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Initially called up by DR Congo at youth level in 2015 while still a winger, he experienced a heavy 8–0 defeat against England. That - and the lack of structure at the time - pushed him toward switching allegiance to the country he grew up in. As his career took off with Crystal Palace and Manchester United, he repeatedly turned down DR Congo, hoping for a call from Gareth Southgate that never came. With the national project improving and England’s depth at right-back growing, Wan-Bissaka eventually made the switch. \"I wanted to join the national team when I was ready,” he told BBC Africa. “Only I know when I am ready and not when others decide.” Since earning his first cap in September 2025, his performances have quickly silenced those who once questioned his late commitment.",{"id":74,"name":75,"jerseyNumber":76,"position":77,"positionLabel":78,"age":79,"caps":11,"club":80,"avatar":81,"bio":82},"cod_20","Yoane Wissa",20,"FW","Forward",29,"Newcastle","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F5c4a35e6cc3722321411d4a0f6e3e8591cf66ca6\u002F789_30_744_744\u002F500.jpg","While at Châteroux’s academy in France, a 16-year-old Wissa sent a cover letter to the Congolese federation on Facebook hoping for one thing: a chance to play for his country. Thirteen years later, his success in the Premier League has made him one of the greatest ambassadors of Congolese football. Accessible, humble and down to earth, Wissa’s journey has been anything but conventional. Before becoming a striker, he was a goalkeeper. His first season at Newcastle was disrupted by an injury suffered on international duty, preventing him from reaching the heights many expected after his form at Brentford, where he became the first DR Congo player to score more than 10 goals in a Premier League season. “The truth is, I’m not the most talented guy,” he once admitted. “What pushes me forward is that I love working hard – and I guess I’m not doing too badly.” Loved by Congolese supporters, who affectionately nickname him “Kovo” (“the bald one”), Wissa will carry huge expectations heading into the World Cup.",{"id":84,"name":85,"jerseyNumber":86,"position":67,"positionLabel":68,"age":87,"caps":11,"club":88,"avatar":89,"bio":90},"cod_22","Chancel Mbemba",22,31,"Lille","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F89f971738a7c9a96a9c25db225cc373b25367029\u002F1129_40_861_861\u002F500.jpg","“Boulot, palais.” (‘’Work, house’’ in Congolese-French slang), the phrase Mbemba used in an interview to describe his lifestyle has since become his nickname in DR Congo. It reflects the discipline that defines him. Previously dubbed “the Chancellor” or even “demi-God” by supporters, Mbemba commands immense respect in his country. With over 100 caps and the captain’s armband, he is the undisputed leader of the Leopards. Strong in one-on-one situations, comfortable on the ball and quite effective in front of goal – a reminder of his early days as a striker – he is the backbone of the team. Born into a poor family of eight children in Kinshasa, Mbemba is a rare success story in a country where thousands of talents go unnoticed every year due to a lack of structure. Trained in the country, then developed at Anderlecht, he built a solid European career, including a spell with Newcastle. His journey could have reached even greater heights were it not for long-standing doubts surrounding his age – a controversy that has followed him despite his consistency at the highest level.",{"id":92,"name":93,"jerseyNumber":94,"position":95,"positionLabel":96,"age":69,"caps":11,"club":97,"avatar":98,"bio":99},"cod_25","Edo Kayembe",25,"MF","Midfielder","Watford","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F389b278495ed43f90badd65c3a80103610a25131\u002F2512_196_1809_1810\u002F500.jpg","No relation to Joris Kayembe, Edo was born in the Kasai region of central Congo where the surname is common. One of the few genuinely homegrown players in a squad largely built around the diaspora, Kayembe’s journey carries particular symbolic weight for Congolese supporters. “I’m very happy to have gone from my country to the Premier League in just five years. It’s a great challenge,” he said when signing for Watford in 2022. Quiet and reserved off the pitch, Kayembe transforms once the game starts. Hard-working and equipped with a fierce long shot, he has become one of Sébastien Desabre’s trusted midfield options. He may not be the most gifted player in the squad but his versatility, physical commitment and rise from the Congolese league to English football have earned widespread admiration.",[101,102,105],{"rank":38,"playerId":74,"name":75,"matches":51,"assists":11,"goals":51},{"rank":59,"playerId":103,"name":104,"matches":51,"assists":11,"goals":38},"cod_19","Fiston