Jonathan Clauss
Jonathan Clauss (born 25 September 1992) is a French professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Ligue 1 club OGC Nice and the France national team.[1][2] Standing at 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) and right-footed, he is known for his attacking contributions from the right flank, including precise crossing and set-piece delivery.[3][1] Born in Strasbourg, Alsace, Clauss endured a challenging path to professional football, having been released from RC Strasbourg's youth academy at age 17 for being deemed too physically weak.[4] After the rejection, compounded by his parents' divorce, he played amateur football while studying sport science and taking odd jobs, including packing sausages at a factory and night shifts at a postal center, nearly quitting the sport in 2018 due to persistent setbacks.[4] His breakthrough came in lower divisions: he joined fifth-tier US Raon-l'Étape in 2015, scoring in a French Cup upset against top-flight Saint-Étienne, then moved to third-tier US Avranches in 2016 before signing his first professional contract with Ligue 2's US Quevilly-Rouen in 2017 at age 24.[4][3] Clauss transferred to German 3. Liga side Arminia Bielefeld in 2018, where he helped secure promotion to the 2. Bundesliga as champions in 2019–20.[5][3] He joined Ligue 1 newcomers RC Lens in 2020, emerging as a key player with 5 goals and 11 assists in the 2021–22 season, which earned him his international debut for France in March 2022 against Ivory Coast at age 29.[3][6] After two seasons at Lens, he signed with Olympique de Marseille in 2022, contributing to their UEFA Champions League campaign with 12 appearances and 2 goals in Europa League play across his tenure, before moving to Nice for a €5 million transfer fee in July 2024 on a contract until June 2026.[1][7][8] Internationally, Clauss has earned 14 caps for France since his debut as of November 2025, scoring 2 goals, including one in a 14–0 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying win over Gibraltar in 2023.[6] He was part of the France squad for UEFA Euro 2024 but did not feature in any matches during the tournament.[6][5]Early life
Childhood in Strasbourg
Jonathan Clauss was born on 25 September 1992 in Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France.[2] Although born in the urban center, he spent his early years in the nearby village of Osthoffen, located in the Bas-Rhin department about 15 kilometers west of Strasbourg and close to the German border.[9] Osthoffen, a small community of around 800 inhabitants, provided a tight-knit rural environment typical of Alsace's suburban villages.[9] Clauss grew up in a supportive family home in Osthoffen, raised primarily by his mother, Josiane, alongside his sister, Julie.[9] His parents offered emotional encouragement during his formative years, fostering a close family bond that emphasized perseverance and community ties.[9] The Alsace region's unique cultural landscape, blending French and German influences through its history of shifting borders, bilingual heritage, and traditions like Alsatian dialect and cuisine, shaped the everyday upbringing of families like Clauss's in the area.[10] Up to the age of six, Clauss's early life revolved around the simple rhythms of village existence, including informal football play in the family garden where his sister Julie often acted as goalkeeper, with strong connections to local friends and neighbors that endured into adulthood.[9] Around that time, he began transitioning to organized activities at the local FC Osthoffen.[9]Youth football development
Clauss began his organized football journey at the age of six, joining the youth ranks of local club FC Osthoffen in 1998, where he played until 2000.[1] This early experience in his hometown region laid the foundation for his passion for the sport, supported by his family's encouragement during his Strasbourg upbringing.[4] In 2000, at age eight, Clauss moved to the prestigious youth academy of RC Strasbourg Alsace, a club with deep roots in the Alsatian football scene.[1] He spent the next decade progressing through the academy's structured system, advancing from early youth teams to higher levels, including the U19 squad by his late teens.[11] During this period, he honed his skills as a versatile defender, focusing on technical development and tactical understanding within a competitive environment that emphasized discipline and team play.[12] Despite his long tenure and growth in the academy, Clauss was released by Strasbourg in June 2010 at the age of 17, just as he approached senior eligibility.[8] This decision stemmed from the club's assessment that he was too physically weak to meet the criteria for a professional contract.[4] In response, he transitioned immediately to amateur leagues, signing with Vauban Strasbourg to continue playing at a regional level while balancing football with other pursuits.[11]Club career
