Nantes Goalkeeper Anthony Lopes Open to Contract Extension, embraces Mentorship Role
Nantes – Anthony Lopes, the 35-year-old goalkeeper for FC Nantes, has indicated he is open to extending his stay with the club, contingent on performance-based criteria. Speaking with L’Équipe,Lopes revealed his current contract includes an option for an additional year,triggered by Nantes’ continued Ligue 1 status and a sufficient number of appearances.
Lopes’ willingness to consider a future beyond his current deal,which expires next june,comes as he finds fulfillment in Nantes following a difficult exit from Olympique lyonnais. The veteran shot-stopper emphasized the importance of playing in front of passionate crowds, praising the atmosphere at the Stade de la beaujoire-Louis Fonteneau. This situation is meaningful as Lopes transitions into a potential leadership role within a developing Nantes squad, offering stability and experience as the club navigates its future.
Beyond his immediate contract situation, Lopes expressed a continued drive to compete at the highest level. “Provided that my body responds favorably to the requirements of the high level, I set no limits for myself. I am always on a mission,” he stated. He currently embraces a mentorship role with Nantes’ younger players, describing them as players he “stones” and admires for their willingness to learn.
Lopes credits advice from the late Bernard Lacombe – “enjoy, gone, because time flies” – as influencing his approach to guiding the next generation. He frequently shares this sentiment with his teammates, underscoring the fleeting nature of a professional football career.”The career is short, enjoy it as much as possible, as the day everything stops, everything collapses,” Lopes cautioned, concluding with a smile, “and I’m still hear for a long time.”
Published October 9, 2025, 11:53 AM CET – Updated October 9, 2025, 1:14 PM CET.
