List of top 8 Rennes best players in history

Stade Rennais, a team from the Brittany region, is one of the enduring and rich symbols of French football. Over the course of more than a century of existence, this club has not only left its mark with sublime moments on the field, but also with its fighting style of play, solidarity and strong local pride. Throughout its history, Rennes has produced and gathered many excellent players – those who not only contributed with their individual talents, but also contributed to shaping the team’s playing style and tactical vision. In the article below, Kingsoccertips.com will review Rennes best players, not only evaluated by data but also from a tactical perspective and modern football betting trends.

List of top 8 Rennes best players

Below is a list of the 8 best players to ever wear the Rennes shirt, names that have left a strong mark in history and contributed to raising the club’s profile on the map of French and European football.

8. Martin Terrier

Since joining Rennes from Olympique Lyonnais in 2020, Martin Terrier has emerged as the club’s main attacking threat, combining consistent goal-scoring with tactical versatility. Whether playing as a central striker or drifting wide, he has maintained a remarkable record of over 50 goals in his first 140 matches. Terrier frequently features in decisive plays, especially in important fixtures or against weaker opponents, where he can fully exploit available space.

For bettors, Martin Terrier is a top-tier option for markets such as “anytime goalscorer,” “second-half goalscorer,” “player with most shots on target,” or live bets on “next goalscorer.” When he starts, it is advisable to examine his tactical role: if positioned centrally, “first goalscorer” becomes a strong option; if positioned wide, bets like “assist” or “shots on target” are more appropriate. Terrier also tends to score in matches where Rennes exerts sustained pressure making “Over team goals” or “Rennes to win second half Asian handicap” highly favorable.

7. Benjamin Bourigeaud

Since joining Rennes in 2017, Benjamin Bourigeaud has been an indispensable part of the team. He not only dictates the rhythm of the game but also frequently contributes with goals and assists. Possessing excellent long-range shooting ability, tactical awareness, and standout set-piece technique, Bourigeaud is a well-rounded central midfielder who influences multiple aspects of Rennes’ play. In crucial matches, he is often entrusted with free kicks and penalty duties.

For bettors, Bourigeaud is a highly valuable asset in secondary markets such as “anytime goalscorer,” “player to assist,” or “Over shots on target.” Especially in matches where Rennes faces weaker or defensively-minded teams, he tends to have several shooting opportunities from distance making bets like “goal from outside the box” or “1+ shot on target” very appealing. When he is listed in the starting lineup, it is advisable to consider bets that focus on individual output.

6. Benoît Costil

From 2011 to 2017, Benoît Costil was an irreplaceable figure between the posts for Rennes. Making 255 appearances, he provided exceptional stability and reliability to the backline. Costil was particularly noted for his quick reflexes, sound decision-making in coming off his line, and exceptional penalty-saving ability qualities not common among Ligue 1 goalkeepers at the time. As a result, Rennes’ clean sheet rate was consistently above the league average when he was in goal.

For bettors, matches involving a dependable goalkeeper such as Costil call for bets focused on defensive strength. Options like “Under total goals,” “No goal in first half,” or exact scorelines such as 0-0 or 1-0 are worth strong consideration. Particularly when Rennes plays at home or faces an opponent with limited attacking firepower, markets such as “Under match total” or “Rennes to win to nil” become highly attractive when a player like Costil anchors the defense.

5. Romain Danzé

While Romain Danzé did not stand out in terms of goal-scoring statistics, he was the embodiment of leadership both on and off the pitch. Spending more than 13 years at Rennes (2006–2019) and amassing 376 appearances, he was a model of consistency and resilience. Usually deployed as a right-back, Danzé was known for his tough, no-nonsense playing style and served as a crucial link between defensive and attacking lines. In modern football, players like Danzé provide the foundation for a well-structured, defensively disciplined side.

When betting on matches involving Rennes and a defensively experienced player such as Danzé, it is prudent to consider bets that reflect solid defensive performances. Options such as “Under total goals,” “No goal in the first half,” or “Both teams not to score” are advisable. Additionally, when Rennes faces stronger opponents and opts for a more defensive shape, bets like “Rennes +0.5 Asian handicap” or “Rennes clean sheet in the first half” may offer high value. Matches defined by a “Danzé-like” presence often yield low-scoring outcomes and profitable opportunities on specific correct score markets such as 1-0 or 0-0.

