Clinton Mola

Clinton Mola (born 15 March 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender or defensive midfielder for Bristol Rovers.

Club career Mola started his football career at grassroots club AC United, then joined Chelsea at the under-14 level following a successful trail. On 31 January 2020, Mola moved to VfB Stuttgart, signing a 4.5 year contract. Mola made his debut for Stuttgart on 5 February 2020 in the 2019–20 DFB-Pokal against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. He suffered a hip injury later that season, which ruled him out for the entire 2020–21 season.

On 1 September 2022, Mola signed for EFL Championship club Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan deal including an option to buy. He made his debut on 13 September against Watford. Blackburn Rovers opted against activating the buyout option in his loan contract at the end of the season.

On 26 August 2023, Mola's contract with VfB Stuttgart was terminated by mutual consent.

On 1 September 2023 Mola signed a one-year contract with Reading.

On 8 May 2024, the club announced he would be released in the summer once his contract expired.

Bristol Rovers On 25 June 2024, Mola agreed to join fellow League One side Bristol Rovers on a three-year deal with the option for a further season. On 5 October 2024, he scored a first senior goal, volleying home his side's second goal as they came from behind to defeat Burton Albion. During the second-half of the 2024–25 season, he found game-time more limited, particularly following the managerial appointment of Iñigo Calderón, however he returned to the first-team from March 2025 as the Gas were relegated.

In January 2026, with Rovers struggling in League Two, new manager Steve Evans moved Mola into a midfield position where he began to impress, being described by local press as a "player reborn". In April 2026, ahead of the final game of the season, he admitted that this move into midfield had turned around his career with the Gas.

International career Born in England, Mola is of Congolese descent. He is a youth international for England.

On 6 September 2021, Mola made a goalscoring debut for the England U20s during a 6–1 victory over Romania U20s at St. George's Park.

On 4 October 2021, Mola received his first call up to the England U21s as an injury replacement for Levi Colwill. On 16 November 2021, Mola made his U21 debut during a 3–2 defeat to Georgia in Batumi.

Personal life In March 2026, Mola was told to "grow up" by a magistrate after telling a court he did not know he needed car insurance to drive in the UK. He was handed a three-year ban and fined £2,238 having been pulled over in November of the previous year.

Career statistics Club