Axel Witsel
NCE
Settles into Nice's midfield
Witsel has started four of Nice's first five Ligue 1 matches, becoming the main midfield leader with his experience under coach Olivier Pantaloni.
Analysis: Witsel joined Nice during the summer transfer window to replace numerically Laurent Abergel (knee) and has logged 322 league minutes and played in midfield alongside Djibril Coulibaly most of the time. He has yet to record a goal or assist, although he has contributed to five shots, six interceptions and four clearances in the middle of the park for the Aiglons.
Completes Nice move
Witsel signed with Nice on Tuesday as a free agent.
Analysis: Witsel played for Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and he'll continue playing in one of Europe's top leagues after completing his transfer to Nice. Witsel should see steady playing time in Ligue 1 due to his versatility, as he can play both as a center-back and a defensive midfielder. That said, his fantasy appeal won't be very high due to the defensive-minded nature of his role.
Appears from bench again
Witsel recorded one clearance in Friday's 2-1 loss versus Spain. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 95th minute.
Analysis: Witsel came off the bench in the quarterfinals for Belgium, playing 30 minutes. This comes as only his second appearance of the tournament, as he also came off the bench near the end of their win over the USA. He was unable to do much in his 31 minutes of play, registering one clearance, a yellow card and eight completed passes.
Departs Girona after one season
Witsel will leave Girona after one season, the club announced.
Analysis: Witsel made 32 La Liga appearances in his only season at the club, contributing one goal and two assists after joining on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid in August 2025. The Belgian midfielder brought a wealth of experience from a career that included spells at Standard Liege, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, along with current involvement at the World Cup with Belgium. Girona's brief stint with the veteran did not extend beyond the option year included in his original deal, with Witsel now heading into the next chapter of his career as a free agent.
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