Between European disillusionments and mixed results in Ligue 1, this year has been tumultuous for OGC Nice. Far from their ambitions, the Eagles have experienced six difficult months on all fronts. The 2025 vintage of the Gym will not be remembered.
As 2026 dawns, what assessment can be made of OGC Nice’s 2025? The question is complex, as one could divide the last twelve months of the Gym into two completely different dynamics. First, from January to June, where the Eagles, thanks to a good finish, secured the fourth place in Ligue 1 24/25 and earned a ticket for the playoffs that could have led them to the Champions League. Then a more disappointing second half, from July to December, where the teammates of Mohamed-Ali Cho experienced major disillusionments on all fronts, notably equaling the record for consecutive defeats (9) in the entire history of the Gym. In terms of statistics, the Niçois won 17 times, drew six matches, and suffered 24 defeats in 47 appearances, all competitions combined, this year. A negative record well below the 2024 record of the red and blacks.
Let’s go back a few months, specifically to last May. Competing for European spots, OGC Nice took on the role of surprise, managing to capture the 4th place final in Ligue 1, just off the podium after a last triumph against Brest (6-0), at the Allianz Riviera. This position offers the Eagles the possibility to play the Champions League playoffs, as was the case in 2017 for the Nice club (elimination against Napoli at the time). On their way to the biggest competition, teammates of Charles Vanhoutte inherited a major obstacle, Benfica Lisbon. At the end of a double confrontation where they never really had a chance, the Niçois logically fell to their Portuguese opponent (0-2, aggregate score). For the second consecutive season, Nice would compete in the Europa League.
A subpar summer transfer window, ambitions revised downward
The confrontation against Benfica highlighted a major point: OGC Nice was not ready, both in terms of gameplay and squad construction. Franck Haise was starting season two of his tenure, but saw his team lose several key players over the summer (Gaëtan Laborde, Marcin Bulka, or Evann Guessand). To replace them, Florian Maurice had to work with his hands tied. The owner of the club, Ineos, had decided to tighten the purse strings. The Gym only had a small limited budget to reinforce itself. Most of the choices made by the management were gambles on young players with high potential. A few months later, few of them can boast of having been an asset for the Eagles. Among the successful picks were Yehvann Diouf, who took the reins perfectly in the goal, and Charles Vanhoutte, despite some less convincing last performances.
As a result, the initial results did not follow on the sporting front. In the Europa League, Nice’s record is even more worrying. If the Eagles had not managed to win a single European match in 2024, they failed to earn a single point in the same competition in 2025. With two matches remaining in the mini-championship phase, OGC Nice stagnates at a disappointing and ridiculous 36th place, the last in the competition. It was thought that the Gym could not perform worse than the last season, but it has proven to be the case this season. We will also not dwell on the Eagles’ journey in the Coupe de France. Teammates of Hicham Boudaoui were quickly shown the exit, in the round of 16, against Stade Briochin (1-2), then a National 2 member.
Change of direction, a crucial winter transfer window for OGC Nice
The last months of 2025 were catastrophic on all fronts for OGC Nice. From early November to late December, the Eagles accumulated defeats to the point of sadly entering the club’s history. Never before had the club conceded nine consecutive defeats, all competitions combined. Under these difficult conditions, a huge chasm developed between the Gym and its main supporters. Returning from yet another defeat at Lorient (1-3), the players were heckled in front of the training center. Some players were reportedly subjected to verbal and even physical violence according to various sources. Following this incident, Jérémie Boga and Terem Moffi are on temporary work incapacity. More than ever, the two forwards are determined to leave Nice and never play for the red and black colors again.
This negative spiral cost Fabrice Bocquet his position. The president of OGC Nice has stepped down “by mutual agreement” with the club. The former general manager of the Eagles had held this position for less than six months. To succeed him, Ineos chose two well-known returnees on the Côte d’Azur: Jean-Pierre Rivère and Maurice Cohen, former illustrious presidents of the Gym. The two leaders will notably have the heavy task of restoring the Niçois mentality internally. The winter transfer window will be an opportunity to bounce back for the club. Reinforcements on all fronts are expected, despite still limited means, on the Nice side.
Franck Haise leaves his position
It was thought that the last days of 2025 would be calmer for OGC Nice. This will not be the case! According to information from L’Équipe, confirmed by the club yesterday, Franck Haise is no longer the coach of the Eagles. The Nice tactician decided to leave his position “by mutual agreement” with his management. After eighteen months of service, the Frenchman did not withstand the very difficult last few months experienced by the Gym. Claude Puel will succeed him. The former OL coach has the advantage of having already managed Nice, between 2012 and 2016.
OGC Nice now wants to turn the page on a loaded and eventful 2025 on and off the field. The Eagles will be back on January 3 with a clash against Racing Club de Strasbourg, as part of the 17th day of Ligue 1. They will then follow with the round of 32 of the Coupe de France where the Gym drew another Ligue 1 team, with a trip to FC Nantes.
