Brendan Chardonnet

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

At 31, Brendan Chardonnet stands as the experienced anchor in Stade Brestois 29's backline, bringing calm authority to a defence navigating a challenging campaign. With Brest sitting 12th in the table and recent form showing glimpses of resilience amid inconsistency—one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five—the French centre-back's leadership becomes ever more crucial. Valued at €5m, Chardonnet epitomizes the steady, no-nonsense defender who organizes those around him, partnering with Soumaïla Coulibaly and Junior Diaz to form a defensive unit that has shown flashes of solidity. While the statistics may not capture his full contribution, his presence provides the kind of experience that helps stabilize a mid-table side fighting to climb clear of trouble. In a season where Brest are seeking consistency, Chardonnet's role as the defensive sergeant-at-arms remains vital to their ambitions.