Chrislain Matsima: Who is the Augsburg and France defender?
The latest talent to emerge from France's seemingly endless production line of top-class centre-backs, Chrislain Matsima caught the eye with a series of rock-solid displays for Augsburg last season.
Stats correct as of 24 July 2026
Chrislain Matsima
Age: 24 (born 15 May 2002)
Club: Augsburg
Position: Centre-back
Country: France (one cap)
Key stats
Matsima emerged from the Monaco academy as one of France's most promising young defenders, making his Ligue 1 debut at 18 before gaining additional first-team experience on loan at Lorient and Clermont. A regular throughout his country's youth teams from U16 to U21 level, the Colombes native featured at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup and earned his first senior cap at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he won a silver medal with Thierry Henry's side.
Since joining Augsburg in 2024, Matsima has developed into one of the Bundesliga's most complete centre-backs. In his first full season, the 6'3" sentry made 30 appearances, winning 72 challenges and 41 aerial duels while completing 85 percent of his attempted passes. The Fuggerstädter made his loan permanent in January 2025 before rewarding his progress with a contract extension in November 2025, keeping him at the club until 2030.
Watch: Chrislain Matsima was named March 2026 Rookie of the Month
Plays a bit like: William Saliba
Combining physical dominance, composure in possession, recovery pace and the ability to defend large spaces, Matsima's profile shares similarities with compatriot William Saliba. While the Arsenal and France centre-back has become one of the world's most accomplished in his position, Matsima's blend of size, speed and technical ability gives him the tools to follow a similar trajectory.
Did you know?
Matsima is a fan of rap and has a creative side away from football. As part of a Monaco academy profile piece, teammate Enzo Millot – who later played in the Bundesliga with VfB Stuttgart – highlighted the defender's interest in music and impressive flow. The two Frenchmen developed a close friendship during their time together in the principality and have remained connected as their careers have progressed.
What they're saying
"Chrislain has impressed with his ability to win challenges and his game IQ." - Augsburg sporting director Marinko Jurendic
"Chrislain is a very talented young player. He is very clean in recovery challenges and comfortable in the air." - former Monaco head coach Niko Kovač, currently of Borussia Dortmund
