French Goalkeeping Icon Steve Mandanda Announces Retirement at 40
Steve Mandanda, one of French football’s most respected goalkeepers and a legendary figure at Olympique de Marseille, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.
In an exclusive interview with L’Équipe, the veteran shot-stopper confirmed he is hanging up his gloves after his contract with Stade Rennais expired this summer. Mandanda admitted the decision wasn’t easy, revealing he turned down offers from several Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs — including Le Havre, Lorient, Guingamp, Brest, and Montpellier.
Best known for his unforgettable years at Marseille, Mandanda leaves the game as the club’s all-time appearance leader with 613 matches — a record that cements his status as a true OM legend. Captain, leader, and symbol of the club for over a decade, he was the heart and soul of the Velodrome.
On the international stage, Mandanda earned 35 caps for France and was part of the squad that lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He becomes the fourth member of that golden generation to retire, following in the footsteps of Blaise Matuidi, Adil Rami, and Raphaël Varane.
