Veteran French midfielder joins Maltese club

In late July 2026, a veteran French midfielder in his early forties announced a move to Malta, extending his playing career beyond the typical retirement age for outfield players. After a long spell with Greek giants Olympiacos, where he amassed 150 appearances, 18 goals and 43 assists and won three league titles and a cup, he signed a one‑year contract – with an optional extension – with Santa Luzia (also referred to as Santa Lucia) in Malta’s second division.

The player, identified in reports as Matteo Valbonne (aged 42) and Mathieu Valbuena (aged 41), also highlighted his desire to keep playing professionally while bringing experience to the Maltese side. Both accounts note his previous career in France and Greece, including a stint at Olympique de Marseille and the founding of a football academy in Athens, underscoring an unusual Mediterranean circuit that has taken him from France to Greece, Cyprus and now Malta.

The transfer reflects a broader trend of senior players seeking to prolong their careers in less‑prominent leagues, offering mentorship to local clubs while maintaining personal involvement in the sport.