Early and amateur career
After leaving the RC Strasbourg youth academy in 2010, Jonathan Clauss joined ASPV Strasbourg, where he played in the regional leagues of Alsace, including the Division d'Honneur, from 2010 to 2013. This period marked his entry into senior amateur football at age 18, competing at the sixth tier of French football without recorded professional-level statistics, as the club operated in non-professional environments.[13] In 2013, Clauss moved to SV Linx in Germany's Oberliga Baden-Württemberg, the fifth tier, for the 2013–2015 seasons, where he made 62 appearances and scored 15 goals.[14] This stint abroad provided his first exposure to consistent senior competitive play, though still at a semi-professional level, helping him develop as a versatile right-back amid limited resources. Returning to France in 2015, Clauss signed with Raon-l'Étape in Championnat National 2, appearing in 24 matches without scoring during the 2015–2016 season.[15] He then transferred to US Avranches for 2016–2017, logging 30 appearances and 1 goal in the same fourth-tier league, followed by a move to Quevilly-Rouen in 2017–2018, where he featured in 29 matches and scored 1 goal.[16] These years in National 2 presented key challenges, including financial instability that forced Clauss into odd jobs such as night shifts at a post office and working in a butcher shop to make ends meet, fostering the resilience that defined his path to professionalism.[17][4]Arminia Bielefeld
In the summer of 2018, Jonathan Clauss signed his first professional contract with Arminia Bielefeld in the German 2. Bundesliga, joining as a free agent from Quevilly-Rouen after a trial period. This move marked his transition to full-time professional football, building on his prior experience in French lower divisions that had honed his technical skills and resilience. At Bielefeld, Clauss adapted to the rigorous demands of German football, which emphasized discipline, tactical structure, and high-intensity pressing—a shift that transformed his professional mindset and improved his consistency compared to the more fluid styles he encountered in France.[18] He initially deployed as a right midfielder but quickly transitioned to right-back under manager Uwe Neuhaus, leveraging his attacking instincts to contribute offensively while bolstering the defensive line.[4] Over two seasons from 2018 to 2020, Clauss made 62 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga for Bielefeld, scoring 8 goals and providing 11 assists, establishing himself as a reliable squad member.[19] His debut came in a challenging 0-2 loss to Hamburger SV in August 2018, but he soon settled, notching 3 goals and 3 assists in 28 league outings during the 2018-19 campaign, which ended with Bielefeld in mid-table. A standout moment that season was his exceptional display in a 3-1 victory over Holstein Kiel on March 9, 2019, where his dynamic runs and precise crosses earned praise for driving the team's attacking momentum.[20] Clauss's breakthrough came in the 2019-20 season, where he became a cornerstone of Bielefeld's promotion push, appearing in 34 league matches with 5 goals and 8 assists.[19] Playing predominantly as right-back, he excelled in delivering whipped crosses and set-piece deliveries that unlocked defenses, directly contributing to several key wins in the race for automatic promotion. His form peaked in the latter stages, including a vital 0-0 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim on June 16, 2020, which mathematically secured Bielefeld's return to the Bundesliga after a six-year absence—Clauss's defensive solidity and forward surges were instrumental in maintaining the clean sheet during this decisive match.[21] This campaign not only highlighted his adaptation to the physicality and pace of German second-tier football but also solidified his reputation as a versatile, promotion-winning asset.[4]RC Lens
