Vito Mannone: from Loons legend to the coaching ranks
If you followed Minnesota United in 2019, you certainly remember the magic of Vito Mannone. Arriving on loan from Reading, the Italian shot-stopper put together one of the most remarkable individual seasons in club history, earning the 2019 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award and cementing his status as a fan favorite.
But where has his footballing journey taken him since his unforgettable stint in Saint Paul?
Life after Minnesota: a tour of France
Following the conclusion of his loan in Minnesota, Mannone had a brief stint in Denmark with Esbjerg fB before taking his talents to the French leagues.
- AS Monaco (2020–2022): Mannone signed with the Ligue 1 heavyweights, serving as an experienced backup. He made 11 appearances across all competitions during his time there.
- FC Lorient (2022–2023): Seeking more playing time, he moved to Lorient. There, he made 20 appearances and kept the net secure in the French top flight.
- Lille OSC (2023–2025): Mannone’s final playing chapter took place at Lille. He added depth to their goalkeeping corps and made 9 appearances, including outings in the UEFA Conference League.
Hanging up the gloves and a new beginning
After a sprawling playing career that included stints at Arsenal, Sunderland, Hull City, and of course, Minnesota, Mannone officially retired from professional football on July 1, 2025, following the expiration of his contract with Lille. He concluded his playing days with exactly 300 professional appearances and 82 clean sheets across all competitions.
However, Mannone hasn’t stepped away from the pitch entirely. On Jan. 18, 2026, he transitioned into the next phase of his career by accepting a position as a Goalkeeping Coach for the Brighton & Hove Albion Youth Academy in England. Now 38 years old, “Il Capo” is utilizing his decades of top-flight experience to develop the next generation of Premier League shot-stoppers.
