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Nicolas Pépé

Nicolas Pépé is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a forward, primarily as a right winger.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nicolas Pépé is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a forward, primarily as a right winger. Born in France, he has represented the Ivory Coast at international level and has played club football in France, England, Turkey, and Spain.

Early life and youth career

Pépé was born in Mantes-la-Jolie, France, and is of Ivorian descent. He began his senior career in France after developing as a youth player before moving into professional football with Angers and then a loan spell at Orléans.

Club career

After establishing himself at Lille, Pépé moved to Arsenal in 2019 for a then club-record transfer fee of £72 million. He later spent time on loan at Nice, played for Trabzonspor, and signed for Villarreal on a free transfer in August 2024.

International career

Although born in France, Pépé chose to represent Ivory Coast at senior international level. He has been selected for multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and was part of the squad that won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Style of play

Pépé is described as a left-footed forward who can play on the right wing and cut inside onto his stronger foot. Sources also describe him as quick, dribbling-oriented, and capable on free kicks and penalties.

Key facts

  • Signed for Arsenal in 2019 in a then club-record transfer fee of £72 million.
  • Won the FA Cup with Arsenal in his debut season.
  • Joined Villarreal on a free transfer in August 2024.
  • Represents the Ivory Coast internationally after being born in France to Ivorian parents.
  • Was part of Ivory Coast squad that won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Nicolas Pépé play?
He is mainly a forward and right winger.
Which national team does Nicolas Pépé represent?
He represents the Ivory Coast at senior international level.
Which clubs has Nicolas Pépé played for?
His senior clubs include Angers, Orléans, Lille, Arsenal, Nice, Trabzonspor, and Villarreal.
Did Nicolas Pépé win a major trophy with Arsenal?
Yes. He won the FA Cup with Arsenal in his debut season.
When did Nicolas Pépé join Villarreal?
He joined Villarreal on a free transfer on 4 August 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_P%C3%A9p%C3%A9
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, club history, Arsenal fee, Ivory Coast international career, AFCON 2023 title, Villarreal move.
  2. Arsenal FC — https://www.arsenal.com/historic/players/nicolas-pepe
    Supports: Arsenal debut, first goal, previous clubs, club-record signing, FA Cup final contribution, playing style.
  3. OGC Nice — https://www.ogcnice.com/en/fiche/853/nicolas-pepe.html
    Supports: Date and place of birth, position, height, left foot, joining Nice in 2022.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/210397/nicolas-pepe
    Supports: Position, current club, nationality, birthdate, club career overview.
  5. Villarreal CF — https://villarrealcf.es/en/player/nicolas-pepe/
    Supports: Current club, transfer to Villarreal, role as forward, prior clubs, international status, playing qualities.
  6. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/nicolas-pepe/profil/spieler/343052
    Supports: Birthplace, height, position, preferred foot, current club, contract end, youth clubs.