Junior Mandza, 17, now a Nice starter at centre-back, a role not his own

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·12 September 2026

Junior Mandza, 17, has established himself in Nice’s starting line-up at centre-back, a role not his natural one.

L'Équipe highlights a rare sight, a teenager with a youthful smile and braces stepping into senior football out of position.

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Only months ago, many on the Côte d’Azur scarcely knew who Mandza was.

Since then he has stepped into the back line for the first team.

For supporters and the club alike, his rise has been sudden.

Source: L'Équipe

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