Lille OSC and Chancel Mbemba are parting ways after one season. The 31-year-old Congolese defender had joined the club last summer.

What happened ?

Lille OSC was looking for an experienced solution to strengthen its defensive sector, while Mbemba needed a landing point to get back on the pitch a year before the 2026 World Cup. The interests were converging.

Why is this important for Lille OSC ?

Mbemba's time at the club allowed Lille OSC to finish on the podium behind PSG and Lens. Mbemba played 21 games, including 16 starts.

What comes next ?

Mbemba's departure is amicable. The northern club is not expected to offer an extension to the Congolese defender, whose contract expires in a few days. No negotiations have been initiated anyway. | Season | Club | Matches | Starts | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2025-2026 | Lille OSC | 21 | 16 | Mbemba's individual record remains modest, but the essential is elsewhere: finding rhythm and accumulating minutes to arrive ready for the most important appointment of his career.