Mayele",{"rank":51,"playerId":106,"name":107,"matches":51,"assists":11,"goals":38},"cod_9","Brian Cipenga",[109,132,170,204,237,265,289,318,344,365,388,409,433,459,482,502,517,537,559,579,594,612,626,646,665,679],{"playerId":110,"number":38,"name":111,"position":112,"positionLabel":113,"age":87,"dateOfBirth":114,"caps":11,"club":115,"avatar":116,"bio":117,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":119},"cod_1","Lionel Mpasi","GK","Goalkeeper","1994-08-01","Le Havre","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F272ef21bb54e016ffadce2bb761dbb014df39958\u002F1852_204_929_929\u002F500.jpg","Mpasi is a curious paradox: a backup goalkeeper at a Ligue 1 club fighting for survival yet an undisputed starter – and often outstanding – for DR Congo. A late bloomer, Mpasi came through at Paris St-Germain, but he did not truly emerge until he played in France’s second division with Rodez. French-born, he had to wait until his mid-20s to establish himself as a starter. His defining moment came at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations when he converted a decisive penalty against Egypt, smiling as he walked up, a moment that elevated him to cult status among Congolese fans. \"My parents are from DR Congo, and I still have family there. I've never had the chance to visit, but I'd love to,\" he told Leopardsfoot in 2021 before his first cap. Like a few dual nationals, he discovered his connection to the country through football and has since become one of its most beloved figures.",false,{"physical":120,"crawlInfomation":125,"attributes":127},{"skillMoves":38,"weight":121,"weakFoot":51,"preferredFoot":122,"altPositions":123,"height":124},"78kg","Right",[],"182cm",{"crawledAt":126},"2026-06-13T15:06:34.902Z",{"gkAttributes":128,"overall":131},{"kicking":129,"reflexes":130,"diving":131,"handling":129,"speed":131,"positioning":129},66,65,67,{"playerId":65,"number":59,"name":66,"position":67,"positionLabel":68,"age":69,"dateOfBirth":133,"caps":11,"club":70,"avatar":71,"bio":72,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":134,"playerAttributes":135},"1997-11-26",true,{"physical":136,"crawlInfomation":141,"attributes":143},{"skillMoves":51,"weight":137,"weakFoot":59,"preferredFoot":122,"altPositions":138,"height":140},"72kg",[139],"RM","183cm",{"crawledAt":142},"2026-06-13T15:06:39.802Z",{"dribbling":144,"pace":150,"shooting":152,"defending":158,"overall":151,"passing":162,"physicality":167},{"ballControl":145,"dribbling":146,"balance":147,"composure":148,"overall":149,"reactions":146,"agility":149},74,79,70,78,77,{"overall":151,"acceleration":146,"sprintSpeed":151},80,{"finishing":153,"shotPower":147,"penalties":154,"positioning":155,"overall":156,"longShots":154,"volleys":157},46,44,72,51,43,{"slidingTackle":159,"overall":148,"standingTackle":151,"defAwareness":148,"interceptions":160,"headingAccuracy":161},89,81,57,{"vision":163,"freeKickAccuracy":9,"longPassing":164,"curve":145,"shortPassing":165,"overall":166,"crossing":155},68,58,75,69,{"overall":168,"aggression":168,"jumping":165,"strength":169,"stamina":165},73,71,{"playerId":171,"number":51,"name":172,"position":67,"positionLabel":68,"age":69,"dateOfBirth":173,"caps":11,"club":174,"avatar":175,"bio":176,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":177},"cod_3","Steve Kapuadi","1998-04-30","Widzew Lodz","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002Fceee58c90e557256fc422c3c0d16c8636eb43c90\u002F1510_168_991_991\u002F500.jpg","Born in France, developed in Belgium, launched in Slovakia, revealed in Poland and eventually capped by DR Congo – Kapuadi has taken the long road. The towering centre-back established himself at Legia Warsaw, where strong performances in the Conference League helped him achieve a personal goal: representing his father’s country. But it was back in 2015,  during the Africa Cup of Nations, that the dream truly began. Watching the Leopards, led by Yannick Bolasie, return to Kinshasa with a bronze medal left a lasting impression on him. “That’s when something clicked,” he told Leopardsfoot. “Seeing the players come back to Kinshasa with the medal was inspiring and beautiful to watch.” At 1.96m, Kapuadi brings size, aggression and aerial dominance to the squad. Though only fourth-choice at centre-back, his left-footedness offers variety while his cheerful personality has made him popular within the