Montpellier complete signing of French-Algerian full-back Yanis Zouaoui

French-Algerian defender Yanis Zouaoui has joined Montpellier from Le Havre AC, with the 28-year-old signing a contract running until 30 June 2028.

Zouaoui completes the move after one season with Le Havre, whom he joined from FC Martigues in July 2024. His arrival strengthens Montpellier’s options at left-back following his move between two French clubs.

The Marseille-born defender made one Ligue 1 appearance for Le Havre during the 2026-27 campaign, playing 40 minutes. He also featured once in the competition this season, starting the match and playing 44% of the available minutes.

Zouaoui is a left-footed full-back standing 1.83m tall. He has spent most of his senior career in France, although his first recorded move came when he joined Romanian club Foresta Suceava in November 2020 after a period without a club.

He began his career with Cote Bleue before moving to FC Martigues in 2017. After a season with SC Toulon, he returned to Martigues in 2021 on a free transfer and later played a part in the club’s progression before earning his move to Le Havre.

At Le Havre, Zouaoui stepped up to the top level of French football and recorded his first Ligue 1 appearance. His transfer to Montpellier now takes him back into the French professional game, with the club listed in Ligue 2 for the 2026-27 season.

The defender’s career has included spells across different levels and in multiple positions within the French system, but his established role is on the left side of defence. His ability to operate with his preferred left foot gives Montpellier a natural option in that area of the team.

Zouaoui holds both French and Algerian nationality. He joins Montpellier at the age of 28 and is contracted to the club for the next two seasons, with his agreement scheduled to run through June 2028.

The move was completed on 28 August 2026, bringing Zouaoui’s spell with Le Havre to an end and beginning his Montpellier career.