In the summer of 2020, Jonathan Clauss joined RC Lens on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld, marking his return to French football at the age of 27 following Lens's promotion to Ligue 1 at the end of the previous season.[22] This move came after Clauss had gained valuable experience in Germany's second tier, where he contributed to Bielefeld's own promotion campaign. At Lens, under manager Franck Haise, Clauss quickly established himself as a key right-back in a 3-4-3 formation, leveraging his attacking instincts to support the team's resurgence in the top flight. During the 2020–21 Ligue 1 season, Clauss made 33 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and recording 6 assists, while playing every minute of the campaign.[14] His contributions helped Lens secure a respectable seventh-place finish in their first top-division season in nearly a decade, exceeding expectations for a newly promoted side and laying the foundation for sustained competitiveness. Clauss's precise deliveries from the right flank became a hallmark, often creating scoring opportunities for forwards like Florian Sotoca through effective crosses and overlaps. The 2021–22 season proved to be Clauss's breakout year at Lens, where he featured in 37 league matches, netting 5 goals and delivering 11 assists to total 16 direct goal involvements.[14] These performances were instrumental in Lens again finishing seventh, stabilizing the club in mid-table and showcasing a dynamic attacking style. His expertise in set-pieces, including free-kicks and corners, added another dimension, with Clauss serving as one of the primary takers and frequently picking out teammates in dangerous areas.[23] For his outstanding contributions, Clauss was selected to the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year.[24] Over his two seasons at Lens, Clauss amassed 70 league appearances, 8 goals, and 17 assists, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the club's revival and earning widespread recognition for his blend of defensive solidity and offensive threat.[16]Olympique de Marseille
In July 2022, Jonathan Clauss transferred from RC Lens to Olympique de Marseille for a reported fee of €9 million plus bonuses, signing a three-year contract until June 2025.[25][26] His strong performances at Lens, where he contributed significantly to their push for European qualification, had drawn interest from several clubs, ultimately leading to this move to a Ligue 1 powerhouse.[1] During his two seasons at Marseille (2022–2024), Clauss made 85 appearances across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 24 assists.[16] In Ligue 1, he featured in 61 matches, netting 5 goals and delivering 14 assists, while helping the team secure third place in 2022–23 and eighth in 2023–24. His contributions extended to European campaigns, including the UEFA Champions League in 2022–23 (6 appearances, 1 assist) and UEFA Champions League qualifying in 2023–24 (2 appearances, 1 assist), as well as the UEFA Europa League round of 16 in 2022–23 (2 appearances) and full campaign in 2023–24 (12 appearances, 2 goals, 6 assists). Key moments included his assist for Jordan Veretout's opening goal in the first leg of the 2023–24 Europa League round of 16 against Villarreal, aiding a 4–0 victory, and a late goal in the return leg despite a 3–1 defeat.[27][28] Clauss adapted to the high-pressure environment at Marseille, working under multiple managers including Igor Tudor (2022–23), Marcelino García Toral (early 2023–24), and Gennaro Gattuso (mid-2023–24), each implementing distinct tactical systems that emphasized his attacking full-back role.[29] Despite occasional form dips and injuries, he remained a regular starter, showcasing versatility in both defensive duties and set-piece delivery. His tenure highlighted the club's intense expectations, where fan and media scrutiny often amplified performances in high-stakes matches.[30] Clauss departed Marseille in July 2024, transferring to OGC Nice for €5 million amid a contract situation where his deal was set to expire in 2025. The move followed tensions, including public criticism from sporting director Mehdi Benatia over Clauss's behavior and the club's earlier attempts to offload him in January 2024 to avoid a potential free exit, compounded by questions of tactical fit under shifting coaching regimes.[31][32][33] This allowed Marseille to recoup value while Clauss reunited with former Lens manager Franck Haise.[34]OGC Nice
