New & now
Could it happen?! Valbuena linked with shock move to Santa Lucia FC
The former France international has been linked with a shock move to Santa Lucia FC

Tim Diacono

Maltese Challenge League side Santa Lucia FC is set to pull off a major coup with the signing of Mathieu Valbuena, according to Turkish journalist Salim Manav.

Valbuena has earned 52 caps for France, scoring eight goals, and represented Les Bleus at both the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.

His club career included an eight-year spell at Marseille before moves to Dynamo Moscow, Lyon, Fenerbahce, and Olympiacos.

Now 41 years old, he spent last season with Olympiacos’ B team in the second tier of Greek football.

And although Valbuena’s best years are behind him, it’s fair to say he will become one of the highest-profile players to ever play in the Maltese football system, let alone the Challenge League.

Other high-profile names include Cristian Zaccardo, who had a stint with Ħamrun Spartans, and Fabrizio Miccoli, who played with Birkirkara.

30th June 2026


Tim Diacono
Written by
Tim Diacono
Tim is a senior journalist and producer at Content House, driven by a love of good stories, meaningful human connections and an enduring appetite for cheese and chocolate.

You may also like...
New & now
New & now
The British comedy legend visited Malta to attend the Mediterrane Film Festival

Tim Diacono | 30th June 2026
New & now
New & now
Windier conditions will pick up from mid-week onwards!

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
The MV Nikolaos has been around since 2019 but its time is coming to an end

Tim Diacono
New & now
New & now
Enola Holmes 3 will be released on Netflix on 1st July.

Tim Diacono
New & now
New & now
This month will definitely involve sun, sea and swimsuits!

Lyndsey Grima