Louis Mafouta: Central African Republic striker joins Le Mans from Guingamp on long-term deal

Le Mans have added Central African Republic forward Louis Mafouta to their attack after the 32-year-old completed a move from Guingamp on a long-term contract running until June 2028.

The centre-forward, who also holds French nationality, arrives as Le Mans prepare for life in Ligue 1, stepping up from a Guingamp side competing in Ligue 2. The deal is a permanent transfer, with no fee disclosed by the clubs. Mafouta officially joined the Sarthe club on 11 July 2026.

Mafouta brings significant experience in French football, particularly in the second tier, where he has made 134 Ligue 2 appearances, scoring 50 goals and providing 12 assists. He has also had a taste of the top flight with 15 Ligue 1 outings and two goals earlier in his career, as well as a strong record in the Coupe de France, where he has registered five goals in 10 games.

Born in Beaumont-sur-Oise and standing at 1.86m, the right-footed striker has built his reputation as a reliable scorer across several levels, including productive spells in the Swiss Challenge League with Neuchatel Xamax. Before joining Guingamp in 2025, he had impressed for Amiens and Quevilly-Rouen, earning successive moves up the French pyramid after earlier spells in Switzerland and Greece.

Mafoutas move to Le Mans, who list him as an attacking centre-forward, is secured on a contract through to the summer of 2028, confirming him as a key part of the clubs plans for their return to the top division.