In July 2024, Jonathan Clauss transferred from Olympique de Marseille to OGC Nice for a fee of €5 million plus €1 million in potential bonuses, signing a two-year contract until June 2026.[35][7] The move came shortly after his participation in UEFA Euro 2024 with the France national team, where he made brief appearances before returning to club football.[2] Clauss quickly integrated into the Nice squad under manager Franck Haise, leveraging his experience from Marseille's European campaigns to adapt to the team's high-pressing, possession-based style.[1] In the 2024–25 season, he established himself as a key right-back, contributing to Nice's solid defensive record while adding attacking threat from wide areas, particularly through his delivery on set pieces.[36] His recovery from the physical demands of the Euros was managed effectively, allowing him to feature regularly from the opening matches and help Nice secure a mid-table position with aspirations for European qualification.[37] As of November 2025, Clauss has made 52 appearances and scored 4 goals across all competitions for Nice since his arrival. In Ligue 1 specifically, he has appeared in 37 matches, netting 4 goals, often operating as an inverted winger or overlapping full-back to support the attack.[16] In the 2025–26 season, he has featured in 9 Ligue 1 matches (1 goal, 2 assists), 3 UEFA Europa League matches, and 2 UEFA Champions League qualifying matches. His integration has been marked by emerging leadership qualities, including temporarily assuming the captain's armband during absences of senior players like Dante, and a continued specialization in set-piece execution, where he has provided crucial assists and deliveries.[38]International career
Youth international career
Despite spending nearly a decade in the RC Strasbourg youth academy from 2000 to 2010, Jonathan Clauss never received a call-up to any of France's youth national teams, including the under-17, under-19, or under-21 levels.[1][4] His omission from these squads stemmed from being released by Strasbourg at age 17, after which he pursued an unconventional path through amateur and lower-division clubs in Germany and France, such as Vauban Strasbourg and US Raon-l'Étape, where opportunities for international exposure were limited.[18][39] This absence of youth international experience underscored Clauss's status as a late bloomer, forcing him to prove himself in professional leagues starting at age 26 with Arminia Bielefeld, which ultimately accelerated his rapid ascent to the senior France team through standout performances at RC Lens.[40]Senior international career
Jonathan Clauss received his first senior call-up to the France national team in March 2022, following a breakout season at RC Lens where he contributed significantly to their Ligue 1 campaign.[1] He made his senior international debut on 25 March 2022, coming on as a substitute in the 89th minute during a 2–1 friendly victory over Ivory Coast at the Stade de France. Clauss earned his first start four days later in another friendly against South Africa, playing 88 minutes in a 5–0 win, and went on to feature in the 2022 UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Croatia as a substitute.[6] His early appearances highlighted his versatility, often deployed as a right-back with attacking license under manager Didier Deschamps.[30] Clauss's involvement continued sporadically in the 2022–23 season, including starts in Nations League games against Austria and Denmark in September 2022. He also featured in qualifiers against Greece in November 2023. By October 2023, he had become a more regular squad member during UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying. He scored his first international goal on 18 November 2023, curling a stunning right-footed strike into the top corner during a 14–0 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying win over Gibraltar, France's largest-ever victory. He appeared in friendlies against Germany and Chile in March 2024. His second goal came on 5 June 2024 in a 3–0 friendly win over Luxembourg, blasting a powerful right-footed shot from 25 yards in the 70th minute to seal the result ahead of the European Championship.[41] Clauss was included in France's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany, selected for his depth at right-back amid injuries and form considerations. However, he remained an unused substitute across all six matches as Les Bleus advanced to the semi-finals, where they lost on penalties to Spain; Deschamps preferred Jules Koundé and Benjamin Pavard in the position. Clauss returned for the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League, making a substitute appearance against Italy in September 2024. As of November 2025, Clauss has accumulated 14 caps for France, scoring 2 goals, primarily serving as a versatile full-back capable of operating on either flank in Deschamps's pragmatic system, though his starts have been limited by competition from established defenders.[15]Playing style
