Djibril Sidibé signs with Le Mans FC to support club's return to Ligue 1

Le Mans FC officially announced on Tuesday the arrival of Djibril Sidibé, 2018 World Cup winner with the French national team. The 34-year-old right-back has signed until 2028, with an additional season as an option, as the club from Le Mans returns to Ligue 1 after sixteen years away.

Sidibé brings considerable experience to the promoted club. With 285 Ligue 1 matches and 18 caps for France to his name, he has competed at the elite level for nearly fifteen years with LOSC, AS Monaco and Toulouse, his last club, which he left on a free transfer.

« I chose Le Mans for the project, for the Club’s ambition. We all have the same desire: to grow this team together », the defender said in the club’s official statement.

Le Mans emphasizes the role the player will hold beyond the pitch: « At Le Mans FC, Djibril Sidibé intends to put all his experience at the service of the Club’s project to support its return and contribute to its lasting establishment in Ligue 1. » The club also notes that « his rare experience at the highest level will be a valuable asset ».

This signing illustrates Le Mans’ stated ambitions to do more than simply make up the numbers upon this return to the elite. With a player accustomed to the demands of top European football — Sidibé notably won the French title with Monaco in 2017 — the club has an experienced leader to guide a squad under construction.