Hubbry Logo
Yan ValeryYan ValeryMain
Open search
Yan Valery
Community hub
Yan Valery
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Yan Valery
Yan Valery
from Wikipedia

Yan Valery (Arabic: يان فاليري; born 22 February 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Swiss Super League club Young Boys on loan from EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday. Born in France, he plays for the Tunisia national team.

Key Information

He began his senior career in England with Premier League club Southampton and spent the second half of the 2020–21 season on loan at Championship club Birmingham City before joining Angers in 2022. In international football, he represented his native France at under-17 and under-18 levels before switching to his mother's country of Tunisia at senior level in 2022.

Early life

[edit]

Valery was born in Champigny-sur-Marne, France to a Martiniquais father and Tunisian mother.[4] He is a Muslim.[5]

Club career

[edit]

Southampton

[edit]

Valery joined Southampton in 2015 from Rennes.[6] On 27 November 2018, Southampton boss Mark Hughes handed Valery his first team debut in an EFL Cup match against Leicester City.[7] Four days later, he made his league debut, playing the whole match in a 2–2 draw against Manchester United.[8]

On 2 March 2019, Valery scored his first Southampton goal in a 3–2 defeat away to Manchester United, opening the scoring with "an outstanding finish".[9] The week later, Valery scored again in a 2–1 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur.[10] Valery ended the season with a total of 23 appearances.[11] At the end of the season, Valery was voted as 'Saints Young Player of the Season'.[12]

Despite this, the 2019–20 season would be tough for Valery, who only made a total of 11 starts for Southampton.[11] Valery later revealed that he had glandular fever which kept him out for a significant part of the season.[13] The arrival of Kyle Walker-Peters from Tottenham Hotspur, initially on loan, made it harder for Valery to get back into the Southampton first team.[14]

On 26 January 2021, Valery made his first Premier League start of the season in Southampton's 3–1 defeat to Arsenal.[15]

Loan to Birmingham City

[edit]

On 1 February 2021, Valery joined Championship club Birmingham City for the remainder of the 2020–21 season.[16] He made his debut five days later as a late substitute in a 3–2 loss away to Bournemouth,[17] and replaced Maxime Colin in the starting eleven for the next fixture, another defeat.[18] He made seven appearances (two starts) in the early part of his loan spell but had no matchday involvement after Lee Bowyer took over as head coach in mid-March.[19][20]

Angers

[edit]

On 1 September 2022, Valery joined Ligue 1 club Angers on a four-year contract.[21]

Sheffield Wednesday

[edit]

On 21 June 2024, Valery returned to England, signing for Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.[22] He made his Wednesday debut against Plymouth Argyle on 11 August 2024, starting the game in a 4–0 victory.[23] He scored his first goal for Wednesday away at Middlesbrough on Boxing day, scoring the equalising goal after Wednesday went 3–0 down.[24]

Loan to Young Boys

[edit]

On 9 February 2026, Valery joined Swiss Super League side Young Boys on loan for the remainder of the season, without the option to buy.[25][26]

International career

[edit]

Valery has represented France at both under-17 and under-18 level.[27] In January 2019, he met with Tunisia manager Alain Giresse and agreed to play for the Tunisia national team.[28]

In September 2022, Valery accepted a call-up to play for Tunisia in friendlies against Comoros and Brazil in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[29] He made his debut as a late substitute in the 5–1 loss to Brazil on 27 September.[30] He was called up to the Tunisia squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.[31]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of 22 February 2026
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Southampton U23, U21 2016–17[32] 4[c] 0 3 0
2017–18[33] 2[c] 0 2 0
2018–19[34] 3[c] 0 3 0
2020–21[35] 2[c] 0 2 0
Total 11 0 11 0
Southampton 2018–19[34] Premier League 23 2 0 0 1 0 24 2
2019–20[36] Premier League 11 0 0 0 1 0 12 0
2020–21[35] Premier League 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 0
2021–22[37] Premier League 5 0 3 0 3 0 11 0
2022–23[38] Premier League 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
Total 43 2 4 0 6 0 53 2
Birmingham City (loan) 2020–21[35] Championship 7 0 7 0
Angers 2022–23[19] Ligue 1 30 0 1 0 31 0
2023–24[19] Ligue 2 35 0 2 0 37 0
Total 65 0 3 0 0 0 68 0
Sheffield Wednesday 2024–25[39] Championship 39 3 1 0 0 0 40 3
2025–26[40] Championship 23 0 0 0 0 0 23 0
Total 62 3 1 0 0 0 63 3
Young Boys (loan) 2025–26 Swiss Super League 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Career total 180 5 8 0 6 0 11 0 205 5
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup, Coupe de France
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ a b c d Appearances in EFL Trophy

