Al-Diriyah have signed Democratic Republic of the Congo captain Chancel Mbemba on a free transfer, making the experienced defender their sixth arrival of the summer as they prepare for their first season in the Roshn Saudi League.
The newly promoted Saudi Arabian club announced the move on social media, confirming that the 32-year-old will join after his contract with Lille expired at the end of last season.
Mbemba spent only one season with Lille but arrives at Al-Diriyah with extensive experience at both club and international level. He began his European career with Anderlecht, where he played between 2013 and 2015, before moving to Newcastle United.
The defender remained with the English club until 2018, when he joined Porto. He subsequently moved to Marseille in 2022 before completing his latest transfer to Lille.
His most significant achievements have come with the DR Congo national team. Mbemba made his international debut in 2012 and has since won 111 caps, scoring seven goals.
He was a key figure in the country’s historic run at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where DR Congo made their first appearance at the tournament. The team reached the round of 32.
Mbemba’s most notable moment came in the group stage against Portugal, when he helped keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet as DR Congo secured a 1-1 draw. Ronaldo, the captain of Al-Nassr, was unable to score during the match despite the attention he received from the experienced centre-back.
Mbemba also delivered a strong display against England in the round of 32. He played a part in DR Congo’s performance by setting up the team’s opening goal, although England eventually won 2-1.
The move to Al-Diriyah is the latest step in the Saudi club’s efforts to strengthen its squad before its first appearance in the country’s top division. The club is aiming to build a team capable of competing and avoiding relegation during the coming campaign.
Mbemba is the sixth player to join Al-Diriyah during the current summer transfer window. The club’s other recruits are Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, Qasem Lajami, Hattan Bahebri, Saad Al-Rubaie and Amin Al-Bukhari.
The Saudi side have only recently secured promotion to the Roshn Saudi League and will be competing in the competition for the first time in their history. The signing of Mbemba gives them a player with experience of major European clubs and international tournaments as they prepare for the challenge ahead.
Al-Diriyah will hope his leadership and defensive experience can help provide stability during their debut top-flight season, while his recent performances against Ronaldo and England have raised his profile ahead of the move.
