Clinton Mata commits future to Lyon with fresh contract

Angolan international Clinton Mata has extended his contract with French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais until 2028. The defender signed a new deal with Lyon before the start of the new league season.

Mata had been negotiating with Lyon over a new contract and is now set to stay for the next two seasons. The 32-year-old defender can be deployed as both a centre-back and a right-back. He was a reliable presence for the southern France outfit in the 2024/25 season, making 40 appearances in all competitions and providing four assists in Ligue 1.

Following a spell in Belgium, Mata joined Lyon in 2023. Born in Verviers, Belgium, he has represented the Angolan national side since 2014. After announcing the new deal, Lyon praised their defender in a statement: “Solid on the pitch, valuable off it, he has also established himself as a benchmark for the younger players, embodying the values of rigor and high standards expected at this level.”

Mata is expected to start against Lens when the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season kicks off this Saturday, August 14.