It’s official. Mat Ryan isn’t going anywhere.
The 34-year-old Australian goalkeeper has re-signed with Levante for the 2026-27 La Liga season. It’s a deal that rewards loyalty, consistency, and a quietly impressive debut campaign in Spain’s top flight.
For Arsenal fans, the name still rings a bell. Ryan joined the Gunners on loan from Brighton back in January 2021. It was a short stay, just three Premier League appearances, but it meant the world to the Sydney-born keeper.
Why? Because Arsenal was his childhood club.
From Emirates Dream to Spanish Sunshine
When Ryan signed for Arsenal, he didn’t hold back his emotions. He posted on social media at the time that he was buzzing to contribute to “the first club I ever loved.” Growing up in western Sydney, he’d fallen for the Gunners as a kid and never let go of that connection.
His Arsenal spell was brief. Mikel Arteta mostly relied on Bernd Leno that season. Ryan made his debut against Aston Villa, conceding early via a deflection but pulling off six saves. He later started against Fulham and Newcastle, picking up a clean sheet in his final outing.
It wasn’t a fairy tale ending, but Ryan left north London with nothing but warm memories.
Fast forward five years, and his career has taken him across the continent. Here’s the full journey:
- Central Coast Mariners (Australia)
- Club Brugge (Belgium)
- Valencia and Genk (Spain and Belgium)
- Brighton and Hove Albion (England)
- Arsenal, on loan (England)
- Real Sociedad (Spain)
- FC Copenhagen (Denmark)
- AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)
- AS Roma (Italy)
- RC Lens (France)
- Levante (Spain)
That’s eleven clubs across seven countries. Not many keepers can match that kind of passport stamp collection.
Why Levante Wanted Him Back
Ryan arrived at Levante as a free agent in August 2025, fresh off a short spell at Lens. The Valencia-based club had just won promotion to La Liga and needed an experienced pair of hands.
He delivered. Ryan made 36 league appearances last season and became a key figure as Levante fought to avoid an immediate return to the second division. The club secured survival on the final matchday.
That kind of contribution doesn’t go unnoticed. Levante’s fans voted him the second-best player of the season, behind only Carlos Espí. When he first joined, Ryan told the club’s official website he was “excited and happy to return to a top league and be part of a project like Levante UD’s.”
The re-signing was confirmed by Levante on July 31, with the club’s official statement highlighting his 36 appearances and his experience across four World Cups with Australia.
It’s a one-year deal. At 34, Ryan isn’t thinking too far ahead. But there’s clearly plenty left in the tank.
What’s Next for Ryan?
Internationally, things have shifted. Ryan captained Australia for years and represented the Socceroos at the 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cups. But during the 2026 tournament, he lost his starting spot to Patrick Beach, managing just two minutes and a penalty shootout appearance.
That doesn’t seem to bother him at club level. He’ll remain Levante’s first-choice keeper as they prepare for another demanding La Liga campaign. Their opener comes against Espanyol on August 17.
Can he help Levante push higher up the table this time? That’s the question. Last season was about survival. This one could be about building something more stable.
For Arsenal supporters watching from afar, Ryan’s story is a reminder that football careers don’t always follow a straight line. The kid from Plumpton who grew up idolizing the Gunners has carved out a genuinely impressive European career spanning over a decade.
He may never have been Arsenal’s number one. But he’s still standing, still playing at the top level, and still proving his worth. That counts for something.
