based on the 2025/26 season · updated 18 Aug 2026
Profile
Season stats
Full career & schedule →Domestic-league season · Lyon.
Scout report
M. Niakhaté is a 30-year-old full-back at Lyon, enjoying a standout season — 0 goals and 2 assists in 32 appearances, a Season grade of 65, top 5% of Ligue 1 full-backs. On long-term scout potential he's rated 50.3, ranking 81st of 122 in the Ligue 1. An experienced operator, he has been an ever-present (90.1% of available minutes). His defensive output reads 2.81 tackles, blocks and interceptions per 90. Below: strengths, watch-points, market-value outlook and the latest transfer news on Niakhaté.
Judged on this season alone, Niakhaté graded 65 — a standout campaign that ranks top 5% of the 22 full-backs in the Ligue 1, on 14 clean sheets and 2.806 defensive actions per 90.
Year-on-year, that's a clear step up on last season (Season 43 → 65). Across the 6 seasons we hold, it's his best return yet.
On long-term talent our Rating reads 50, 14th of 22 of the 22 full-backs in the Ligue 1. At 30 Niakhaté is into the veteran stage, where the age curve weighs on the projection, and a market index of 24.4 reflects that trajectory.
A career still climbing — Niakhaté is at his peak right now, and the curve hasn't flattened.
Output in context · Lyon finished 4th of 18 · an upper-table side
2.81 tackles, blocks & interceptions per 90 — moderate defensive volume, with 14 clean sheets across 32 appearances. Behind an upper-table side (4th of 18) the side controls more games, so the defensive load is lighter — the value sits as much in composure and ball progression as in raw volume. Going forward he chipped in 0 goals and 2 assists — a useful bonus from the back.
Strengths
- Availability. On the pitch for 90.1% of available minutes — a dependable presence in the XI.
- Pedigree. Performing in a top-tier setting (team strength 88.4/100).
Watch points
- Few red flags. No obvious weaknesses in the current-season profile — consistency is the next test.
Outlook
With a Rating of 50.3, Niakhaté carries the 14th-highest potential of the full-backs in the Ligue 1 of 22. Defensively he reads as moderate defensive volume (2.81 tackles, blocks & interceptions per 90). Experienced and reliable, but the value curve is easing (1× now → 0.7× projected in three years).
Generated from Field Insider's rating model · AI-written analysis to follow.
Season statistics
Bars = where he ranks among full-backs in the Ligue 1 with 600+ minutes this season.
Shooting
Passing
Defending
Yellow/red cards
Transfer news
No transfer news found for this player.