4. Patrick Delamontagne

Nicknamed “The Conductor of Brittany,” Patrick Delamontagne played for Rennes during two separate periods (1973–1977 and 1988–1991). Renowned for his exceptional technical skills and sharp footballing intelligence, he was the quintessential playmaker adept at weaving through defensive lines and delivering incisive passes. His selection for the French national team was a significant accomplishment for a player from a mid-tier club like Rennes at that time. Delamontagne remains an inspirational figure for many young players who followed.

From a betting perspective, creative midfielders like Delamontagne generate excellent value in markets such as “player to assist,” “player with most key passes,” or “Over corners” (due to wing play and crosses). In matches where Rennes dominates possession and employs a system focused on creativity from central midfield, look toward bets like “team total goals,” “Rennes to score in the second half,” or “attacking midfielder to assist.” Delamontagne sets the benchmark for analyzing games where Rennes features a dangerous playmaker or a classic number ten.

3. Mahi Khennane

Mahi Khennane stands out as one of the most unique players in Rennes’ history, not only for his 88 goals in 211 appearances but also for having represented both France and Algeria at the international level. Playing from 1956 to 1962, Khennane was known for his technical flair, artistic style, and, at the same time, his ruthless efficiency in front of goal. His game was marked by elegant touches, explosive dribbles from wide areas, and the ability to score from difficult situations making him a truly complete attacking player.

In terms of betting, Khennane represents those forwards who are capable of producing moments of brilliance ideal for bets such as “player to score from outside the box,” “player to score with weaker foot,” or “goal and assist in same match.” Moreover, if Rennes currently fields a similarly dynamic attacker, it is wise to monitor live markets, especially when such a player grows into the game after the 60th minute making bets on “late goal scorer” or “Rennes to score after 75th minute” potentially lucrative. Players like Khennane often shine in overlooked betting markets.

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2. Daniel Rodighiero

Daniel Rodighiero was Rennes’ main goal-scoring threat during the 1960s and played a significant role in what is considered one of the club’s most stable and successful periods. With 125 goals in 226 appearances, he ranks among the most efficient strikers in the club’s history. Rodighiero’s aerial prowess, quick finishing, and sharp reactions in the penalty area made him a nightmare for Ligue 1 defenders at the time. Notably, he helped Rennes win the Coupe de France in 1965 – a historic achievement for long-time supporters of the club.

When placing bets, Rodighiero’s profile can be used to assess the current central striker at Rennes. If the primary forward displays a no-nonsense but effective finishing style, regularly receives crosses or aerial deliveries, it is a strong signal to consider bets such as “anytime goalscorer,” “Over corners” (due to wing play), or “player to score via header.” Additional side bets like “total shots by the central striker” or “player to score late” are also worth exploring when Rennes features a classic number nine similar to Rodighiero.

1. Jean Grumellon

Jean Grumellon is not only the greatest goal scorer in the history of Stade Rennais, but also an eternal symbol of elite finishing ability. Between 1947 and 1956, he scored an impressive 154 goals in 244 matches a strike rate that would command the respect of even the most prolific modern forwards. Grumellon’s strength lay in his pure striker’s instinct: clinical finishing, intelligent positioning, and an innate ability to exploit space inside the penalty area. He also won the Ligue 1 top scorer title in the 1949–50 season – a rare feat among Rennes players to this day.

For bettors, Grumellon serves as a reference point when analyzing the performance of a current Rennes striker. When a forward in the present squad demonstrates a high conversion rate and frequently finds themselves in goal-scoring positions inside the box, that is an ideal opportunity to place bets such as “anytime goalscorer,” “first goalscorer,” or “player to have the most shots on target.” Furthermore, if Rennes is deploying an attacking strategy with strong offensive momentum, it is advisable to consider “Over goals home team,” as strikers in the mold of Grumellon typically capitalize on defensive lapses.

Final Thoughts

The history of Rennes is woven from the talent, personality and dedication of many generations of players, who have turned the Bretagne team into a lasting symbol of Ligue 1. Although not possessing huge financial potential or dense titles, Rennes has always been a team with its own identity, knowing how to create surprises and inspire. For fans as well as betting investors, understanding the role and influence of Rennes best players through each period is not only a tribute to history, but also the key to more effective and accurate betting. Rennes does not need to be the strongest team to become one of the names worth watching – both in terms of expertise and betting strategy.

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