Brendan Chardonnet: From Local Boy to Brest’s Champions League Captain

Born in the small village of Saint-Rénan, Brendan Chardonnet has become the heart and soul of Stade Brestois. The 29-year-old defender made his debut for Brest in 2013 against Paris Saint-Germain in David Beckham’s final professional match. Now, after over 200 appearances, Chardonnet serves as club captain and has led Brest to improbable Champions League success.

Chardonnet embodies Brest’s remarkable rise. As he recently reflected, “I experienced the years when we played in places like Châteauroux and Niort. To see where the club is now brings immense joy. It’s taken a lot of hard work and I’m tremendously proud.” Indeed, Chardonnet has been one of Ligue 1’s most consistent defenders over the past year, anchoring a Brest backline that conceded the second-fewest goals last season.

While not imposing physically at 1.81m, Chardonnet reads the game well and distributes effectively from the back. His partnership with Lilian Brassier was key to Brest’s defensive prowess. However, with Brassier’s departure and the added workload of Champions League matches, Brest’s defense has struggled at times this season. Chardonnet has had to adapt to new center-back partners as the team seeks stability.

Despite the challenges, Chardonnet recently signed a contract extension through 2027, cementing his place as a Brest legend in the making. With 235 appearances, he’s on pace to challenge the club record. More importantly, as both a local hero and inspirational captain, Chardonnet will forever be linked to Brest’s fairytale Champions League run, representing both the team and the entire region on Europe’s biggest stage.