Steve Mandanda: a Ligue 1 legend celebrates his 39th Birthda

The former France number one goalkeeper recently signed a contract extension at Stade Rennais which keeps him at the club until 2025. With his current performances, it will be likely we’ll see Steve Mandanda don the Rennes goalkeeper shirt into his forties! Today, however, he celebrates his 39th birthday, so let’s take a look at some of Mandanda’s best moments in French football.

April 4, 2007, Champions League debut

Mandanda began his career at Le Havre, but was sent on loan to Marseille in the 2007-2008 season where he made his UEFA Champions League debut in a quarter-final clash against Liverpool. Despite a formidable opponent, Mandanda helped Les Olympiens secure a 1-0 victory in the first leg.

May 27, 2008, France international debut 

In 2008, at the age of 23, Mandanda made his international debut for Les Bleus in a Euro 2008 warm-up friendly against Ecuador. The youngster would go on to be third-choice keeper at the subsequent tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

May 24, 2009, Coupe de France triumph

Mandanda played a pivotal role in OM’s success in the 2008-2009 season, notably in the Coupe de France final against Rennes. The Frenchman proved vital with a penalty save in a 2-1 victory, securing the club’s first title in 21 years.

May 27, 2018 – Europa League Final

Mandanda featured prominently in Marseille’s journey to the UEFA Europa League final in the 2017-2018 season. Marseille fell short against Atletico Madrid in the final, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat.

July 15, 2018 – World Champion!

Mandanda was part of the 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, playing in a 0-0 draw against Denmark in his debut tournament appearance at the age of 33. Les Bleus would go on to win the tournament and Mandanda would earn a World Cup winners’ medal.

March 26, 2019 – Landmark Appearance for OM

Mandanda reached a significant milestone in his career by making his 500th appearance for Marseille in a Ligue 1 fixture against Angers.

June 30, 2021 – Record-Breaking Achievement in Ligue 1

With his 35th appearance for the French national team, Mandanda surpassed Fabien Barthez to become the second-most capped goalkeeper in French football history.

2022 – World Cup, international retirement, and becoming Rennes captain!

On 6th July, Rennes announced the signing of the former Marseille man on a free transfer, who went on to become a regular for the Rouge et Noir. Mandanda then was called up to play for France at the 2022 World Cup, where he took part in Les Bleus journey to the final. After the tournament, he hung up his gloves for international football.