Mathieu Valbuena joins Maltese second‑division club at 41

French midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, 41, has signed a one‑year contract – with an optional extension – to play for Santa Lucia in Malta’s second division. The veteran, previously of Olympique de Marseille and Olympiakos, delayed his planned retirement after a spell in Greece, where he also opened a football academy in Athens. His move continues an unusual Mediterranean circuit, taking him from France to Greece, Cyprus and now Malta, where he will compete in the island nation’s lower tier for at least the 2025‑2026 season.

Valbuena’s signing reflects his desire to keep playing professionally despite his age, providing experience to the Maltese side and extending his playing career well beyond the typical retirement age for outfield footballers.