Mawéné tore cruciate and medial knee ligaments in a pre-season match against Manchester United at Deepdale and missed the entire 2006–07 season.

[8] Pronounced fit in June 2007, he returned to the first team, with only suspensions and a brief spell on the sidelines around Christmas time preventing him from being an ever present in the side, making 42 appearances in the season.

On 6 August 2010, it was confirmed that Mawéné had signed a one-year contract, with newly promoted Greek side Panserraikos, bringing an end to his 10 years in English football.

[10] On 3 June 2011, Mawéné signed a pre-contract agreement to move to Aberdeen on a free transfer,[11] where he played under his former Preston manager, Craig Brown.

Youl's younger brother, Samy, is also a retired footballer[3] while son Noah is a current player for Preston North End .