Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut has officially extended his contract with Team Vitality until the end of 2028. Following the announcement, the Counter-Strike star spoke with the French publication L’Équipe to discuss his decision to remain with the only professional organization he has represented.
A mutual commitment to performance
When asked about the negotiations and his requirements for signing the two-year extension, ZywOo highlighted the organization’s consistent competitive form.
“My only condition, in any case, is to have a competitive team,” ZywOo told L’Equipe. “For quite a few years now, we have had that with Vitality. It’s a club I trust, where I have always been. Two years means you don’t get stuck for too long if there’s a problem, while still having a little security.”
Keeping the core roster together
The extension of ZywOo aligns with the re-signing of his captain, Dan “apEX” Madesclaire. ZywOo indicated that the decision was largely expected across the active lineup following their recent tournament results.
“We knew that almost all the players and staff were going to re-sign,” he explained. “With the two years we’ve had, we want to continue with this team, and I think we would have done everything to keep this roster.”
He also confirmed that he did not entertain offers from competing organizations, stating that the wider scene is aware of his satisfaction within the French organization and that no other teams had initiated contact.
Looking toward the future
Having joined Team Vitality seven years ago, the new contract secures his tenure near the decade mark. Addressing the possibility of eventually playing for another organization, ZywOo remained focused on his current environment.
“Given how things have started, I will reach ten years at Vitality,” ZywOo said. “I am so much in the present that I don’t think about what comes after, how this team will change, how I will feel. If I have to spend my whole life at Vitality, I will spend my whole life at Vitality. There can be many things around that can lead to retirement or a change of clubs. But for now, it’s Vita, I’m in one of the best teams in the world… Why change?”
