Hugo Fabrice Thierry Picard (born 9 May 2003) is a French professional footballer who plays as a left midfielder or left winger for Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew.
Personal Information
- Full name: Hugo Fabrice Thierry Picard
- Date of birth: 9 May 2003 (age 23)
- Place of birth: Cholet (or Torfou), France
- Height: 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
- Position: Left midfielder, left winger
- Current club: Columbus Crew (number 30)
Club Career
Picard began playing football with local club Longeron-Torfou and was scouted as an U11 by FC Nantes. After being released by Nantes partly due to his slight build, he moved to the youth academy of EA Guingamp in 2019. 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. On 10 January 2025, he recorded three assists in a 4–1 victory against Annecy.
On 14 July 2025, Picard transferred to Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer for an estimated fee of €2 million, signing a contract until 2028 with a club option for 2029. He joined as part of MLS's U22 Initiative. He scored his first two goals for Columbus in a U.S. Open Cup victory against Richmond Kickers on 15 April 2026, and added two more goals in the following round against One Knoxville SC.
Style of Play
A diminutive, right-footed player, Picard is primarily deployed on the left flank, a role that allows him to drift inside and operate in central areas. He functions more as a creator than a finisher. Through his youth career, he primarily played as a central midfielder. He has been described as an "inspired dribbler and committed player" and has received praise for his creativity, energy, and tactical intelligence. Picard has described himself as a "false winger," preferring to move into central spaces rather than remain wide.
Personal Life
Picard has stated that Lionel Messi is his idol.
