Quentin Merlin (born 16 May 2002) is a French professional footballer who plays as a left-back or left wing-back for Ligue 1 club Rennes.
Early life Born in Nantes, Merlin grew up in Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer, in a family with Méricourtois origins. Football-wise, he was formed in Brittany, between the towns of Nantes and Pornic.
Club career Nantes
In January 2021, Merlin was selected by Nantes manager Raymond Domenech several times for the professional squad. He eventually made his professional debut for Nantes on 10 February 2021, coming on as a half-time substitute for Ludovic Blas in a 4–2 Coupe de France loss to Lens.
The manager who selected Merlin for the game was not on the bench as the young player entered the field, Domenech having been tested positive for COVID-19, and eventually learning he had been fired right after the Lens game. Antoine Kombouaré succeeded him in the manager position.
On 19 March 2021, Merlin signed his first professional contract with Nantes. On 19 February 2022, he scored his first goal in a 3–1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. He achieved his first title with the club by winning the Coupe de France.
Marseille On 26 January 2024, Merlin moved to fellow Ligue 1 side Marseille, having agreed a contract until 2028. The transfer fee paid to Nantes was reported as €12 million. In the latter stages of the 2023–24 season, he became part of the team which reached the Europa League semi-finals.
Rennes On 21 July 2025, Merlin signed with Ligue 1 side Rennes, signing a four-year deal.
International career Merlin is a youth international for France.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCoupe de FranceEuropeTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsNantes B2020–21National 270——702021–22National 211——112022–23National 220——20Total101——101Nantes2020–21Ligue 10010—102021–22Ligue 128250—3322022–23Ligue 124110402912023–24Ligue 116020—180Total6839040810Marseille2023–24Ligue 1100—701702024–25Ligue 127100—271Total3710070441Career total1155901101355
Honours Nantes Coupe de France: 2021–22 Trophée des Champions runner-up: 2022
Individual UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2025
References
External links
Profile at the Olympique de Marseille website