Nicolas Pepe is a 31-year-old Ivorian forward who plays for Villarreal. The left-footed forward is part of the Ivory Coast squad for World Cup 2026. The article covers his age, nationality, position, current club, salary, net worth, career stats, and tournament outlook.
Nicolas Pepe matters to Ivory Coast because he is a forward who attacks space, presses defenders, and gives Ivory Coast a stronger final-third threat. Readers tracking FIFA World Cup 2026 can judge his role through club rhythm, international caps, and tactical fit. His squad case also connects to Group E, where Ivory Coast face Germany, Ecuador, and Curacao.
Quick Answer
Nicolas Pepe is a Ivorian professional footballer from Mantes-la-Jolie, France. He plays as a forward for Villarreal and wears number 19. Nicolas Pepe's current senior caps and goals are yet to be confirmed. His role is built around a forward who attacks space, presses defenders, and gives Ivory Coast a stronger final-third threat.
Early Life and Background
Nicolas Pepe was born on 29 May 1995 in Mantes-la-Jolie, France. His route into senior football came through club development, where technical detail and competitive habits matter. That base helped him move from youth football into Ivory Coast's national-team picture.
Ivory Coast's current squad carries the pressure of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Nicolas Pepe built his case through first-team trust and clear tactical value. As a result, his career now links club standards with Ivory Coast's push to turn African champion status into World Cup progress.
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Public coverage of Nicolas Pepe's background focuses mainly on football development. His professional identity comes from club progress, national-team call-ups, and stronger weekly competition. That path fits a player whose value is measured through role clarity.
Senior experience at Villarreal shapes his current role. His early years gave him the habits needed for tournament football. Since Ivory Coast's group is demanding, those habits carry real selection value.
Nicolas Pepe Personal Info and Profile
| Full name | Nicolas Pepe |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 29 May 1995 |
| Age | 31 |
| Nationality | Ivory Coast |
| Height | 1.83 m |
| Weight | yet to be confirmed |
| Position | Forward |
| Preferred foot | Left |
| Current club | Villarreal |
| Jersey number | 19 |
| Weekly salary | Will be updated soon |
| Estimated net worth | Will be updated soon |
The verified fields place Nicolas Pepe in a clear senior squad role. His height, position, preferred foot, and club level explain why he fits Emerse Fae's options. Those details matter because World Cup selection rewards role fit as much as reputation.
Transfer News and Market Value
Nicolas Pepe's current market value is yet to be confirmed. Public transfer ranges can change quickly because form, contract length, and tournament minutes all affect demand. A stronger World Cup can still raise attention from clubs and scouts.
Transfer interest around Nicolas Pepe depends on minutes, role stability, and fitness. A reliable tournament run can lift trust because scouts value players who perform under national pressure. Still, his immediate priority is protecting club form before Ivory Coast's decisive matches.
Nicolas Pepe Salary and Net Worth
Nicolas Pepe's estimated annual salary is Will be updated soon. His estimated weekly salary is Will be updated soon, before bonuses and private commercial details. The figure gives a contract-level view rather than a full wealth calculation.
His estimated net worth is Will be updated soon in 2026. That range will be updated when a reliable public estimate is available. Salary and net worth stay separate because one measures pay while the other reflects career value.
Nicolas Pepe Club Career
Nicolas Pepe's current club reference is Villarreal. That role gives Ivory Coast a weekly view of rhythm, match sharpness, and tactical readiness. Club continuity matters because the World Cup leaves little time for players to recover form.
His club career also explains his tactical identity. Training across senior football exposes players to pressing speed, defensive demands, and decision pressure. Those habits can help Ivory Coast build a more stable tournament squad.
Early clubs and development
Nicolas Pepe's first senior steps gave him the rhythm needed for bigger dressing rooms. His early club environment taught him how to manage pressure from teammates, supporters, and coaches. That experience supports a player moving toward high-stakes international matches.
Current club and recent form
Nicolas Pepe currently plays for Villarreal. His recent form should be judged through minutes, role stability, and national-team fit. A player can strengthen selection trust by staying fit, sharp, and tactically reliable.
Nicolas Pepe - Stats and Performance
| Season | Team | Role or Apps | Goals | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Villarreal | Senior squad role | Current club record | Active |
| 2026 | Ivory Coast | yet to be confirmed caps | yet to be confirmed goals | World Cup squad |
The table separates current club role from national-team record. World Cup squads are usually decided by fresh rhythm and tactical reliability. Nicolas Pepe's numbers show how his club role supports his Ivory Coast case.
International Career
Nicolas Pepe's current senior caps and goals are yet to be confirmed. His national-team role has developed through CAF qualifiers, friendlies, Africa Cup of Nations work, and squad camps. Ivory Coast need that depth because the expanded tournament places more stress on squad management.
Emerse Fae's staff will judge him through form, position fit, and tactical reliability. Players who can understand compact defending and quick transitions have extra value in difficult groups. Nicolas Pepe's role gives the staff another option in that preparation window.
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
| National team | Caps | Goals | Tournament involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coast | yet to be confirmed | yet to be confirmed | World Cup 2026 squad, CAF qualifiers, senior friendlies |
World Cup Record by Tournament
| Year | Host | Matches | Goals | Assists | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | USA / Canada / Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | In progress |
Honours and Trophies
| Trophy | Times Won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Africa Cup of Nations | 1 | 2023 |
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Nicolas Pepe's playing style is defined by a forward who attacks space, presses defenders, and gives Ivory Coast a stronger final-third threat. That skill set gives Ivory Coast a specific tool rather than a generic squad number. Tournament football rewards players who understand their role quickly.
His key strengths are role discipline, competitive toughness, and team shape. Ivory Coast often need players who can defend space first, then move forward at the right moment. Nicolas Pepe fits that demand when his club form keeps him sharp.
Position, role, and standout qualities
Nicolas Pepe plays as a forward, but the exact role depends on the match plan. He can help the team by keeping distances tight and making simple decisions. His standout qualities connect directly to Ivory Coast's need for structure in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Nicolas Pepe and what is his nationality?
Nicolas Pepe is 31 years old. He represents Ivory Coast and is listed as a forward.
Which club does Nicolas Pepe play for?
Nicolas Pepe plays for Villarreal. His Ivory Coast squad number is 19.
What is Nicolas Pepe's playing style?
Nicolas Pepe is a forward who attacks space, presses defenders, and gives Ivory Coast a stronger final-third threat. That role helps Ivory Coast stay compact and competitive.
Is Nicolas Pepe part of Ivory Coast national team?
Nicolas Pepe is listed in Ivory Coast's 2026 World Cup squad. His current senior caps and goals are yet to be confirmed.
What is Nicolas Pepe's salary or net worth?
Nicolas Pepe's weekly salary is Will be updated soon. His estimated net worth is Will be updated soon.
Conclusion
Nicolas Pepe gives Ivory Coast a clear forward option before and during World Cup 2026. His club role, senior caps, and tactical fit keep him relevant in a competitive squad. The next test is turning tournament trust into reliable match impact.
Ivory Coast need reliable players who can handle Group E pressure. Nicolas Pepe can help if his club rhythm stays strong. His case is strongest when role clarity, fitness, and match discipline all arrive together.