Thierno Balde: France-Guinea full-back exits Troyes after four years

France-Guinea defender Thierno Balde has left Troyes and is now without a club, bringing his spell with the French side to an end on 3 August 2026.

The 24-year-old right-back joined Troyes from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2022 for €3m and went on to establish a significant body of senior experience in France. He made 44 Ligue 2 appearances and played 31 times in Ligue 1, providing two assists in the top flight.

Balde began his senior career with a loan move from Paris Saint-Germain to Le Havre in July 2021. He returned to PSG at the end of that season before completing his move to Troyes the following summer.

The defender came through the PSG academy after joining the club from US Senart Jgd in 2016. He progressed through the Parisian club’s youth teams, representing PSG Under-17s and Under-19s before moving into the senior set-up.

Alongside his league appearances, Balde featured in the Coupe de France, the Trophee des Champions and the Premier League International Cup Under-21 competition. He also played in the UEFA Youth League and Coupe Gambardella during his development.

Born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Balde stands 1.82m tall and is primarily a right-back. He is right-footed and holds French and Guinean nationality.

His departure removes a player with experience across both of France’s professional divisions from Troyes’ squad. Balde’s Ligue 1 record includes 31 appearances, while his 44 Ligue 2 outings represent the larger part of his senior league career.

Troyes was the latest stage of a path that began in the PSG youth system and included a loan spell at Le Havre. The move to Troyes was the first permanent senior transfer recorded in his career after those earlier developments.

Balde’s market value was listed at €400,000 at the time of his departure, while his highest recorded value was €4m. No new club or contract has been recorded following his exit from Troyes.

The right-back has therefore completed his departure from Troyes and is without a club as of 3 August 2026.