Vito Mannone, once a promising Arsenal goalkeeper, has carved out a fascinating career across Europe and the United States.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Vito Mannone of Arsenal takes a goal kick during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground on October 6, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Vito Mannone arrived at Arsenal in 2005, scouted and signed by Arsène Wenger from Atalanta as a raw yet promising goalkeeper.
At just 17, the Italian shot-stopper was seen as one for the future, but his Arsenal career was marked by sporadic appearances and an inability to secure the No. 1 spot in a competitive goalkeeping department.
Mannone made his first-team debut in 2009, filling in during an injury crisis and his most memorable performance came shortly after, against Fulham, where he pulled off a string of sensational saves to secure a 1-0 win, earning him Man of the Match and the admiration of Arsenal fans.
However, consistency proved elusive, and the rise of Wojciech Szczęsny, combined with the presence of other experienced goalkeepers like Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski, limited Mannone’s opportunities.
Over seven years at the club, he made just 23 first-team appearances before moving to Sunderland in 2013 for £2m.
A new chapter at Sunderland
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: GoalkeeperVito Mannone of Sunderland is congratulated by teammate Craig Gardner after saving the penalty from Rafael Da Silva of Manchester United to win the match during the Capital One Cup semi final, second leg match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on January 22, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
At Sunderland, Mannone finally found regular football.
His first season was a standout, as he helped the team avoid relegation and reach the League Cup final, where they fell, as so many before them, to 115-charges Manchester City.
His heroics in the semi-final against Manchester United, particularly during the penalty shootout, cemented his status as a fan favourite.
Mannone was named Sunderland’s Player of the Year for the 2013/14 season, but injuries and competition with Jordan Pickford eventually saw his influence wane.
The move to Reading and MLS
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 27: Vito Mannone #1 of Minnesota United heads off the field following a loss to Atlanta United 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup Final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 27, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
In 2017, Mannone joined Reading in the Championship, where he was a regular starter during his first season. However, as the club’s fortunes fluctuated, so did Mannone’s position, and he eventually sought a new challenge.
That challenge came in 2019, when he moved to the United States to join Minnesota United in Major League Soccer on loan.
Mannone thrived in MLS, earning the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year award in his debut season. His performances were characterised by leadership, shot-stopping ability, and composure, qualities that endeared him to Minnesota fans and earned him widespread recognition.
Despite his success, Mannone returned to Europe after just one season.
A return to European football
After leaving Minnesota, returned to Reading before being sent on loan to Esbjerg. After half a season there, Mannone signed for Monaco in 2020 on a free transfer. However, he found opportunities limited, primarily serving as a backup goalkeeper.
Subsequent free transfers to Lorient and then Lille, where he finds himself today, followed, where Mannone continued in a similar role, providing experience and depth to his teams.
At Lille, he has embraced his responsibilities as a mentor and a dependable understudy, occasionally stepping in for cup competitions or when injuries arise.
A career defined by professionalism
Though he never became a household name, Vito Mannone’s career is a testament to the value of perseverance and professionalism. From his days at Arsenal to his travels across England, the United States, and France, Mannone has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt, contribute, and rise to the occasion when called upon.
Now 36 and in the twilight of his career, Mannone continues to serve as a reliable presence for Lille, embodying the role of a consummate professional.
For Arsenal fans, he remains a player remembered fondly for his dedication and that unforgettable night at Craven Cottage, a small yet shining moment in a career that has spanned continents and competitions.
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