International

[edit]
As of 3 January 2026[41]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Tunisia 2022 1 0
2023 6 0
2024 1 0
2025 11 0
2026 1 0
Total 20 0

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Yan Valery (: يان فاليري; born 22 February 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a right-back for club Sheffield Wednesday. Born in , , he holds dual French-Tunisian nationality and represents the national team internationally. Standing at 1.85 meters tall and right-footed, Valery is known for his versatility, capable of playing as a centre-back or right midfielder when required. Valery's youth career began in France with clubs such as AS Outre-Mer du Bois l'Abbé and Champigny FC 94, before he joined the in 2015 at age 16. He progressed through the ranks and made his professional debut for in a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 10 November 2018, becoming the club's first French graduate to feature in the top flight. Over his time at , he made 53 first-team appearances and scored two goals, including a loan spell to side Birmingham City during the second half of the 2020–21 season, where he featured in seven matches. In September 2022, Valery transferred to club on a permanent deal, where he played 65 league games and provided four assists over two seasons amid the team's relegation and promotion cycle. He returned to English football in June 2024, signing a three-year with Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee, and has since become a regular in their defence during the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons (as of November 2025). On the international stage, Valery committed to in January 2019 after discussions with the national team manager and has earned 15 caps and one goal (as of November 2025), including his first international goal in a World Cup qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe in October 2025 and appearances in qualifiers where Tunisia maintained a clean sheet throughout their campaign.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Yan Valery was born on 22 February 1999 in , a suburb south of , . His father hails from , while his mother is of Tunisian origin, endowing him with a multicultural heritage that encompasses French, Martiniquais, and Tunisian influences. This family background contributed to Valery's dual , blending his upbringing in the diverse Paris suburbs with connections to North African and roots. Growing up in Champigny-sur-Marne, a neighborhood described by Valery as "half nice and the other really not," he lived with his parents and two younger sisters, whose demanding work schedules often left him at a local youth center. Local influences in the Paris suburbs, including peers and community activities, sparked his early passion for sports, leading him to try tennis, basketball, and various martial arts like jujitsu, judo, and taekwondo before settling on football. Valery's initial foray into football began at age six through informal play, though he briefly quit due to disliking structured warm-ups in cold weather, preferring to jump straight into games. Encouraged by neighbors and after persistent requests to his mother—who was initially reluctant—he resumed playing at age nine in non-professional settings, honing basic skills before entering organized youth training.

Youth career

Valery began his youth football journey at AS Outre-Mer du Bois l'Abbé in Champigny-sur-Marne, France, around 2005 and playing there until 2009. He then signed with local side Champigny FC 94 in 2009, where he remained until 2013 while often playing in overage categories. In 2013, at the age of 14, Valery joined the prestigious academy of Stade Rennais FC following trials at the Clairefontaine national training center, where he was scouted by a recruiter. There, he honed his skills as a right-back, focusing on speed, power, technical proficiency, and tactical awareness over two years, though he faced initial challenges adapting to the academy's stricter discipline and occasionally felt unfairly targeted as a player from the region. A standout achievement came in 2015 when he helped ' 1999 generation win the prestigious , an international youth competition in . Valery's performances at drew attention from English clubs, leading to a trial and subsequent transfer to Southampton's academy in 2015 at age 16. The move presented significant adaptation challenges, including arriving without speaking English and adjusting to the higher physical intensity of English youth football compared to the more technical French style he had learned at . Despite these hurdles, he progressed quickly through Southampton's youth ranks, benefiting from the club's advanced facilities and development program.

