Steven Nzonzi, the 37-year-old midfielder, has agreed to a deal with French Ligue 2 side Dunkerque, according to L’Équipe. The move sees the former World Cup winner return to France after a spell with Stoke City, where his contract expired at the beginning of July. The length of the contract with Dunkerque has not yet been disclosed.
Nzonzi is a free agent following his departure from the English Championship club. He featured prominently for Stoke City last season, making 31 appearances across all competitions, including 30 in the Championship with 17 starts, and one in the FA Cup. Despite his age, Nzonzi demonstrated consistent availability and experience during his time at the Bet365 Stadium.
This is not Nzonzi’s first experience of French football. He previously played in Ligue 2 during the 2008-2009 season with Amiens, and later competed in Ligue 1 with Rennes between 2019 and 2021. His time with Rennes saw him contribute to a mid-table side, showcasing his ability to adapt to the demands of the French top flight.
Nzonzi earned 20 caps for the French national team and was part of the squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, although he did not feature in the tournament itself. He has also played for clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, and Sevilla, where he enjoyed a successful period winning the Europa League twice. The move to Dunkerque represents a significant step down in terms of league standing, but offers Nzonzi continued playing opportunities and a return to his footballing roots. The signing provides Dunkerque with a wealth of experience and a recognizable name as they aim to compete in Ligue 2.
