Nicolas Pépé

Nicolas Pépé is a tricky left-footed winger from Mantes-la-Jolie who became one of Ligue 1's most feared attackers at Lille before a then-record Arsenal transfer, and won the AFCON with Ivory Coast in 2023.

Pépé developed at Angers before joining Lille in 2017, where two prolific seasons — highlighted by 22 goals in his final campaign — made him one of Europe's most sought-after wingers. Arsenal paid a club-record fee for him in 2019, and though his time in north London was inconsistent, he helped the Gunners win the FA Cup in 2020.

After loan spells at Nice and a stint at Trabzonspor he joined Villarreal in 2024. He featured in every AFCON from 2017 to 2023, winning the title on home soil with Ivory Coast in the latter tournament.