Rafael Mupemba strengthens FCF Neuvillette defence after Mans Villaret exit

French and DR Congo left-back Rafael Mupemba has joined FCF Neuvillette from Mans Villaret on a free transfer.

Mupemba, 22, completed the move on 20 August 2026 after two seasons with Mans Villaret. The defender’s arrival gives FCF Neuvillette a player whose listed position is left-back and who has experience of both under-19 and senior football in France.

The Aix-en-Provence-born player made 29 appearances in National U19 – Group C, scoring once. He also featured three times in National 2 – Group D, played once in the Coupe de France and made one appearance in the Coupe Gambardella.

Mupemba joined Mans Villaret from Sable FC B on 1 July 2024, also on a free transfer. Before that switch, he had spent the 2023-24 campaign with Sable FC B after moving there from Stade Laval U19.

His earlier development came through Stade Laval’s youth structure, where he progressed from the under-17 side to the under-19 team in 2020. The move to Neuvillette therefore represents the latest step in a career that has included youth football, domestic cup competition and limited senior appearances.

Mupemba is eligible to represent both France and the Democratic Republic of Congo through his recorded nationalities. His club career to date has remained in France, with his latest transfer keeping him in the French game as he begins a new chapter with FCF Neuvillette.

The defender’s recent record includes 1,629 minutes across 29 National U19 appearances, along with 158 minutes in three National 2 matches. He also played 19 minutes in the Coupe de France and 54 minutes in the Coupe Gambardella.

FCF Neuvillette have now secured Mupemba’s services without a transfer fee, with the move registered on 20 August 2026.