Cameroon international defender Jean-Charles Castelletto leaves FC Nantes after five seasons, highlighted by a 2022 French Cup victory. At 30, he signs with Qatar’s Al-Duhail SC, where he will reunite with former Ligue 1 players such as Marco Verratti, Benjamin Bourigeaud, and Youssouf Sabaly. The transfer, valued at around €4 million, reflects the growing allure of the Qatari league for European talents.
On July 23, 2025, Jean-Charles Castelletto officially transferred from FC Nantes to Al-Duhail SC, a club based in Doha, Qatar. After five seasons with his former club, where he served as captain and helped secure the 2022 French Cup, the 30-year-old Cameroon international defender embarks on a new chapter in the Middle East.
FC Nantes expressed thanks on social media, recognizing Castelletto’s important role: “The Club thanks Jean-Charles for these five seasons, notably contributing to the 2022 French Cup title. FC Nantes wishes him the best in this new stage of his career”.
The deal, reportedly worth about €4 million, sees Castelletto sign a three-year contract until 2027 with Al-Duhail SC. This Qatari club has become a hub for former Ligue 1 players. Castelletto will join the ranks of Marco Verratti, recently signed from Al-Arabi SC and formerly of PSG, alongside Benjamin Bourigeaud and Youssouf Sabaly, who also have Ligue 1 experience.
This move comes as Castelletto prepares to maintain his form ahead of major international tournaments: the Africa Cup of Nations in six months and the World Cup in a year.
By recruiting experienced European talents, Al-Duhail SC aims to dominate the Qatar Stars League and strengthen its position on the Asian football stage, continuing the trend of attracting international players to the Qatari league.
