Anthony Lopes joins FC Nantes!

It's not yet January, but the mercato is already underway! FC Nantes yesterday announced the arrival of veteran goalkeeper Anthony Lopes from Olympique Lyonnais. 

Born in the Lyon suburb of Givors to Portugese parents, Lopes joined the Lyon academy aged nine, and spent 25 years with Les Gones, twice finishing runner-up in the Coupe de la Ligue and once reaching the final of the Coupe de France. He also helped Lyon reach a historic UEFA Champions League semifinal in 2020, being named to the team of the tournament for his performances. Also a senior international for Portugal, he made 14 appearances for his country and was a part of the squad which won the 2016 European Championships. 

With Lyon, for whom he made his debut in 2012, he made nearly 500 appearances, finishing his time there as the club's fifth-most capped player.   

Merci Anthony pour ces 24 années d’engagement et de fidélité 🙌🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/ar0j1MoC28

— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) December 30, 2024

After the termination of his contract with Lyon, Lopes has now joined FC Nantes on a free transfer, on a contract through the end of a season, with options for a further two seasons. With his new team, Lopes will work under Antoine Kombouaré, as one of three goalkeepers alongside Alban Lafont and Patrik Carlgren. Currently fourteenth in Ligue 1 McDonald's, Nantes are next in action on Saturday as they travel to face LOSC Lille.

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Header photo: FC Nantes