included his major role in the young Aiglons’ impressive run in the Coupe Gambardella. A technical midfielder with a strong personality and a commanding presence in the engine room, he has negotiated each stage of his development with ambition. Deeply attached to Nice and Le Gym, he now begins a new chapter by signing his first professional contract with the club he loves.

President Maurice Cohen is delighted to see another of the Club’s academy graduates make the leap to the professional ranks:
“Seeing a homegrown player sign his first professional contract is always a source of great pride. Junior arrived here at age six and grew up wearing our colours. This signing recognises his dedication, his journey, and the work of all the coaches who have guided him to this point. It’s also a powerful symbol of our commitment to continuing to trust our youth academy and our young talents. We now wish him success as he continues to develop with the same passion and commitment.”

Sporting Director Roger Ricort highlights the qualities that convinced the Club to offer him this first contract:
“Junior has a modern playing style and outstanding natural talents. He’s a midfielder capable of creating chances, breaking through defences, setting up teammates, and bringing intensity to the game. He’s shown great promise throughout his career. This contract is a reward, but also a responsibility. It’s up to him to continue working hard to live up to the potential we see in him and to show his love of the Club.”

Julien Sablé, director of Le Gym’s Youth Academy, reflects on the young Aiglon’s journey:
“Junior is a young man with a lot of personality and character. He has progressed through the age groups and ranks with seriousness and determination. Like all young players, he continues to develop in various areas, but he already possesses strong qualities and a distinct playing style. He also knows he must remain focused, channel his energy, and maintain a high level of performance each and every day. He is fully aware of this, and that is another reason why we believe in him. When he channels his energy toward the team, his qualities shine through and make a difference. This professional contract rewards his hard work and dedication over many years with the Club and marks the beginning of an important new phase in his career, both on and off the pitch.”

Junior Mandza is savouring this special moment:
“Signing my first professional contract with the club where I grew up fills me with immense pride. OGC Nice represents a large part of my life. I’d like to thank my family, all the coaches who’ve supported me since I started, and the club for its trust. I know this is just one step. And it’s here, at home in Nice, that I wanted to take it. It’s up to me to keep working, keep learning, and give it my all to improve and prove myself worthy of wearing this jersey at the highest level.”

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