Michel Junior Diaz (born 23 July 2003) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Troyes. Born in France, he plays for the Ivory Coast national team.
Club career
Diaz was a youth player of Nantes. He joined Nantes' youth team in 2012, playing in the academy for ten years and winning the 2022 Under-19 league title under manager Pierre Aristouy.
During the 2022–23 season, Diaz started training with Nantes' first team and made his senior debut in a Coupe de France match against AF Virois, on 7 January 2023.
On 30 August 2023, Diaz joined Ligue 2 side Annecy on loan. Benched in the first matches of the season, on 26 September 2023, he made his Ligue 2 debut against Auxerre. Diaz immediately started get more space in the club's roster, becoming a starter. At the end of the season, he had a cumulative number of 22 appearances.
Back from the loan, on 8 August he joined Troyes on a permanent transfer. The transfer reportedly commanded a fee of almost €2.5 million. On 16 August, he made his club debut in a 4–0 loss against Guingamp.
On 13 July 2025, Diaz was loaned by Ligue 1 club Brest.
International career Junior Diaz has represented Ivory Coast at youth international level, having played for the Olympic team.
Personal life Diaz is the brother of Hillary Diaz.
Career statistics
+Appearances and goals by club, season, and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsNantes2021–22National 210———102022–23National 2241———2412023–24National 311———11262———262Nantes2022–23Ligue 1001000—10Annecy (loan)2023–24Ligue 220020——220Troyes2024–25Ligue 227030——190Career total732600000792
Honours Nantes U19
Championnat National U19: 2021–22
Nantes
Coupe de France runner-up: 2022–23
References
External links