OGC Nice is delighted to welcome Axel Witsel, who joined the club on Wednesday after successfully completing the customary medical.

He was one of the key members of Belgium's Golden Generation, which notably took the Red Devils to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Vastly experienced, Axel Witsel (37, 140 caps) is now an Aiglon, joining Le Gym on a free transfer for one season, with an option for a further year.

"It's a pleasure to join OGC Nice," said the midfielder. "I've always followed the club and was even in contact with them a few years ago. As soon as the directors and the coach called me, I knew I was going to come here. We hit it off straight away. I feel good physically and still fresh mentally. I'm coming here with a lot of humility and a desire to help the team have a good season, so that the club can get back to where it should be. I can't wait to get to work, experience the Nice supporters and experience Ligue 1."

At club level, Axel Witsel is coming off a full season with Spanish side Girona, where he made 32 appearances before taking part in the World Cup, coming on against the United States in the last 16 and against Spain in the quarter-finals.

Over the course of a long and distinguished career, Witsel has also played for Standard Liège (where he won two Belgian league titles alongside Dante), Benfica, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Quanjian in China, Dortmund and Atlético Madrid.

Maurice Cohen, OGC Nice Vice-President “We're very pleased to welcome Axel. He's a great player with a lot of quality and a champion's mentality. Importantly, he very quickly made it clear that he wanted to join us, despite having other offers. He is set to become one of our leaders. We wish him a warm welcome!”

Roger Ricort, OGC Nice Sporting Director “Everyone knows his qualities. He's had an immense career, featuring at four World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026), and he remains highly competitive. Axel is a versatile midfielder who has often played in deeper positions during his career. He's strong, brings physical presence and reads the game well. He's an important addition. We're counting on him both on the pitch and in the dressing room. It's up to him to share his experience, guide the younger players and help raise the level of the squad.”