Nemanja Matic has completed a move to Olympique Lyon from Rennes.
Matic, 35, who is known for his combative style of play, has signed a two-year contract with Lyon, as per Fabrizio Romano.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United player took his career to Serie A in 2022. Matic's Roma switch marked the third time he played under Jose Mourinho, underscoring the Portuguese's utmost faith in his style of play.
Known for his combative role in the middle of the park, Matic spent just a season with Roma, making 35 league appearances for the club.
In 2023, he moved to French Ligue 1, signing a two-year contract with the club for €3million. At Rennes, Matic saw his career fortunes nosedive. With over 12 months left on his contract, the renowned DM ended his spell with the club with Lyon beckoning for his services. The Serbian star will hope to breathe life back into his career after his Rennes deadlock following the switch to Lyon.
Most striking about Matic's move is his longevity. The Serbian footballer is among the few footballers that could broker 24 months contract with new clubs at 35.
Aside from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with a few other elite footballers, most players end their careers in their early 30s.
Since his big break into full professional football, Matic has played for nine different clubs. Lyon is his 10th stop.
Matic won two Premier League titles at Chelsea during the Jose Mourinho era. He reached Europa League final with Benfica in 2012/13 Manchester United in 2020/21, and Roma in 2022/23.
Nemanja Matic's style of play
Matic started as an attacking midfielder at Benfica before switching to a holding role. Jose Mourinho described him as 'a giant not for his size but for the way he plays.' He is known for his great linkup play, tactical awareness, and strength with the ball.
Since dropping back to a defensive role in the midfield, he has been phenomenal. In his last season at Chelsea, Matic recorded an astonishing tackle-win rate of 73% to become one of the best DMs in the Premier League.
Matic, 35, who is known for his combative style of play, has signed a two-year contract with Lyon, as per Fabrizio Romano.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United player took his career to Serie A in 2022. Matic's Roma switch marked the third time he played under Jose Mourinho, underscoring the Portuguese's utmost faith in his style of play.
Known for his combative role in the middle of the park, Matic spent just a season with Roma, making 35 league appearances for the club.
In 2023, he moved to French Ligue 1, signing a two-year contract with the club for €3million. At Rennes, Matic saw his career fortunes nosedive. With over 12 months left on his contract, the renowned DM ended his spell with the club with Lyon beckoning for his services. The Serbian star will hope to breathe life back into his career after his Rennes deadlock following the switch to Lyon.
Most striking about Matic's move is his longevity. The Serbian footballer is among the few footballers that could broker 24 months contract with new clubs at 35.
Aside from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with a few other elite footballers, most players end their careers in their early 30s.
Since his big break into full professional football, Matic has played for nine different clubs. Lyon is his 10th stop.
Matic won two Premier League titles at Chelsea during the Jose Mourinho era. He reached Europa League final with Benfica in 2012/13 Manchester United in 2020/21, and Roma in 2022/23.
Nemanja Matic's style of play
Matic started as an attacking midfielder at Benfica before switching to a holding role. Jose Mourinho described him as 'a giant not for his size but for the way he plays.' He is known for his great linkup play, tactical awareness, and strength with the ball.
Since dropping back to a defensive role in the midfield, he has been phenomenal. In his last season at Chelsea, Matic recorded an astonishing tackle-win rate of 73% to become one of the best DMs in the Premier League.