Justin Bourgault: Brest's rising star

Justin Bourgault, who scored his first Ligue 1 McDonald’s goal, was among the goal-scorers in the contest. The 19-year-old arrived this past January at Stade Francis Le Blé and Brest have found a young gem.

Bourgault made his first team debut in 2023 for Stade Briochin and left the club in 2024, joining Concarneau. He was only there for a brief stint, as Brest would add him to their squad, but it was a major step considering the teenager was going from the Championnat National to Ligue 1 McDonald’s.

In a January interview with Brest’s official website, Bourgault noted the transition from France’s third division to the top flight.

“Everyone tells me, ‘It’s crazy, you’re going from National 2 to Ligue 1.’ But it’s great, and it feels good, but be careful, just because I signed doesn’t mean everything is done. On the contrary, I have a lot to learn, but I want to take things as they come and, above all, continue working to one day play in Ligue 1.”

Moving from the third division to Ligue 1 McDonald's is an obvious step for any footballer, but the situation has to be right—especially for a young player aiming to make a name for himself as a professional.

Bourgault also shared what drew him to Brest’s project and why joining the team was the right step for his development.

"Honestly, everything! I’m from the region, so it’s naturally a club I knew. Then, the club’s identity appealed to me, which is something important. We know the values of Breton clubs, but in Brest, it’s even more ingrained!"

"I also felt the club’s desire to trust me, even though I come from the lower divisions. In short, I feel that the club believes in me, and I think that when Brest calls you, it makes an impact. I only had one thing in mind, and that was to come here!"

Moving to Brest has also put Bourgault on France's U20 squad radar as the defender made his first appearance for the team this past FIFA international window for the friendlies against Japan and Mexico.

While Bourgault will look to build positive momentum off his first goal for the rest of the 2024-25 season, that may need to wait as he left the contest against Toulouse at halftime due to injury.

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