Former France Defender Eliaquim Mangala Retires from Football at 35
Eliaquim Mangala, former French international and once the world’s most expensive defender, announced his retirement at age 35. Known for stints at Porto, Manchester City, Valencia, and Everton, his career was hampered by injuries. He ended his playing days at Bolivian club Oriente Petrolero. Mangala earned eight France caps, played in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, and won eight trophies. He reflected positively on his career in an emotional social media farewell.
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Former Most Expensive Defender Eliaquim Mangala Announces Retirement at 35
On June 27, former Manchester City and France international center-back Eliaquim Mangala announced his retirement from professional football at age 35, following his final stint in Bolivia. Mangala began his career at Standard Liège's academy, winning the Belgian league title in 2009 and later the Belgian Cup. He moved to Porto in 2011, capturing four trophies including two Portuguese league titles. After the 2014 World Cup, Manchester City signed him for nearly €54 million, making him the world's most expensive defender at the time. Despite persistent injuries that hindered his later career, Mangala contributed to City's 2017-18 Premier League title. He was loaned to Valencia and Everton before joining Valencia permanently in 2019, where he made 21 appearances over two seasons. His only Ligue 1 stint came in 2021-22 with Saint-Étienne, which ended in relegation. Mangala's career also included French national team caps.
虎扑 - 足球Eliaquim Mangala Announces Retirement at Age 35
Former French international defender Eliaquim Mangala announced his retirement from professional football at age 35, ending a career that spanned top European leagues and a final stint in Bolivia with Oriente Petrolero. Mangala, who earned eight caps for France and participated in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, was recruited by Manchester City for nearly €54 million in 2014, making him the most expensive defender in history at the time. Injuries hampered his progress, leading to spells at Valencia, Everton, and AS Saint-Étienne before concluding his journey in Bolivia. In a social media video, Mangala expressed gratitude, stating he had 'lived much more than I could have ever imagined.' He retires with eight trophies to his name, including titles in Belgium and with FC Porto.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertFormer Most Expensive Defender Eliaquim Mangala Retires at 35
French defender Eliaquim Mangala, once the world's most expensive defender, announced his retirement from professional football at age 35. His final club was Oriente Petrolero in Bolivia's first division. Mangala earned eight caps for the French national team, playing in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. He began his career at Standard Liège, winning a Belgian league title, before moving to Porto where he won four trophies including two Portuguese league titles. In 2014, Manchester City paid approximately €54 million for him, a world record for a defender at the time. Injuries hampered his later career, but he contributed to City's 2017-2018 Premier League title. He also had loan spells at Valencia and Everton, a permanent move to Valencia, and a brief stint at Saint-Étienne. After a blank season, he played for Estoril in Portugal, losing the 2024 Portuguese League Cup final. Mangala won eight titles overall. He reflected on his career positively, stating he experienced more than he could have imagined, including titles, injuries, relegation, and playing in multiple countries.
Home Football - actualitésFormer France international Eliaquim Mangala retires from professional football at age 35
Eliaquim Mangala, the 35-year-old former France international and central defender, announced his retirement from professional football in a video released on Friday. Mangala, who earned 8 caps for France, played for clubs including Standard Liège, FC Porto, Manchester City, Valencia, Everton, Saint-Étienne, Estoril, and Oriente Petrolero. He was once the most expensive defender in the world after a €53.8 million transfer from Porto to Manchester City in 2014. Despite being slowed by injuries in recent years, Mangala expressed no regrets, saying he 'lived and achieved much more than I imagined as a child.' He highlighted winning titles, traveling, learning languages, and meeting many people as highlights of his career. Mangala had been playing for Bolivian club Oriente Petrolero since January.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuEliaquim Mangala Announces Retirement from Football at Age 35
Former FC Porto and Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35. In an emotional video posted on X, the French-born center-back reflected on his career, thanking coaches, teammates, and sharing advice for young players. Mangala's career included stints at FC Porto (2011-2014), Manchester City, Valencia, Everton, Saint-Étienne, and most recently Estoril (2023-2025). He ended his playing days at Bolivian club Oriente Petrolero, where he made only five appearances. Mangala also represented the French national team. His transfer from Porto to Manchester City in 2014 earned Porto €30.5 million.
RecordEliaquim Mangala Announces Retirement from Football at Age 35
Former French international defender and Porto, Manchester City, and Valencia star Eliaquim Mangala has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35. The announcement was made through a brief statement reflecting on his career. Mangala, who won multiple titles in Portugal with FC Porto and later played for Premier League side Manchester City, decided to end his playing days after a series of injuries and diminished playing time in recent years. He also had stints at Valencia and Nottingham Forest. His retirement marks the close of a career known for his physical style of defending and aerial ability. The news was reported by Portuguese sports newspaper Record, which highlighted his emotional farewell message on social media, with the phrase 'It's time. It's over.' Mangala's decision comes as the summer transfer window heats up, but he was not linked to any recent transfers, signaling his choice to step away from the game entirely.
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