Tactical attributes
Jonathan Clauss primarily operates as an attacking right-back, frequently engaging in midfield overlaps to support offensive transitions while maintaining defensive responsibilities. His role emphasizes exploiting the right flank, where he provides essential width by hugging the touchline and delivering precise crosses into the penalty area. This positioning allows him to contribute to build-up play through progressive runs and underlapping movements, enhancing his team's attacking fluidity without compromising backline stability.[23] Clauss demonstrates proficiency in formations such as the 3-5-2 and 4-3-3, where he balances wide provision with central defensive cover during high-pressing phases. In a 3-5-2 setup, he thrives as a wing-back in a back-three system, advancing the ball forward while offering off-ball security against counter-attacks. Similarly, in a 4-3-3, his overlaps complement narrow midfield structures, enabling compact defensive shapes and rapid shifts to offense. This versatility makes him integral to modern tactical systems that prioritize dynamic full-back involvement.[42][23] Throughout his career, Clauss has evolved from a winger-like profile in his early professional days—characterized by direct dribbling and forward surges—to a more balanced full-back role in Ligue 1 and international contexts. This adaptation reflects a maturation in his game intelligence, allowing him to integrate creative impulses with disciplined positioning in elite setups. His international debut for France further highlighted this tactical versatility, as he adapted seamlessly to the national team's structured wing play.[42][23] In set pieces, Clauss serves as a primary delivery specialist, leveraging his right-footed accuracy to target areas from corners and free-kicks, which bolsters his team's aerial threats. During transitions, he excels in leading counter-attacks by initiating high presses to regain possession and quickly advancing into attacking zones, thereby bridging defensive recoveries with forward momentum. These attributes underscore his value in fluid, transition-oriented tactics prevalent in contemporary European football. Since joining OGC Nice in July 2024, Clauss has maintained his attacking contributions from the right flank, recording 3 goals and 8 assists in Ligue 1 during the 2024–25 season.[42][23][3]Key strengths and weaknesses
Jonathan Clauss is renowned for his elite crossing accuracy, averaging 5.3 crosses per 90 minutes, the highest rate in Ligue 1 during his standout 2021–22 season with RC Lens.[23] His deliveries are precise in both open play and from set-pieces, where he excels as a free-kick specialist, contributing to his status as one of the league's top creators with 11 assists that season.[43][44] Clauss demonstrates exceptional stamina, making relentless overlapping runs with 2.1 progressive carries per 90 minutes, allowing him to support attacks tirelessly while maintaining high energy levels throughout matches.[23] Physically, at 1.78 meters tall with an agile build, he combines speed for quick directional changes and strong recovery defending, evidenced by his very strong ball interception rating and proactive pressing that averages 5 interceptions per 90.[43][23] In terms of attacking output, Clauss ranks among Europe's top full-backs, leading defenders in combined goals and assists (57) in Europe's top five leagues since 2020–21, comparable to peers like Trent Alexander-Arnold.[45] Despite these attributes, Clauss has faced criticism for occasional positional lapses, particularly in high-pressing scenarios where his focus on attacking duties leads to slow reactions in tracking back, sometimes leaving opponents unmarked.[23] His injury history has also impacted consistency, with multiple thigh, hamstring, adductor, and knee issues causing absences of 20–35 days in recent seasons, including missing up to six games per affected campaign in 2022–23 and 2023–24, a dead leg (20 days) in 2024–25, and a knee hyperextension (several weeks) in October 2025.[46] These physical setbacks, combined with a pass completion rate around 73–78%, highlight areas where defensive discipline and reliability could be refined to match his offensive prowess.[42][43]Career statistics
Club statistics
