Louis Mafouta, a thunderous start to the season with Le Mans
At 32 years old, Louis Mafouta returns to Ligue 1 this season with Le Mans, a club he helped win promotion from Ligue 2 last season, four years after his first experience in the colours of Metz. And the Central African striker is enjoying a dazzling start in the French top flight with Les Manceaux.
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Impressive statistics
Having spent the majority of his career in the anteroom of Ligue 1, the Central African striker is tearing everything apart on his return to the top flight. And it all started from his very first match against Stade Brestois on matchday one.
Louis Mafouta scored a goal and provided an assist during his side's spectacular draw (2-2) against the Bretons. But his most memorable performance, one he will remember for many years to come, remains his brace against Stade Rennais on matchday two — the very first of his Ligue 1 career — even if it was tinged with bitterness following Le Mans's defeat (2-3).
In total, Mafouta — who was silent on Saturday against Lorient (2-1 victory) — has 3 goals and one assist in 5 matches in this campaign, which has been as idyllic for him as it has for the club managed by Patrick Videira. He has already surpassed his first season in the top flight (2 goals in 15 matches with Metz during the 2021/22 season).
A form to confirm with the Central African Republic
One of his country's leading figures, Louis Mafouta will be eagerly awaited during this September international break with the Central African Republic. Les Fauves du Bas-Oubangui face Mauritania (24 September) before a major test against Burkina Faso four days later (28 September) as part of the first two matchdays of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Absent from the national team for the last five matches, Louis Mafouta will rejoin his teammates in outstanding form, with the challenge of maintaining the impressive momentum he has built at Le Mans. Given that he has not scored for the national team in two years (a brace against Lesotho on 5 September 2024), the 32-year-old striker must make his comeback with Les Fauves count.