--- title: "Dupé back at Nantes: boyhood keeper returns to rescue club" description: "FC Nantes complete free-agent signing of 33-year-old academy graduate to shore up Ligue 2 promotion push." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/maxime-dup-fait-son-retour-au-fc-nantes-e91fd7ab published: 2026-06-30T21:15:02.943+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T21:15:02.943+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Dupé back at Nantes: boyhood keeper returns to rescue club > FC Nantes complete free-agent signing of 33-year-old academy graduate to shore up Ligue 2 promotion push. FC Nantes have completed the sentimental return of goalkeeper Maxime Dupé, signing the 33-year-old on a two-year contract after he left OGC Nice as a free agent. Dupé, born in Morbihan, rejoins the club where he began his professional journey, having spent his formative years in Nantes’ academy since age 15 in 2008. Between 2014 and 2019, he made 64 first-team appearances for Nantes before embarking on a journeyman career that included spells at Clermont, Toulouse, Anderlecht, and Nice. His composure, game-reading, and commanding presence in goal made him a reliable figure across multiple leagues. The move marks Nantes’ second signing of the summer transfer window as they gear up for the Ligue 2 campaign. The club, currently in the second tier, is targeting an immediate return to Ligue 1 under new leadership and a restructured squad. Dupé’s arrival provides stability and leadership in goal, a position that has seen flux in recent seasons. In Ligue 2 alone, only three goalkeepers have more clean sheets than Dupé’s 42 in 68 appearances since 2019, underlining his pedigree in the division. Nantes sporting director François Regis confirmed the deal, stating, “Maxime embodies the values we want to project—loyalty, resilience, and professionalism. His experience is exactly what this group needs as we aim for promotion.” Dupé’s return underscores Nantes’ strategy of blending youth development with experienced leadership. The club’s recent restructuring under owner Waldemar Kita has prioritized bringing back homegrown talent to restore identity and competitiveness. His signing follows the earlier arrival of midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy, another academy graduate returning after stints elsewhere, signaling a broader club-wide push for cohesion. The goalkeeper’s Ligue 2 pedigree is unmatched in this squad. Since 2019, only three goalkeepers in the division have more clean sheets than Dupé’s 42 in 68 appearances across Clermont and Toulouse. His ability to perform under pressure in promotion-deciding matches—including Toulouse’s 2022 Ligue 2 title decider—adds a layer of tactical security that younger keepers in the squad lack. His return also fills a void left by the departures of both Alban Lafont and Denis Petrić, who left the club this summer, leaving a clear need for a veteran presence between the posts. For Nantes, Dupé represents more than a positional upgrade; he’s a bridge between eras. The club’s academy has produced talent like Wilfried Kanga and Ludovic Blas, but consistent top-flight goalkeeping has been a recurring weak spot. Dupé’s intimate knowledge of the club’s systems and culture allows him to mentor younger defenders while maintaining the high standards required for Ligue 1 survival. His presence could ease the transition for players like 20-year-old Valentin Barco, who will need to adapt quickly to the physical demands of the top flight. What's next: Dupé will undergo medicals before joining pre-season training in late June. Nantes open their Ligue 2 campaign at home to USL Dunkerque on August 3. ## Why this matters Dupé’s return is more than a transfer—it’s a homecoming for a club product who left as a prospect and returns as a seasoned leader. His experience in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, combined with his intimate knowledge of Nantes’ system, positions him as a key figure in the club’s push for promotion. For a fanbase craving stability, his signing signals intent and continuity. The club’s revival under Kita’s renewed project hinges on blending academy graduates with proven performers, and Dupé fits both profiles seamlessly. His arrival also addresses a critical gap in leadership, ensuring the squad has a voice that understands the weight of Ligue 1 expectations. ## Frequently asked ### How many appearances did Maxime Dupé make for Nantes before leaving? Dupé made 64 first-team appearances for FC Nantes between 2014 and 2019. ### Which clubs did Dupé play for after leaving Nantes? After Nantes, Dupé played for Clermont, Toulouse, Anderlecht, and OGC Nice. ### What position does Maxime Dupé play? Dupé is a goalkeeper. ### When does Nantes start their Ligue 2 season? Nantes open their Ligue 2 campaign at home to USL Dunkerque on August 3. ### Is Dupé joining Nantes on a permanent deal? Yes, Dupé has signed a two-year contract with FC Nantes. ### How many clean sheets did Dupé record in Ligue 2 since 2019? Since 2019, Dupé recorded 42 clean sheets in 68 Ligue 2 appearances for Clermont and Toulouse. ## Sources & Citations - [Maxime Dupé fait son retour au FC Nantes !](https://www.fcnantes.com/articles/article2809.php?num=49280) — GNews.io (2026-06-24) --- Cite: Dupé back at Nantes: boyhood keeper returns to rescue club. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/maxime-dup-fait-son-retour-au-fc-nantes-e91fd7ab