Hugo Picard

Hugo Fabrice Thierry Picard (born 9 May 2003) is a French professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger for Ligue 1 club Troyes, on loan from Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew.

Club career

Picard began playing football with his local club Lorgeron-Torfou and was scouted as a U11 by Nantes. After being released by Nantes partly due to his slight build,

Guingamp He moved to the youth academy of Guingamp in 2019, where he continued his development. He made his professional debut with Guingamp as a late substitute in a 4–0 Ligue 2 loss to Annecy on 8 October 2022. On 3 January 2023, he signed his first professional contract with the club until June 2026. Picard scored his first goal for Guingamp on 4 March 2023, during a league match against Paris FC. Starting the game, he opened the scoring with a curling shot into the top corner, helping his team secure the win. On 10 January 2025, he had three assists in a 4–1 victory against Annecy.

Columbus Crew On 14 July 2025, Picard transferred to the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, signing a contract until 2028, with a one-year extension for 2029. He scored his first two goals for Columbus in a U.S. Open Cup victory versus USL League One club Richmond Kickers on 15 April 2026. He scored a further two goals in the following round of the U.S. Open Cup, against another USL League One club in One Knoxville SC. His second goal was the match winner, as he helped Columbus advance to their first quarterfinal berth since 2010. On 16 May, he scored his first league goal for Columbus. Following a free kick, the ball was deflected off an attempted clearance and fell to Picard, who controlled it outside of the box, before striking a powerful shot into the top-right corner of the net.

Loan to Troyes On 17 August 2026, Picard joined Ligue 1 club Troyes with an option to buy.

Style of play A diminutive, right-footed player, Hugo Picard has primarily been deployed on the left flank at the professional level, a role that allows him to drift inside and operate in more central areas, where he functions more as a creator than a finisher. While progressing through the youth ranks, he primarily played as a central midfielder. Described as an "inspired dribbler and committed player," he has received praise for his creativity, energy, and tactical intelligence.