Chancel Mbemba, DR Congo’s national team captain and former Olympique Marseille defender, has officially signed with LOSC Lille. Free since his Marseille contract expired, Mbemba joins Lille for one season, embracing an ambitious project with the northern club, currently enjoying a positive start in Ligue 1.
At 31, with 85 caps for DR Congo, Mbemba brings valuable experience from the Premier League, Belgian Pro League, Portuguese football, and Ligue 1. Renowned for defensive strength, power, and leadership, he becomes the backbone of Lille’s central defense group alongside Alexsandro and Nathan Ngoy, following Bafodé Diakité’s transfer to Bournemouth.
After Marseille sidelined him, Mbemba stayed fit thanks to personal training and international matches with DR Congo. His successful spell at Porto and the prestigious 2023 Marc-Vivien Foé Award reflect his high-level impact in French football.
Lille is counting on Mbemba’s grit and European experience (31 Champions League appearances, 22 Europa League matches) to power their Ligue 1 and continental ambitions this season. The Congolese defender is set to become a leader, galvanizing the “Dogues Army” and thrilling LOSC fans on every battle.