Loïc Négo came up through FC Nantes' youth system and made a handful of appearances on the senior team. After leaving the French club in 2011, though, the defender spent a few years trying to find a club to settle into, and he found one in Hungary.
Négo joined Nantes in 2005 and spent the next seven years with Les Canaris. Eventually, the talented right back would pursue new opportunities with AS Roma, Standard Liège, Charlton Athletic, and other clubs.
He showcased his footballing prowess in multiple countries, including France, Italy, Belgium, and England, but he truly thrived in Hungary. After joining Fehérvár FC in 2015, the now-33-year-old left an indelible mark, making 312 appearances in all competitions. During his time with the Hungarian side, he scored 39 goals and provided 49 assists, solidifying his reputation with Vidi.
During his nine years with Fehérvár, Négo became a Hungarian citizen via naturalization in 2019, which meant he was eligible to play for the Hungary national team after not playing for France at the senior level. In 2021, Négo spoke with Onze Mondial, unveiling the process that brought him Hungarian citizenship and led him to play for the national team.
𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙤 𝙖̀ 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙞𝙚𝙡&𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚… 🇭🇺
— Havre Athletic Club ⚽️ (@HAC_Foot) November 17, 2023
Loïc Nego s'est qualifié hier pour l'Euro 2024 avec la Hongrie après un match nul face à la Bulgarie ! pic.twitter.com/ZIS0Kur7Ap
"I never thought about playing for the national team. Becoming a citizen was a natural step for me; I had been in the country for quite some time and felt completely at home... A few months later, I was called to the Hungarian national team, and the story began."
"It's important to know that the coach knew me; he regularly attended our matches and always had encouraging words, saying, 'I'm just waiting for the green light, and I'll call you.' Once the opportunity arose, he promptly called me up. I'm thrilled because I sense the trust placed in me."
"Although I haven't mastered Hungarian yet, I'm picking up some words; it's a continuous learning process. I feel valued here, and the warmth I receive is indeed heartening. In my profession and daily life, I've embraced the Hungarian way of life and customs. Even my children have Hungarian friends. Undoubtedly, I feel a sense of love."
Négo made his debut with Hungary in 2020 against Bulgaria in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying play-offs. In November 2020, he scored his first goal for Hungary against Iceland in the Puskás Aréna. The veteran eventually left Fehérvár and Hungary in 2023 to join Le Havre and make a return to France. So far this season, Négo has made 16 appearances in all competitions.
