France’s 2018 World Cup-winning defender Djibril Sidibé has left Toulouse FC after his two-year contract expired. The 33-year-old departs having established himself as a key figure during his time with Le TéFéCé, making 63 appearances across all competitions and contributing three goals and seven assists.
Sidibé joined the Ligue 1 outfit in the summer of 2024 and quickly became a regular under head coach Carles Martínez Novell. Last season proved particularly busy for the veteran, who was effectively an ever-present, featuring in 35 matches. His versatility proved a particular asset; the manager frequently deployed him at both centre-back and right-back depending on tactical requirements.
The full-back’s departure marks the end of his second spell in French football’s top flight, having previously worn the colours of AS Monaco, Lille OSC and ESTAC Troyes. His extensive CV also includes experience in the Premier League with Everton and a stint at Greek giants AEK Athens. Sidibé now enters the market as a free agent, offering prospective clubs a wealth of top-level experience including his involvement in the France squad that lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He is now free to negotiate with new employers without a transfer fee attached.
Toulouse now face the task of replacing a player who featured prominently in their defensive plans. Sidibé’s reliability—evidenced by his near-constant presence last term—means Martínez Novell must identify a similarly adaptable replacement who can cover multiple positions across the back four.
Defensive exodus gathers pace
Toulouse appear poised to lose further defensive talent this summer, potentially leaving Martínez Novell with significant rebuilding work. England youth international Charlie Cresswell is reportedly close to following Sidibé through the exit door. According to Ouest-France, the former Leeds United centre-back has already agreed personal terms with Stade Rennais.
Cresswell is not short of suitors. Crystal Palace are also understood to be monitoring the situation closely as they seek to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new season. Should both Sidibé and Cresswell depart, Toulouse would lose two experienced figures from their backline, forcing the club to prioritise defensive reinforcements in the transfer window.