By Syanie Dalmat – October 18, 2025

Once considered one of the brightest hopes of French football, Léa Khelifi is experiencing a true revival at the start of this season with FC Nantes, a surprising fourth in the French First Division. Ahead of a difficult trip to Décines to face the mighty OL Lyon, the midfielder opened up in a candid interview.

“The Nantes project brought back my love for football”

— What made you join FC Nantes at the start of the season?

“First of all, it was the coach, Nicolas Chabot. I talked a lot with him. I needed to play again, to enjoy football again, and the project suited me. So far, I haven’t been wrong — I’m really enjoying myself.”

— What was that project about?

“He’s a coach who wanted to trust me, and that’s important for a player. He wanted to highlight my strengths. Nantes is a team that isn’t afraid to play, that likes to keep the ball, take risks, and build play. That’s where I feel most at home.”

A new chapter after Montpellier

After three seasons with Montpellier, Khelifi felt the need for change.

“I had done my time there. It’s a club that gave me a lot, but three seasons were enough. I wanted to see something new, to relaunch myself, to find joy again. If you don’t enjoy playing football, there’s a problem.”

At Nantes, she found what she was missing:

“The girls welcomed me really well. Even though I haven’t been here long, I feel good in our play, both with my teammates and with the coach. It’s a good sign for the future.”

“We don’t see it as a gala match”

With Nantes sitting fourth before Matchday 5, Khelifi highlights the team’s hard work.

“I don’t know if I expected such a good start, but I came here to help the team reach the top of the table. We deserve it — we work hard all week. But we must stay humble, especially before facing one of the best teams in the world, OL Lyon.”

On the upcoming match, she adds:

“We know it’s going to be tough. The most important thing is not to give up, to fight until the end, and to stay strong. Of course, it’ll be harder than usual, but we don’t see it as a gala match — it’s part of our journey to keep improving.”

A more competitive league

Having debuted in D1 with Metz in 2016, Khelifi has witnessed the evolution of women’s football in France:

“It’s improved a lot. When I started, there were big gaps between top and lower teams. Now, except for Lyon, anyone can beat anyone. It’s made the league more ambitious and exciting.”

“Everything starts with the club”

Capped four times for France in 2021, Khelifi remains focused on her club form.

“My priority is Nantes. If I get the chance to return to the national team, I’ll be proud, but I’m not obsessed. Everything goes through club performance.”

She reflects with maturity:

“I have no regrets. My career hasn’t always been easy — there were injuries, tough moments — but I never cheated. The most important thing is that I’ve found joy again. That’s what I was missing.”

“I’ve learned a lot, as a player and as a woman”

“I’m only 26, but I’ve been through a lot — emotions, challenges, self-reflection. Football isn’t easy, but it’s made me grow as a person. I’ve learned never to give up, because if we don’t fight for ourselves, no one will do it for us.”

📍 Next match: OL Lyon vs. FC Nantes
🗓️ Date: October 20, 2025
🏟️ Venue: Décines, France