Lionel Mpasi’s long-standing journey with Rodez has officially come to a close.
The Congolese international goalkeeper, who joined the French club in 2016, is departing after nearly a decade of loyal service, the club confirmed on Monday, 7 July 2025, through an official statement.
A player once seen as a promising prospect has grown into a defining figure of Rodez Aveyron Football.
Over nine seasons, Mpasi became more than just a first-choice shot-stopper—he emerged as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and devotion, traits that endeared him to both teammates and fans.
“Eternal RAF legend,” read a tribute posted on the club’s social media accounts, a succinct but heartfelt recognition of Mpasi’s impact at the Stade Paul-Lignon.
The club added that he had “made his mark on the club’s history forever.”
In a more detailed statement, Rodez praised Mpasi not only for his performances on the field but also for the intangibles he brought off it.
A hard worker, he always showed character, self-sacrifice, courage, and great determination to earn his place. A leader on the pitch, he was also a leader in the locker room, regularly transmitting the values of Aveyron to his teammates, the club wrote.
Mpasi featured in 137 matches for Rodez’s senior team, playing a pivotal role across several campaigns.
His tally includes 38 clean sheets—no small feat given the club’s often challenging stints in Ligue 2 and the Championnat National.
While the number of goals conceded may have exceeded appearances, few could question the consistency and professionalism he displayed week after week.
Beyond his acrobatics and athleticism between the posts, Mpasi’s presence was a stabilising force during periods of transition at the club.
His influence extended beyond the pitch, often cited as a key figure in maintaining unity and spirit within the squad.
Now aged 30, the DR Congo international leaves as one of Rodez’s most revered modern players.
His next move remains undisclosed, but wherever he lands, he carries with him the legacy of nearly a decade of dedication in the red and yellow.
For Rodez, the departure of Lionel Mpasi marks not just the end of a contract, but the conclusion of an era—one that will be remembered fondly by a club that watched him grow from a young hopeful into a true legend.
