Mathieu Marien Ghislain Baudry (born 24 February 1988) is a French former professional footballer who played as a defender. He started his footballing career at the Le Havre academy, where his father was a player.
Career
Troyes
In January 2009, Troyes offered Baudry a contract extension to his current deal to tie him to the club until the summer of 2011.[3] Although having only played 17 games for Troyes during his first season, Baudry was awarded 2008–09 Young Player of the Year and the club's 2008–09 Player's Player of the Year.
Baudry had a clause in his contract which allowed him to speak with other clubs following Troyes relegation to the third tier of French football. Before the 2009–10 season, a number of English clubs took an interest in taking him on trial.[citation needed] Baudry had a two-week trial with English club Leeds United. Baudry made his first performance in a friendly match for Leeds United in the 1–1 draw against Grimsby Town, excelling and winning praise from the Leeds manager. Simon Grayson said he was very impressed with Baudry's performance.[citation needed] Simon Grayson confirmed that Leeds were looking to sign Baudry providing the clubs agreed a fee.[4]
Bournemouth
On 31 January 2011, Baudry joined English club Bournemouth in the League One along with striker Ben Williamson. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 victory over Bristol Rovers.[5] Baudry signed a new contract in the summer of 2011 to keep him at AFC Bournemouth. On 12 March 2012, Baudry joined Football League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge on a five-week loan.[6]
Leyton Orient
On 28 June 2012, Baudry joined fellow League One club Leyton Orient on a two-year deal after his release by Bournemouth. The Frenchman signed along with Michael Symes who had also just been released by Bournemouth. Baudry scored his first league goal for Orient on 24 November 2012, heading in a Dean Cox cross in the 2–0 win over Preston North End at Brisbane Road.
On 4 August 2015 he was named the new Leyton Orient captain.[7] In May 2016, he was released from Leyton Orient when it was announced that he would not be retained when his contract expired.[8]
On 30 July 2018, Baudry joined newly relegated League Two club Milton Keynes Dons.[11] He made his debut away to Crewe Alexandra on 18 August 2018 as an 82nd-minute substitute, but was sent off only seven minutes later for a late challenge.[12] Following limited first team opportunities hampered by injury, Baudry was one of ten players released by the club at the end of the 2018–19 season.[13]
Swindon Town
On 18 June 2019, Baudry joined League Two club Swindon Town on a free transfer effective from 1 July 2019 on a 1-year deal.[14] He signed a two-year contract extension after winning EFL League Two and a further one-year contract extension to take him to the end of the 2022-2023 season.[15]
On 30 June 2023, following the end of the season and at the end of his contract,[16] Baudry retired from professional football due to injury, at the age of 35.[17]