Steve Mandanda, an Olympien through 2024
On 25 August, 2007, Steve Mandanda played his first match in Caen for OM. On 26 August, 2020 - 13 years and one day later - the iconic goalkeeper extended his contract with les Olympiens for three more seasons, until 2024.
Steve Mandanda is truly a legend of Olympique de Marseille, he has worn the Olympien white more than any other. With 549 appearances, he is well ahead of Roger Scotti, OM midfielder between 1942 and 1958, who has 454 games.
He is therefore a legendary player who has just extended his contract until 2024. After arriving during the summer of 2007 on loan from Le Havre, the native of Kinshasa was only 22 years old and with 3 seasons of experience with the HAC in L2. He was propelled into a starting role after the injury of Cédric Carrasso in August 2007 ... only to never let go, with a few (rare) exceptions!
Apart from a season at Crystal Palace in 2016-17, Steve Mandanda has only known OM. The rise in power with Eric Gerets, the titles with Didier Deschamps, the captain's armband, the Champions League, the Europa League and Coupe de France finals - but also more complicated seasons like 2018-2019 or injuries, very rare however, given the few matches he missed.
His performances with OM opened the doors to the France national team for him. With the Blues, after a final defeat at home at Euro 2016, he climbed on top of the world in July 2018 in Moscow.
Adored by the supporters who sing the song "Il fenomeno" as soon as he takes possession of the Olympian cage at the foot of one of the two bends of the Orange Vélodrome, Steve Mandanda is here to stay with this new contract, to begin a historic season which will see OM return to the most prestigious of European competitions.