group.",{"physical":178,"crawlInfomation":183,"attributes":185},{"skillMoves":59,"weight":179,"weakFoot":59,"preferredFoot":180,"altPositions":181,"height":182},"88kg","Left",[],"196cm",{"crawledAt":184},"2026-06-13T15:06:43.359Z",{"dribbling":186,"pace":191,"shooting":193,"defending":196,"overall":169,"passing":197,"physicality":201},{"ballControl":166,"dribbling":187,"balance":188,"composure":189,"overall":190,"reactions":130,"agility":190},35,42,54,50,{"overall":130,"acceleration":192,"sprintSpeed":131},63,{"finishing":194,"shotPower":9,"penalties":187,"positioning":94,"overall":195,"longShots":69,"volleys":76},32,33,{"slidingTackle":155,"overall":147,"standingTackle":155,"defAwareness":147,"interceptions":166,"headingAccuracy":163},{"vision":87,"freeKickAccuracy":94,"longPassing":198,"curve":199,"shortPassing":161,"overall":9,"crossing":200},52,37,39,{"overall":202,"aggression":166,"jumping":160,"strength":203,"stamina":160},83,90,{"playerId":205,"number":206,"name":207,"position":67,"positionLabel":68,"age":69,"dateOfBirth":208,"caps":11,"club":209,"avatar":210,"bio":211,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":212},"cod_4",4,"Axel Tuanzebe","1997-11-14","Burnley","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F7849347c7c263e3329e7cf17b281490a8bd9dd82\u002F915_354_1770_1769\u002F500.jpg","One unconventional goal in the 99th minute against Jamaica was enough to end 52 years of waiting for an entire nation. “Chancel told me to attack the ball on the corner,” Tuanzebe smiled afterwards. “I scored with my stomach, but that’s not my problem. The game is over and we’re qualified.” Born in Ituri, the defender instantly became a symbol of pride in his conflict-scarred home region after sending DR Congo to the World Cup. A former Manchester United academy captain, Tuanzebe once looked destined for a Premier League career but recurring injuries stalled his progress. Elegant on the ball, modern in his defensive approach and naturally charismatic, he hesitated for years before committing to DR Congo. Since making the switch, however, he has become indispensable. In his first 11 caps, DR Congo lost only once: against Algeria at Afcon. Nearly lost his thumb in 2024 after a freak accident in the kitchen while doing the washing up.",{"physical":213,"crawlInfomation":218,"attributes":220},{"skillMoves":51,"weight":214,"weakFoot":51,"preferredFoot":122,"altPositions":215,"height":217},"75kg",[216],"CB","185cm",{"crawledAt":219},"2026-06-13T15:06:46.827Z",{"dribbling":221,"pace":222,"shooting":224,"defending":231,"overall":168,"passing":232,"physicality":235},{"ballControl":163,"dribbling":129,"balance":163,"composure":149,"overall":163,"reactions":145,"agility":130},{"overall":223,"acceleration":145,"sprintSpeed":149},76,{"finishing":225,"shotPower":226,"penalties":190,"positioning":227,"overall":228,"longShots":229,"volleys":230},26,53,55,36,34,41,{"slidingTackle":155,"overall":168,"standingTackle":145,"defAwareness":168,"interceptions":168,"headingAccuracy":169},{"vision":192,"freeKickAccuracy":199,"longPassing":166,"curve":9,"shortPassing":169,"overall":233,"crossing":234},64,61,{"overall":165,"aggression":149,"jumping":236,"strength":223,"stamina":163},84,{"playerId":238,"number":239,"name":240,"position":67,"positionLabel":68,"age":241,"dateOfBirth":242,"caps":11,"club":243,"avatar":244,"bio":245,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":246},"cod_5",5,"Dylan Batubinsika",30,"1996-02-15","AE Larissa","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002Fb133666d044ee1a64d48798b2de5b4efd5ebb37a\u002F708_55_1488_1488\u002F500.jpg","Unapologetically old-school, Batubinsika provides depth behind the preferred defensive pairing of Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe. Trained at Paris St-Germain and a former France youth international, Batubinsika long kept the idea of representing DR Congo in the back of his mind before finally committing in 2023. “I always thought about it, but the call from coach Sébastien Desabre at the beginning of 2023 was decisive,” he explained. “He has played a huge role in the team’s recent progress. Everything felt structured, so I knew it was the right moment to begin my international career.” Over a dozen caps later, he has become a regular in Desabre’s squad. Comfortable in physical battles and dominant in the air, Batubinsika may not be the flashiest defender in the group, but his reliability and experience make him an important option.",{"physical":247,"crawlInfomation":251,"attributes":253},{"skillMoves":59,"weight":248,"weakFoot":51,"preferredFoot":122,"altPositions":249,"height":250},"84kg",[],"188cm",{"crawledAt":252},"2026-06-13T15:06:50.635Z",{"dribbling":254,"pace":256,"shooting":257,"defending":261,"overall":169,"passing":262,"physicality":264},{"ballControl":255,"dribbling":198,"balance":189,"composure":234,"overall":227,"reactions":129,"agility":198},59,{"overall":166,"acceleration":130,"sprintSpeed":168},{"finishing":258,"shotPower":190,"penalties":87,"positioning":259,"overall":69,"longShots":260,"volleys":76},21,24,23,{"slidingTackle":163,"overall":166,"standingTackle":147,"defAwareness":163,"interceptions":166,"headingAccuracy":168},{"vision":189,"freeKickAccuracy":69,"longPassing":263,"curve":86,"shortPassing":233,"overall":198,"crossing":187},62,{"overall":146,"aggression":151,"jumping":236,"strength":236,"stamina":131},{"playerId":266,"number":267,"name":268,"position":95,"positionLabel":96,"age":258,"dateOfBirth":269,"caps":11,"club":88,"avatar":270,"bio":271,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":272},"cod_6",6,"Ngal'ayel