Orel Johnson Mangala (born 18 March 1998) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for club Lyon and the Belgium national team.
On 9 June 2017, Mangala signed a four-year contract with VfB Stuttgart. On 8 August 2018, Mangala was loaned out to Hamburger SV without a purchase option until the end of the season.
On 9 April 2021, Mangala extended his contract with VfB Stuttgart until June 2024.
On 31 July 2022, it was announced that Mangala had joined Premier League side Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee, which was reported to be ã12.7m. Mangala made his debut for Forest as a substitute in the team's opening game of the 2022âÂÂ23 Premier League season, a 2âÂÂ0 loss at Newcastle United on 6 August. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2âÂÂ1 defeat to Leeds United on 4 April 2023. He scored his second goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on 5 November 2023.
On 1 February 2024, Mangala joined Ligue 1 side Lyon on loan: it was reported the loan fee was â¬11.7m (ã10m). That summer, the move was made permanent after Lyon exercised their permanent purchase option for â¬17.5m (ã15m), with an additional â¬3.5M (ã2m) available in potential bonuses. The move was officially announced as permanent on 2 July 2024.
On 30 August 2024, Mangala signed on loan for Everton on deadline day.
Mangala was called up to the senior Belgium squad in March 2021. He made his international debut in a 2âÂÂ2 friendly draw with the Republic of Ireland on 26 March 2022.
Mangala is of Congolese descent.
Lyon
Belgium U17