FC Nantes signs Mathieu Cafaro as fifth summer recruit

FC Nantes announced on Saturday, 18 July 2026, that 29‑year‑old French winger Mathieu Cafaro has joined the club on a two‑year contract with an option for a third year. The signing makes Cafaro the fifth addition to the squad this summer, following Maxime Dupé, Wilitty Younoussa, Lucas Perrin and Killian Corredor. Cafaro, a product of the Toulouse academy, previously played for Reims, Standard Liège, Saint‑Étienne and Paris FC before returning to Ligue 2.

The club, recently relegated to Ligue 2, is backed by owner Waldemar Kita, who aims for an immediate return to Ligue 1. Coach Michel Der Zakarian used the announcement to stress collective discipline, noting that the transfer window is still open and that some players may depart. He urged all squad members to stay fit and focused as the league campaign begins in three weeks, with the first match scheduled for 8 August against Red Star.