Dante: The Ageless Wonder of French Football

At 41, Dante continues to defy expectations in professional football. The Brazilian defender has announced his intention to retire by June 2026 at the latest, potentially making the upcoming season his final bow. Despite his age, Dante remains a vital asset for Nice, both as a leader and an on-field performer.

Dante’s statistics from the 2023/24 season highlight his enduring impact. He ranked among the top players in Ligue 1 for tackling dribblers and was unparalleled in ball possession. No player in the league made more touches than Dante, and he ranked highly across Europe’s top five divisions for progressive carrying distance. His passing ability also stood out, placing him near the top in Ligue 1 for progressive passing distance and passes into the final third.

Alongside Jean-Clair Todibo, Dante formed one of the league’s strongest center-back partnerships. Todibo, who recently transferred to West Ham United, praised Dante’s wealth of experience and top-level play. Nice’s former sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi, emphasized Dante’s embodiment of the team’s and club’s identity and expectations.

Under new manager Franck Haise’s three-man defense system, Dante’s role has evolved. While he may be less involved in possession and occasionally exposed due to his reduced pace, Dante excels in aggressive, high-pressing play. His position as left center-back allows him to push forward, sometimes reaching the opposition’s box.

Dante’s importance extends beyond statistics. As Nice integrates new defenders like Moise Bombito and Mohamed Abdelmonem, and with Youssouf Ndayishimiye adapting to a center-back role, Dante’s experience and leadership are invaluable. His impact on the team transcends measurable metrics, solidifying his status as a crucial figure in Nice’s defensive lineup.