Chancel Mbemba: DR Congo defender linked with surprise move to Botafogo

Chancel Mbemba, the DR Congo centre-back currently without a club, is being linked with a move to Brazilian Serie A side Botafogo. The 31-year-old left Lille at the start of July and is now a free agent, making him an attainable option for the Rio de Janeiro club as they look to add experience to their back line.

Mbemba’s availability comes with an estimated market value of around €2m, but with no contract in place since departing Lille on 1 July 2026, any deal would be expected to hinge on salary and bonuses rather than a transfer fee. Botafogo are exploring the possibility of bringing in the Kinshasa-born defender as a mid-season reinforcement.

The former Porto and Marseille player has extensive experience at the top level, including 31 UEFA Champions League appearances and spells in Ligue 1, the Premier League, Liga Portugal and the Belgian top flight. He was named Defender of the Year in Portugal in 2021-22 and won the league title with Porto in both 2019-20 and 2021-22, adding weight to his profile as a short-term solution for an ambitious club.

Mbemba has remained prominent on the international stage and started every game for DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup, contributing an assist and playing every minute of their four matches. His performances there have helped keep him in the shop window despite his current unattached status.

With Mbemba free to negotiate and sign immediately, Botafogo are assessing whether to press ahead with a deal, while the defender weighs his options after leaving Lille earlier this summer.