Imbula Reconnects with Former Guingamp Teammates After Coupe de la Ligue Win
Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula made a surprise visit to En Avant Guingamp’s dressing room on Tuesday night following their 2-0 victory in the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-finals. The 22-year-old stopped by to greet his former teammates and staff at the Parc des Sports in Avignon, where the match was held.
Imbula, who spent five formative years at Guingamp, exchanged pleasantries and contact details with several familiar faces, including forward Christophe Mandanne and club president Bertrand Desplat. His gesture was seen as a warm return to the club that shaped his early professional career.
The visit came after Guingamp’s impressive performance that secured them a place in the semi-finals of the domestic cup. Imbula’s presence was a reminder of his roots at the club where he first rose to prominence.
Born on September 12, 1992, in Vilvoorde, Belgium, and raised in Argenteuil (France), Giannelli Imbula Wanga began his youth career with US Argenteuil and Racing Club de France. Although he spent time in Paris Saint-Germain’s youth ranks, he was not retained, leading him back to Racing before joining Guingamp in 2008.
At Guingamp, he quickly developed into a key player, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in Ligue 2 at just 17. In the 2012–13 season, his stellar performances earned him the UNFP Ligue 2 Player of the Year award. That same season, he helped Guingamp earn promotion to Ligue 1.
Despite the club’s success, Imbula opted not to stay in Brittany, instead joining Olympique de Marseille in July 2013 for a fee of €7.5 million. He signed a five-year contract, marking the start of his top-flight career with one of France’s biggest clubs.
Though his career at Marseille has seen mixed fortunes, Imbula remains one of the most naturally gifted midfielders of his generation, and his spontaneous reunion with former teammates was a touching moment of humility and respect for the club where his journey began.