Jonathan Clauss has amassed 378 appearances and scored 42 goals across all club competitions as of 17 November 2025.[16] His career trajectory includes stints in lower divisions before breaking through in professional leagues, with notable contributions in goals and assists, totaling 38 assists in top-flight competitions.[3] The following table summarizes his appearances, goals, and assists by club, encompassing domestic leagues (Ligue 1, Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga), cups, and European competitions. Early career clubs prior to Arminia Bielefeld are aggregated for brevity, as they primarily involved regional and National 2 levels with limited professional exposure.| Club | Period | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early clubs (Raon-l'Étape, Avranches, Quevilly-Rouen, etc.) | 2015–2018 | 115 | 16 | 20 | Lower divisions; development phase. |
| Arminia Bielefeld | 2018–2020 | 62 | 8 | 13 | 2. Bundesliga (2018/19: 28 apps, 3 goals; 2019/20: 34 apps, 5 goals); promotion to Bundesliga in 2019/20; limited Bundesliga play before transfer. |
| RC Lens | 2020–2022 | 70 | 8 | 18 | Ligue 1 (2020/21: 35 apps, 3 goals, 6 assists; 2021/22: 35 apps, 5 goals, 12 assists); Coupe de France and Europa Conference League appearances. |
| Olympique de Marseille | 2022–2024 | 84 | 5 | 19 | Ligue 1 (2022/23: 35 apps, 2 goals, 10 assists; 2023/24: 26 apps, 3 goals, 5 assists); Europa League (8 apps, 0 goals, 3 assists); Coupe de France. |
| OGC Nice | 2024–present | 42 | 5 | 13 | Ligue 1 (2024/25: 28 apps, 3 goals, 8 assists; 2025/26 partial: 14 apps, 2 goals, 5 assists as of 17 Nov); Europa League and Champions League qualifying. |
| Total | 2015–2025 | 373 | 42 | 83 | All competitions. |
International statistics
Jonathan Clauss has earned 13 caps for the France national team, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists while accumulating 686 minutes on the pitch as of 17 November 2025.[6] His debut came as a substitute in a friendly against Ivory Coast on 25 March 2022.[6] Predominantly deployed as a right-back, Clauss has occasionally featured on the left or in midfield, contributing offensively with his set-piece delivery and crossing ability in an international context where defensive solidity is prioritized.[6] Clauss's goals came in a 14–0 European Championship qualifying victory over Gibraltar on 18 November 2023, marking France's largest win in history, and a 3–0 friendly against Luxembourg on 5 June 2024, a long-range strike from outside the box.[47][41] His assists were recorded in qualifiers against the Netherlands (13 October 2023) and Gibraltar (18 November 2023).[6] With a goal conversion rate of approximately 15% across his caps (2 goals from limited shooting opportunities as a defender), Clauss's international output reflects his transition from club form at Marseille, which influenced his initial selections under Didier Deschamps.[6] By competition, Clauss has appeared 6 times in friendlies (1 goal, 276 minutes), 5 times in the UEFA Nations League (225 minutes), and 3 times in European Championship qualifiers (1 goal, 2 assists, 196 minutes).[6] He was part of France's UEFA Euro 2024 squad but did not feature in any matches during the tournament.[48] The following table chronicles his international appearances:| Date | Opponent | Competition | Result | Position | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/03/2022 | Ivory Coast | Friendlies | 2–1 W | RB (sub) | 2' | 0 | 0 |
| 29/03/2022 | South Africa | Friendlies | 5–0 W | RB | 88' | 0 | 0 |
| 06/06/2022 | Croatia | UEFA Nations League | 1–1 D | RB (sub) | 11' | 0 | 0 |
| 22/09/2022 | Austria | UEFA Nations League | 2–0 W | RB | 90' | 0 | 0 |
| 25/09/2022 | Denmark | UEFA Nations League | 0–2 L | RB (sub) | 45' | 0 | 0 |
| 13/10/2023 | Netherlands | European Qualifiers | 1–2 L | RB | 80' | 0 | 1 |
| 17/10/2023 | Scotland | Friendlies | 4–1 W | RB | 90' | 0 | 0 |
| 18/11/2023 | Gibraltar | European Qualifiers | 14–0 W | RB | 90' | 1 | 1 |
| 23/03/2024 | Germany | Friendlies | 0–2 L | RB (sub) | 29' | 0 | 0 |
| 26/03/2024 | Chile | Friendlies | 3–2 W | RB (sub) | 11' | 0 | 0 |
| 05/06/2024 | Luxembourg | Friendlies | 3–0 W | RB (sub) | 45' | 1 | 0 |
| 06/09/2024 | Italy | UEFA Nations League | 1–3 L | RB | 78' | 0 | 0 |
Honours
Team honours
Jonathan Clauss has won the following team honours during his professional career.Arminia Bielefeld
- 2. Bundesliga: 2019–20 (champions and promotion to the Bundesliga)[21]
France national team
- UEFA European Championship: 2024 (semi-finalists)[49]