First team

Goalkeeper Nicolas Lemaître moves to Brittany

Nicolas Lemaître (1 metre 90), who won the French Ligue 2 title with Troyes, has signed a contract with the Rouge et Noir until 2028. The 29-year-old goalkeeper has made 109 second-tier appearances for Reims, Quevilly-Rouen and Troyes.

Published on 26 June 2026

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A native of the ‘City of Coronations’, Nicolas Lemaître came through the ranks at Stade de Reims after starting out at AS Taissy. With the Champagne-based club, the goalkeeper made his professional debut in Ligue 1 against Strasbourg in 2020.

Having served as the backup to Édouard Mendy and then Predrag Rajković, Nicolas Lemaître went on to gain experience with Quevilly-Rouen in the National. His loan spell in Normandy proved a resounding success, with QRM securing promotion and relying heavily on their efficient and commanding goalkeeper. He continued the adventure in Ligue 2, playing an active part in helping the Robert-Diochon side avoid relegation.

ESTAC: establishing himself

In 2023, after 97 matches with QRM – including 30 clean sheets – the Frenchman joined ESTAC. In the Aube region, he established himself as one of the league’s regular goalkeepers. Starting the 2025/2026 season as first-choice goalkeeper, Nicolas Lemaître featured in the first 10 league matches before sustaining a knee injury against Bastia. From the stands, he watched his team’s remarkable run, which saw them secure promotion to Ligue 1. An experienced, hard-working and consistent goalkeeper, ready to return to the pitch, Nicolas Lemaître has chosen Brittany for the next stage of his career. Here he is in the Red and Black, under contract until 2028. Welcome Nicolas!

Arnaud Pouille, Executive Chairman – Chief Executive: “We were looking for an experienced goalkeeper who could slot straight into the squad. Nicolas is a reliable, effective goalkeeper, renowned for his professionalism. His attitude is exemplary and he will settle in quickly. I also know that he already knows some of the players in the squad, and I have no doubt that he will complement Brice well.”

Loïc Désiré, Sporting Director: “This signing marks our fourth new arrival; it’s great news that Nicolas is joining the Red and Blacks. We’re bringing in an experienced goalkeeper with a calm demeanour, who is strong on his line and solid in the air. Notably, he has played over 100 matches in Ligue 2 and achieved great things at QRM and then at ESTAC.”

Nicolas Lemaître: “A great opportunity has come my way. It’s obviously a real pleasure when a team of Rennes’ calibre – which has brilliantly qualified for European competition – shows an interest in you. Stade Rennais is a historic club, known for having had some very good goalkeepers, and I’m proud to be part of this adventure. I played alongside Édouard Mendy at Reims, for a start. I’m thinking of Brice (Samba), of course, as well as Steve (Mandanda), Simon Pouplin, Petr Čech… I picked up an injury in October but was able to make a full recovery by the end of the season. I’m ready for the new season; I’m raring to go (laughs). Brice has been having one great season after another; it’ll be a pleasure to play alongside him and develop my game with him. I can’t wait to meet all the goalkeepers and the squad. On the pitch? I’m quite proactive. I like to get involved, communicate and come out for the ball. I’m active defensively, and I try to bring determination to my defence. In the squad, I played with Issa (Soumaré) at QRM and I’ve come up against some of the players, notably Estéban Lepaul and Ludovic Blas. I know there are great players and wonderful people in this squad.”