Yann M'Vila was born on 29/06/1990 in Amiens, France. He began his football career at ES Sains-Saint-Fussien. He spent three years at the club and, in July 1999, joined Amiens SC. Following the 2006–07 season, on 11 August 2007 M'Vila signed his first professional contract with Rennes. On 22 January 2013, it was announced that Rennes had accepted an offer from Rubin Kazan for M'Vila. On 15 July 2014, M'Vila joined Internazionale on loan. On 6 August 2015, M'Vila joined Sunderland. On 12 January 2018, M'Vila was released from his Rubin Kazan contract, before signing for AS Saint-Étienne.