Stade Rennais FC has permanently transferred defender Jonathan Do Marcolino to Ligue 2 side FC Annecy. The deal, reported by Homme Du Match, includes a buy-back option retained by the Breton club.
The 20-year-old Gabonese international had signed his first professional contract with Stade Rennais FC in July 2025. Romain Mazzotti noted this milestone: "Jonathan Do Marcolino signe son premier contrat professionnel avec Stade Rennais FC en juillet 2025." He now moves to Annecy on a contract running until June 2029. Do Marcolino originally joined the Stade Rennais FC academy in 2017 at age 11, arriving from Stade Lavallois and US Lavalloise.
What is Do Marcolino's career path?
The young defender gained valuable experience during the 2025-2026 season. He was loaned to Bourg-en-Bresse Péronnas, making 22 appearances and scoring one goal, including a strike against Valenciennes. Simultaneously, he captained the Stade Rennais FC reserve team in the National 3 league, featuring in 22 matches at that level. His talent was recognized earlier when he was named best young player at the 2024 Centres Tournament. He also participated in the last Africa Cup of Nations with the Gabon national team.
Why did Stade Rennais FC keep a buy-back clause?
The inclusion of a priority purchase option indicates the club is keeping a watchful eye on their former player's development. This is a common practice for academy graduates, allowing for a potential return if they impress in Ligue 2. Stade Rennais FC monitors the progress of its former players closely, as seen on our dedicated squad page. The permanent sale also clears a squad place and potentially generates resources for other moves.
Where does Annecy stand in the league hierarchy?
FC Annecy currently competes in Ligue 2. The Savoyard club is battling to stay in the division, a situation that could offer Do Marcolino significant playing time. Joining a team fighting for points is often a formative challenge for a young defender. The physical and demanding nature of Ligue 2 football represents a logical next step after his spells in the third and fifth tiers of French football.
What is next for Stade Rennais FC?
Stade Rennais FC, meanwhile, focuses on its Ligue 1 campaign. The club holds a mid-table position and is preparing for its upcoming fixtures. You can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. The team will also need to address its defensive record, which you can analyze via our stats. The Rouge et Noir's next official match is a league game scheduled for the weekend of September 12, 2026. Jonathan Do Marcolino is now under contract with FC Annecy for the next three seasons.
