Anthony Lopes (35) has entered the final year of his contract at FC Nantes, but he has told L’Équipe that he has no plans to finish up his playing career. 

The goalkeeper joined Nantes from his boyhood club, Olympique Lyonnais, in December 2024. He terminated his Lyon contract six months early after he had spent the first half of the 2024/25 season on the sidelines, after Lucas Perri had been handed the no.1 spot. 

Asked about his Nantes future, Lopes explained to L’Équipe, “I have a one-year option.” This option reportedly will be automatically triggered if Nantes remain in Ligue 1, and depending on the number of matches he’s played. Lopes continued, “Everything is undecided. I need to play in full stadiums. So I quite like La Beaujoire; there’s always a great atmosphere. I knew that coming here would be positive.” 

“And I still have an appetite,” Lopes said, “As long as my body responds favourably to the demands of the top level, I don’t set any limits for myself. I’m always on a mission, and I experienced a [similar] situation in Lyon. When I started, the young players had to try and keep the club going, which we managed to do. So I love it when kids from the youth academy join the professional squad. I love them all. They listen.” 

When asked if Lopes has any fears that his career is coming to an end, the goalkeeper responded, “No. Because I’ll be here for a long time.” 

Nantes have started the season in mixed form, having won once, drawn three, and lost three. After the international break, Nantes will host Lille OSC, before they travel to the capital to take on Paris FC.