Club career

Southampton

Valery joined Southampton's academy from in 2015 and signed his first professional contract with the club in February 2016, valid until the summer of 2018. Following impressive performances with the under-23 side, he penned a new two-and-a-half-year extension in January 2018, committing his future to the Saints until 2021. He made his professional debut for on 27 November 2018 in the third-round tie against Leicester City. His debut followed on 1 December 2018 against Manchester United, starting in a 2–2 home draw. Valery quickly established himself as a first-team option during the 2018-19 season, making 19 appearances, two in the , and two in the , totaling 23 outings as avoided relegation. Primarily deployed as a right-back, Valery demonstrated versatility by occasionally filling in at center-back under Hasenhüttl's high-pressing system, contributing to improved defensive solidity. In March 2019, following his breakthrough campaign, he signed another contract extension until 2023, rewarding his rapid rise from academy product to regular squad member. The 2019-20 season saw Valery feature in 11 starts across all competitions before health and personal issues at the end of 2019 disrupted his progress, leading to reduced playing time and a loan spell to Birmingham City in January 2021. These setbacks, including a loss of confidence and limited opportunities, restricted him to just 17 further appearances over the next two seasons. With his contract entering its final year and no extension forthcoming, Southampton allowed Valery to depart permanently to in on 1 September 2022, ending a seven-year association that yielded 53 senior appearances and two goals.

Loan to Birmingham City

On 1 February 2021, Yan Valery joined club Birmingham City on a season-long from to secure regular first-team experience in England's second tier after limited opportunities at his parent club during the early part of the 2020–21 campaign. The move was part of 's strategy to develop the 21-year-old defender amid a competitive squad depth at right-back. Valery made his debut for Birmingham five days later, entering as a substitute in the 85th minute during a 3–2 away defeat to AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Over the course of the loan, he featured in seven Championship matches, primarily as a right-back but demonstrating positional versatility by occasionally filling midfield and central defensive roles to support manager Tony Mowbray's tactical needs. Without registering a goal or assist, Valery adapted to the Championship's physicality, which demanded greater intensity in duels compared to Premier League substitutes, while leveraging his attack-minded style to contribute forward surges from the back. Birmingham's precarious position near the relegation zone presented additional challenges, with Valery emphasizing the need for team unity and immediate wins in the final 11 games to ensure survival. The ongoing protocols, including testing and fixture disruptions, further complicated the season's rhythm for the squad. Valery returned to at the end of the loan in May 2021, with no option for a permanent transfer included in the agreement.

Angers

Yan Valery joined club on a free transfer from on 1 September 2022, signing a four-year until June 2026. Following his prior experience in English football with and a loan spell at Birmingham , the move marked his return to French football at the professional level. Valery made his debut for Angers in a 5–0 away defeat to on 3 September 2022. Over the course of two seasons, he accumulated 68 appearances across all competitions, providing 5 assists but no goals, while primarily operating as a right-back. During the 2022–23 Ligue 1 campaign, Valery quickly became a mainstay in the defense, starting all 30 of his league outings and helping secure four clean sheets with 81 crosses and 54 tackles as finished 13th, comfortably avoiding relegation. His consistent performances provided stability on the right flank amid a season of mid-table consolidation for the club. The following 2023–24 season proved more turbulent, with embroiled in a prolonged relegation fight that ended in an 18th-place finish and demotion to ; Valery featured in 28 matches, often starting, but the team's defensive frailties contributed to their downfall. On 21 June 2024, Valery departed via a transfer to EFL Championship side Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee, concluding his stint after limited opportunities for further development amid the club's struggles.

Sheffield Wednesday

On 21 June 2024, Sheffield Wednesday signed Yan Valery from on a three-year contract until June 2027 for an undisclosed fee, fending off interest from top-flight clubs in Europe such as those in and . The move reunited him with manager , under whom he had previously worked at , and brought his experience from French football back to the English . Valery made his debut for Sheffield Wednesday on 11 August 2024 in a 4-0 home win over Plymouth Argyle, starting at right-back and delivering a strong performance with accurate crossing. In the 2024-25 season, he featured in 39 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists while accumulating 7 yellow cards over 3,168 minutes played, helping the team secure survival in the division. His versatility allowed deployment across the right flank and occasionally in midfield, contributing to defensive solidity with 54 tackles and aiding the push for mid-table stability under Röhl's high-pressing system. Entering 2025, Valery continued as a key squad member in the 2025-26 season, making 15 appearances with 1 assist by November, while picking up 3 yellow cards. Performance metrics highlighted his disciplined play, committing 0.85 fouls per 90 minutes across these outings, reflecting improved tactical awareness from his prior Ligue 1 exposure. As of November 2025, his market value stood at €1.4 million, with his contract running through 2027 amid reports of interest from other Championship sides.

