Nice's 17‑year‑old Coulibaly leaves at 37 minutes after fainting spell

OGC Nice secured a 2‑1 Ligue 1 victory over RC Strasbourg on Sunday, but the win was shadowed when 17‑year‑old Djibril Coulibaly suffered a slight malaise and was forced to leave the Allianz Riviera pitch at the 37th minute, making way for Hicham Boudaoui.

Malaise forces Coulibaly off

Coulibaly dropped to the ground before the first half ended, prompting the medical team to rush onto the field. He lay on the grass, appeared dazed, and repeatedly touched his face and eyes as he was helped to the bench by two staff members. The OGC Nice youngster looked fatigued and lost before the substitution was made.

Hicham Boudaoui, who was making his second Ligue 1 appearance of the season, entered the game as the more experienced midfielder. Boudaoui took over the central role and helped Nice maintain their lead after Coulibaly’s exit.

Nice revive after Lille loss with Strasbourg win at Allianz Riviera

The 17‑year‑old has now recorded six consecutive starts in six Ligue 1 matches, a streak that began under new coach Olivier Pantaloni. Last season, under Claude Puel, he featured only in two brief cameo appearances.

Academy at the heart of Nice’s plan

With limited summer spending, the Nice hierarchy have placed their academy at the centre of a new project, relying on home‑grown talents such as Coulibaly and fellow 17‑year‑old defensive midfielder Xavier Mandza. After losing promising prospect Kail Boudache to Olympique Lyonnais on a free transfer, the club appears intent on locking its future through youth development.

Coulibaly will turn 18 on 18 November, and the incident has raised concern among staff at the Allianz Riviera. The club will look to manage his recovery while continuing the push for higher league positions.