Nicolas Pépé

Nicolas Pépé attacks space, drifts in from the right and runs beyond the line to threaten the channel. Lille's Ligue 1 breakout in 2018–19 set his early trajectory. That move reshaped his path. A high-profile transfer to Arsenal in 2019 followed, then a resurgence on a free move to Villarreal. At Villarreal he revived his impact with nine goal contributions in 2024–25 and a contract extension in 2025. Internationally, N. Pépé helped Ivory Coast win AFCON on home soil in 2023. Nicolas Pépé's best role remains inverted winger cutting inside to finish with his left foot. He presses high, creates separation and links play with one-touch layoffs to feed the core attack. On the pitch, Pépé keeps the tempo by attacking the back post and finishing moves quickly.