Djibril Sidibe brings World Cup-winning experience to Le Mans

France and Mali defender Djibril Sidibe has joined Le Mans FC on a free transfer from Toulouse, signing a contract that runs until 30 June 2028.

The 34-year-old right-back completed the move on 18 August after two seasons with Toulouse. Sidibe had joined the club from AEK Athens on a free transfer in August 2024, and now returns to a French side with a contract extending through the end of the 2027-28 season.

Sidibe brings extensive top-level experience to Le Mans, having made 285 Ligue 1 appearances during his career, scoring 14 goals and providing 32 assists. He has also played in the Premier League, the Greek Super League and European competition, including 19 Champions League appearances.

His career began at Troyes, where he progressed through the club’s youth system before making his senior breakthrough. He moved to Lille in 2012 and then joined Monaco in 2016 for a reported €15m. During his time with Monaco, Sidibe helped the club win the French title in the 2016-17 season.

The full-back later spent the 2019-20 campaign with Everton on loan from Monaco, with the move including a €2.5m loan fee. He returned to Monaco before leaving France for AEK Athens in 2022. In Greece, he won both the league title and Greek Cup in 2023.

Sidibe’s honours also include the 2018 World Cup, which he won with France. He was part of the national side that lifted the trophy in Russia, adding international success to his domestic achievements in France and Greece.

He has recorded two Champions League goals and one assist across his career, as well as four assists in 25 Premier League appearances. His European experience includes appearances in the Europa League and Champions League qualifying rounds.

Sidibe is a right-footed defender whose arrival adds a player with a long record in major domestic leagues and continental competition to Le Mans’ squad. He has now completed his move from Toulouse and will remain with Le Mans FC until June 2028.