Anthony Lopes’ Special Comeback: From OL’s Underdog to Nantes’ Star Canary

In just a year, Anthony Lopes’ life has changed significantly. To understand his journey, let’s take a look back. At the end of November 2024, the Portuguese goalkeeper was in a tough spot at Olympique Lyonnais. A few months earlier, the club he had devoted himself to had let him go during the summer transfer window after a season as a starter. The management decided to make Lucas Perri their number one goalkeeper, who had recently joined from Botafogo and was highly recommended by John Textor. Lopes found himself unable to compete for his position. As a club icon and a former member of the Bad Gones supporter group, this was a hard blow. The Lyon leadership made their intentions clear when they signed Rémy Descamps to serve as Perri’s backup.

The Unwanted in Lyon

Initially resistant to a transfer, Lopes eventually accepted an offer from FC Nantes at the end of the transfer window. A verbal agreement was reached between him and the club. However, the failed transfer of Alban Lafont caused the deal to collapse. Lopes remained at Lyon, fully aware that it would be challenging, if not impossible, to reclaim his spot. This realization became evident when Pierre Sage, who was in charge at the time, placed complete faith in Perri, who rewarded him with solid performances on the pitch. Left on the sidelines, Lopes, whose high salary became a burden for Lyon, felt excluded and like an unwanted figure, while continuing to train with the first team and undertook individual sessions on match days.

In isolation, he experienced a tough situation while waiting for an opportunity that never came. Resigned, he opened the door to a departure during the winter transfer window in 2025, ultimately choosing to join FC Nantes. The club announced his arrival on December 30, following the termination of his contract with Lyon. “FC Nantes and Anthony Lopes have reached an agreement for the goalkeeper’s arrival for six months with an option for two more years,” read the press release. Eager to don his gloves again, the native of Givors expressed relief after enduring the hardest period of his career, something he admitted during his introduction.

A Flourishing Canary at Nantes

“Revengeful is the right word. I can’t dwell on the past; it is what it is. I’m not here to overstep my role; I’m here to perform at my best. I’ve moved on and learned even more about myself after eleven years playing around 45 matches each season. Not playing suddenly was new for me, and now I’m ready. We’ve discussed it, but FC Nantes mainly expects me to perform, which I want above all.” The mission was accomplished, as Nantes finished 13th in the league.

Lopes participated in 18 matches across all competitions with his new team. In a more exposed role, he conceded 26 goals and achieved 3 clean sheets. Beyond the statistics, he brought valuable experience and character to the team. This season, under coach Luis Castro, he is seen as a “leader.” So far, the former OL player, who turned down offers from Brest last summer, has played 12 matches in Ligue 1, all as a starter (1079 minutes). He missed only one match due to a hip issue, against HAC on November 11. Apart from that, he remains a key player for Nantes, having conceded 18 goals and recorded 2 clean sheets.

An Uncertain Future

As always, he has expressed his opinions, notably after the recent 1-1 draw against Lorient, where the 35-year-old criticized the officiating. It’s likely he will voice his concerns again this Sunday during Nantes’s trip to the Groupama Stadium, a venue he knows well. The only other time he faced Lyon last season was on January 26 at La Beaujoire (1-1). His return this Sunday will be special; while a warm welcome from the old fans would be appreciated, Lopes will remain focused and professional as Nantes, sitting 15th in the league, comes off three consecutive losses.

Despite the challenging situation and the issues at hand, Lopes, a true fighter, is determined not to give up. He is also at a crossroads in his Nantes career, as his contract is nearing its end. In a recent interview with L’Equipe, he mentioned, “I have an option for an additional year that can be activated based on our survival and the number of matches played. Everything is open. I need to play in full stadiums, and Beaujoire has a great atmosphere. I knew that coming here would be a positive factor. As long as my body responds well to the demands of high-level football, I set no limits. I’m still on a mission.” Exploring other options at the end of the season is not out of the question, but for now, there’s little interest. However, Anthony Lopes has other priorities, as he aims to take down Lyon this Sunday at 9 PM.