International career

Youth international career

Born in Champigny-sur-Marne, , to a French father and a mother of Tunisian descent, Yan Valery was eligible to represent internationally due to his birthplace and early development in the French football system. Valery received his first call-up to the under-17 national team in 2015, making his debut in a friendly match against on 25 March 2015. He went on to earn seven caps at this level, including four appearances during the 2015/16 qualifying round, where his defensive contributions helped secure qualification for the finals. In the 2016 held in , Valery featured in two group stage matches as advanced to the quarter-finals before a penalty shoot-out exit to , during which he demonstrated strong positioning and tackling as a right-back. In 2017, Valery progressed to the under-18 team, earning one in a friendly against on 23 March 2017, where he came on as a substitute and contributed to a 2-1 . His youth international career concluded that year, with a total of eight caps across the under-17 and under-18 levels, highlighting his potential in defensive roles before attracting senior international interest.

Senior international career

In January 2019, Yan Valery met with national team manager , who convinced the then-19-year-old defender to pledge his international allegiance to despite having earned eight caps for at youth levels (seven at under-17 and one at under-18). Born in to a Tunisian mother, Valery's decision reflected his desire to honor his heritage, a choice that carried cultural significance as one of several France-born players strengthening 's squad with diaspora talent. Valery received his first senior call-up for in September 2022 for friendlies ahead of the , making his debut as a substitute in a 5–1 defeat to on 27 September. His competitive debut followed on 24 March 2023 in a 3–0 qualifying win over , where he came off the bench. Valery was included in 's 26-man squad for the held in , though he did not feature in the group-stage matches against , , or . Valery was part of Tunisia's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco but did not feature in the tournament matches. As of November 2025, Valery has earned 15 senior caps for Tunisia, scoring one goal. He started and played significant minutes in four 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers during 2025—3–0 wins over Liberia and Namibia, a 1–0 victory at Equatorial Guinea, and a 6–0 home triumph against São Tomé and Príncipe (in which he scored his first international goal)—contributing to four clean sheets in Tunisia's unbeaten run in Group H that secured their qualification. As a right-back, Valery has become a reliable fixture in Tunisia's defensive setup under managers including Sami Trabelsi, providing width and solidity on the flank while supporting the team's pragmatic, counter-attacking style. Valery participated in Tunisia's preparations for the , starting both June friendlies: a 2–0 win over and a 2–0 loss to . His consistent involvement underscores the personal and symbolic importance of representing , allowing him to connect with his roots and contribute to the nation's proud football tradition as African champions in 2004.

Career statistics

Club

Yan Valery's senior club career spans multiple leagues and competitions in and , with a focus on defensive contributions as a right-back. His statistics reflect consistent appearances across the , , , and , along with domestic cups. Including youth and reserve matches, Valery has recorded 242 appearances, 6 goals, and 17 assists in his overall club career as of November 18, 2025. The table below details his senior first-team appearances, goals, and assists by season, club, and competition:
SeasonClubCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
2018/192321
2018/19100
2019/201100
2019/20100
2020/21300
2020/21100
2020/21Birmingham City (loan)700
2021/22500
2021/22301
2021/22300
2022/23100
2022/23100
2022/233000
2022/23100
2023/243505
2023/24200
2024/25Sheffield Wednesday3934
2024/25Sheffield Wednesday100
2025/26Sheffield Wednesday1501
Total183512
These figures encompass all verified senior matches and exclude or reserve appearances, which add further to his developmental experience at .

International

Valery represented at level before committing to for his senior international career. He earned 8 caps across the under-17 (7 caps) and under-18 (1 cap) teams without scoring any goals. At senior level, Valery debuted for in 2022 and accumulated 15 caps by November 2025, all without goals; these appearances occurred between 2022 and 2025, including call-ups for qualifiers, qualifiers, and friendlies. No goals have been scored by Valery in his international career. The table below provides an overview of his international appearances and goals:
LevelTeamTotal CapsTotal GoalsKey Competitions Breakdown
Youth80UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers and friendlies (2015–2016, 7 caps); Under-18 friendlies (2017, 1 cap)
Senior150Friendlies (8 caps, 2022–2025); Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers (2 caps, 2023–2024); qualifiers (5 caps, 2023–2025)

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.