Baptiste Santamaria

On July 1, 2019, Baptiste Santamaria made the move from Ligue 1 club Angers SCO to SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga. His transfer was seen as a step up in his career as he moved to one of Europe's top leagues. At Freiburg, Santamaria was tasked with bolstering the team's midfield, bringing his robust defensive skills and high work rate to the German side. His tenure at Freiburg was marked by consistent performances, where he showcased his ability to read the game effectively and help in both defensive duties and initiating buildup play from the back.

On August 18, 2020, French midfielder Baptiste Santamaria transferred from SC Freiburg in Germany to Stade Rennais (Rennes) in France. The signing marked a significant acquisition for Rennes as Santamaria was considered a highly effective defensive midfielder in the Bundesliga. His performances with Freiburg had drawn attention for his strong tackling, intelligent positioning, and ability to intercept passes, making him a key player in their midfield. Rennes reportedly pursued the 25-year-old to strengthen their squad as they aimed to compete at higher levels both domestically and in European competitions.

On September 1, 2020, Baptiste Santamaria was signed by SC Freiburg from Angers SCO, marking an important step in his professional career. Known for his tenacity and tactical awareness, Santamaria was brought in to strengthen Freiburg's midfield as they looked to compete effectively in the Bundesliga. His addition was widely regarded as a smart move given his impressive performances in Ligue 1, where he had established himself as a solid defensive midfielder. Freiburg fans welcomed him eagerly, looking forward to his impact on the team's performances.

On April 23, 2021, Baptiste Santamaria scored his first goal for Stade Rennais in a Ligue 1 match against Dijon FCO. Known primarily for his defensive capabilities and midfield work rate, Santamaria's goal came as a pleasant surprise for Rennes supporters. The match ended in a victory for Rennes, which helped them in their campaign to qualify for European competitions. His goal was a testament to his versatility on the field, contributing not only defensively but also offensively when the opportunity arose. This performance further endeared him to the Rennes fanbase, who had begun to see him as a crucial part of their squad.

Baptiste Santamaria played a pivotal role on September 19, 2021, when Rennes faced Tottenham Hotspur in the group stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Although primarily a defensive midfielder, Santamaria's athleticism and tactical awareness were on full display as Rennes secured an impressive 2-1 victory. His performance was key in breaking down Tottenham's attacks and transitioning the ball effectively to launch counter-attacks. This match was one of his standout performances in European competitions, underlining his importance to the team and his ability to perform under pressure.

On February 28, 2022, Stade Rennais announced that Baptiste Santamaria had extended his contract with the club. This decision underscored the club's confidence in Santamaria's abilities and their commitment to maintaining a strong midfield presence. Since joining Rennes in 2020, Santamaria had become an integral part of the squad, known for his defensive prowess, discipline, and leadership on the field. The contract extension was seen as a move to ensure stability in the team's core as they continued to compete at high levels in French and European football.

On March 5, 2022, Rennes secured a crucial victory that confirmed their qualification for European competitions the following season, with Baptiste Santamaria playing a key role in their success. Throughout the campaign, Santamaria's contributions in the midfield were indispensable as he provided stability and energy. His ability to break up play and start counter-attacks was instrumental in numerous games. This achievement highlighted his importance to Rennes and demonstrated his capability to perform consistently across high-stakes matches.

During a Ligue 1 match on August 14, 2022, Baptiste Santamaria sustained an ankle injury which saw him sidelined for several weeks. The injury occurred during a match against Paris Saint-Germain and was a significant blow to Rennes, as Santamaria was a crucial part of their midfield structure. This incident highlighted both the physical demands of professional football and the risks players face every match. The team's medical staff worked diligently to ensure his recovery was swift, but his absence was felt during the subsequent games.

Baptiste Santamaria made a much-anticipated return to the Rennes lineup on April 15, 2023, after recovering from an ankle injury that had kept him out for an extended period. His return was a significant boost for the team as they were in the midst of a challenging Ligue 1 campaign. Known for his defensive acumen and ability to control the tempo of a game, Santamaria's presence was vital for Rennes' strategy moving forward. His comeback was greeted with enthusiasm by fans and teammates alike, as he quickly resumed his role as a central figure in Rennes' midfield.

On October 8, 2023, Baptiste Santamaria was named Stade Rennais' Player of the Month after a series of outstanding performances in Ligue 1. His consistency in breaking up opposition attacks, as well as his ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball under pressure, were crucial to Rennes' development play. This recognition by the club and its supporters was a testament to his hard work and pivotal role in their recent successes. Throughout the month, Santamaria was instrumental in several key victories that edged Rennes closer to the top of the Ligue 1 standings.