Steve Mandanda Announces Retirement from Professional Football

World cup winner Steve Mandanda hangs up his gloves

Steve Mandanda, the 2018 World Cup winner and former France international goalkeeper, has announced his retirement from professional football. Read more.

“I had a long period of reflection because I had a lot of calls but I said no every time...”

Steve Mandanda, the 40-year-old former France international goalkeeper, has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The World Cup winner in 2018 shared his decision with French sports daily L'Equipe, saying, “I needed to take my time to accept it, because it's not easy, but yes, I'm stopping.” Mandanda's contract with Rennes expired last July, and despite receiving numerous offers from clubs, he chose to retire rather than continue his career.

“I had a long period of reflection because I had a lot of calls but I said no every time,” Mandanda explained, highlighting his thoughtful approach to ending his career. With 35 caps for France, Mandanda leaves behind a legacy marked by loyalty, consistency, and dedication. He played for several clubs, including Le Havre, Marseille, Crystal Palace, and Rennes, with Marseille being his most notable stint, where he earned the nickname “Il Fenomeno” and became a legend with 613 appearances.

Steve Mandanda's career breakthrough came during the 2007-2008 season with Marseille, marking the beginning of a successful 14-year tenure with the southern French side. During his time with Marseille, Mandanda won six trophies, including the Ligue 1 title in 2010 under the guidance of Didier Deschamps, who later became the France national team coach. His impressive performances earned him recognition, and he went on to play a crucial role in the team's success.

INFO L'ÉQUIPE. Libre depuis le 1er juillet et la fin de son contrat avec Rennes, l'ancien international Steve Mandanda, gardien emblématique de l'OM, a décidé de mettre un terme à sa carrière
➡️ https://t.co/9zDJ76zYSy pic.twitter.com/fn5fvvs30h

— L'Équipe (@lequipe) September 10, 2025

Mandanda earned his first cap for France in May 2008 under Raymond Domenech but faced stiff competition from Hugo Lloris, which eventually led to him becoming the backup goalkeeper in 2009. Despite this setback, Mandanda continued to showcase his skills and dedication, earning 35 caps for France and playing a pivotal role in the team's 2018 World Cup-winning campaign.

Steve Mandanda's journey in football took an interesting turn in 2016 when he joined Crystal Palace in England. However, his stint in the Premier League was short-lived, lasting only a year, and he failed to make a significant impact, playing just 10 matches. He returned to Marseille in 2017 and went on to play for the club for another five seasons before moving to Rennes.

As the backup goalkeeper to Hugo Lloris for many years, Mandanda played a crucial supporting role in various international tournaments. Notably, he was part of the French squad that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia and also participated in the Euro 2016 final on home soil and the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Mandanda accumulated 35 caps for France between 2008 and 2022, often serving as a reliable deputy to Lloris. He eventually announced the end of his international career in January 2023, after a glorious spell with Les Bleus.

Mandanda's Career Highlights:

• World Cup Winner: 2018 World Cup champion with France
• Ligue 1 Champion: 2010 Ligue 1 title with Marseille

• Coupe de la Ligue: Three-time winner with Marseille (2010, 2011, 2012)

• Trophées des Champions: Two-time winner with Marseille (2010, 2011)

• Ligue 1 Best Goalkeeper: Five-time winner

Mandanda's decision to retire comes after a remarkable 20-year career, with his final appearance being a memorable one at the Vélodrome, where he received a standing ovation from the fans. As he moves forward, Mandanda hasn't ruled out staying involved in football, potentially as a goalkeeper coach or in another capacity.