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Arrived in Rennes during the 2003 winter transfer window, Alexander Frei took some time to find his marks under Vahid Halilhodzic’s management, scoring only one goal in 13 games. However, once launched by Laszlo Bölöni, on a League Cup evening in Auxerre, the Swiss international could not stop scoring, netting 41 goals in two seasons, even becoming Ligue 1’s top goal scorer in the 2004-2005 season. Targeted by the Borussia Dormund for several seasons, and despite a last season plagued by injuries, Alex Frein eventually signed with the German side after the 2006 World Cup, ending a beautiful love story with the Stade Rennais.

Presented as a future great striker, even labelled the “new Samuel Eto’o”, Benjamin Moukandjo never managed to live up to these high expectations. Arrived in Rennes in July 2007, his first season was spoilt by numerous injuries, and he never managed to become a regular in the Reserves team. Loaned to Sannois Saint Gratien, in National (3rd level), he didn’t succeed in getting much playing time there either. In Summer 2009, he was transferred to Nimes (Ligue 2), hoping to relaunch his career and finally make himself a place in professional football.

Anthony Le Tallec’s young brother is one of the best strikers in his generation. A strong-minded striker, he relies mostly on his impressive heading ability, but also on very solid technical skills. After many years playing for the youth teams in Le Havre, he joined Rennes’ Academy aged 15. Two years later, he became the youngest professional player in the team. Disappointing on the pitch (4 goals in 21 games with the reserves, for his last season in Rennes) and (too) impatient to get his share of professional football, he left the Stade Rennais to try and get a chance to shine in Dortmund, Germany.

An highly experienced player, with over 300 games in Ligue 1, Daniel Moreira’s profile seemed ideal to replace Rennes favourite, Alexander Frei. With 69 goals in 10 Ligue 1 season, his partnership with John Utaka was full of promise, especially since the two men had already partnered with success for the RC Lens. However, in Brittany, Daniel Moreira lost all sort of efficiency, not managing to score a single goal in two seasons. Loaned to Grenoble in 2008-2009, he was transferred to Boulogne-sur-Mer in August 2009.

Ten years after, Sylvain Wiltord’s return in his first professional team was one of the “feel good stories” of the 2007 summer. A prodigal son of the Stade Rennais, “Nino” has experienced everything, from his beginnings in Division 2, all the way up to a European Championship title and a World Cup final with France. After long negotiations with Lyon, the 92-caps man came back to his initial red and black colours, to help Rennes become one of the strongest places in the French football landscape. Unfortunately, the beautiful story went sour after Guy Lacombe’s arrival. Often pushed out of the professional squad, Wiltord eventually decided to leave again in winter 2009, and joined Marseille on a 6 month deal. In 2009-2010, he signed a contract for Ligue 2 side Metz, where he still plays at the moment.

In Rennes, he was THE attraction of the 2005 summer transfer window. John Utaka, twelve goals during the 2004-2005 season (including a hat-trick against Rennes) was arriving on the banks of the Vilaine, to bring his pace and strength to the team. Rather unconvincing in the first half of the 2005-2006 season, especially in front of the goals, “John U” showed all his potential following two hat tricks in two games, against Lens and Lyon. His rising form pulled Rennes forward for an incredible come back in the League table. A very inconstant player, the Nigerian knew some difficulties in his second season, but he still was one of Rennes’ best attacking assets, scoring twelve goals over the season. In July 2007, he was finally recruited by Portsmouth after long negotiations, for a fee of more than 10 millions euro.

Olivier Monterrubio joined the Stade Rennais in Summer 2001, from the local arch-rival FC Nantes. The left-footed midfielder managed a very quick adaptation on Rennes’ attacking line, and was soon accepted and loved by his supporters. Despite a very average second season, and a difficult relationship with the coach, Vahid Halilhodzic, “Rubio” went on to become a key member of Rennes’ squad. Finishing the league with the most assists in three consecutive seasons, his association with Alexander Frei was arguably the best in France, and he delighted the fans with his pace, his technical ability and his inch-perfect deliveries. Promoted as Rennes’ captain, longest serving member of the squad, he started the 2006/2007 season as irremovable member of the squad. Unfortunately, a string of poor performances caused questioning about the Gaillac man. Eager for a new challenge, he decided to sign a contract with Lens in January 2007, to the dismay of many Rennes supporters.

«Strong, Rigorous, Powerful» : These ase the words J.J. Perrier Doumbé used to sum up John Mensah’s qualities. The Ghanaian international was loaned to Rennes in late January 2006, to stabilise a defensive line often struggling to cope during that season. The “Rock from Djiporta” soon proved his recruiters right, and was immediately loved by the Rennes support. The instant success of his loan was soon materialised, when he signed a three years contract with the club from Brittany. Unfortunately, while his role as a key player was never contested and many (big) teams were following him, his stay in Rennes was marked by recurrent injuries. In July 2008, he followed the footsteps of Kim Källström, and decided to join the Olympique Lyonnais at the end of fierce transfer negotiations.

A central defender, equally able to play as a left full back, Samuel Souprayen is one of the most promising young Rennes players at his position. Captain of the 2008 Gambardella Cup Winning squad, simple, efficient, down to earth, Samuel Souprayen has all it takes to make it to the highest level. He will now have to keep on improving, in order to make his way into Frédéric Antonetti's tactics.

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