Mukau","2004-11-03","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F2a2c2ce4f63a6985812198eb7f6890f54137fc1c\u002F1423_55_1048_1048\u002F500.jpg","Like his close friend Noah Sadiki, Antwerp-born Mukau chose to represent the land of his ancestors long before reaching senior level, committing to DR Congo as early as the Under-21s. “It’s a source of pride for me and my family,” he said after his first youth appearances. “Wearing this jersey means a lot to me, and I want to keep wearing it in the future.” For Belgian football, his decision hurt even more because, in terms of pure talent, Mukau may already be one of the most gifted players in the Leopards squad. Tall yet elegant, blessed with a refined left foot and natural flair, he belongs to the category of players people simply enjoy watching. A modern box-to-box midfielder capable of recovering possession, progressing with the ball and eliminating opponents, he has reportedly attracted interest from Barcelona. Reserved in French – his first language is Flemish – Mukau remains a fan favourite among Congolese supporters.",{"physical":273,"crawlInfomation":278,"attributes":280},{"skillMoves":59,"weight":274,"weakFoot":59,"preferredFoot":180,"altPositions":275,"height":277},"79kg",[276],"CM","186cm",{"crawledAt":279},"2026-06-13T15:06:54.507Z",{"dribbling":281,"pace":282,"shooting":283,"defending":285,"overall":145,"passing":286,"physicality":288},{"ballControl":168,"dribbling":147,"balance":168,"composure":147,"overall":169,"reactions":169,"agility":129},{"overall":166,"acceleration":169,"sprintSpeed":131},{"finishing":227,"shotPower":131,"penalties":284,"positioning":147,"overall":161,"longShots":189,"volleys":157},40,{"slidingTackle":166,"overall":147,"standingTackle":155,"defAwareness":166,"interceptions":169,"headingAccuracy":129},{"vision":169,"freeKickAccuracy":287,"longPassing":155,"curve":164,"shortPassing":223,"overall":130,"crossing":9},38,{"overall":165,"aggression":146,"jumping":149,"strength":168,"stamina":165},{"playerId":290,"number":291,"name":292,"position":95,"positionLabel":96,"age":259,"dateOfBirth":293,"caps":11,"club":294,"avatar":295,"bio":296,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":297},"cod_7",7,"Nathanaël Mbuku","2002-03-16","Montpellier","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002Fe75c02b5c88ebef3419e354c2befad5c48f3e8c4\u002F1354_122_1714_1714\u002F500.jpg","His youthful face, infectious energy and deep love for Congolese music have made Mbuku a fan favourite. Despite his small frame, his excellent balance and low centre of gravity make him extremely difficult for defenders to contain. “My role is to bring freshness, youth and enthusiasm – and to help the team keep progressing,” he said before the playoff against Jamaica. Still only 24, Mbuku has yet to fully translate his potential into consistency at club level. But the former France youth international has found a real place within the national setup, whether as a starter or an impact substitute. Blessed with a dangerous left foot and natural unpredictability, he is often given freedom by Sébastien Desabre to drift between the lines.",{"physical":298,"crawlInfomation":304,"attributes":306},{"skillMoves":206,"weight":299,"weakFoot":59,"preferredFoot":180,"altPositions":300,"height":303},"68kg",[301,302],"ST","RW","170cm",{"crawledAt":305},"2026-06-13T15:06:58.333Z",{"dribbling":307,"pace":310,"shooting":311,"defending":312,"overall":147,"passing":313,"physicality":315},{"ballControl":169,"dribbling":145,"balance":308,"composure":166,"overall":145,"reactions":192,"agility":309},88,85,{"overall":168,"acceleration":148,"sprintSpeed":166},{"finishing":263,"shotPower":169,"penalties":233,"positioning":131,"overall":192,"longShots":164,"volleys":233},{"slidingTackle":187,"overall":187,"standingTackle":228,"defAwareness":194,"interceptions":79,"headingAccuracy":190},{"vision":147,"freeKickAccuracy":314,"longPassing":129,"curve":129,"shortPassing":155,"overall":163,"crossing":130},56,{"overall":226,"aggression":316,"jumping":263,"strength":156,"stamina":317},48,60,{"playerId":319,"number":320,"name":321,"position":95,"positionLabel":96,"age":79,"dateOfBirth":322,"caps":11,"club":323,"avatar":324,"bio":325,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":326},"cod_8",8,"Samuel Moutoussamy","1996-08-12","Atromitos","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002Fa456ac7ec2993231225ed011e69d2f59d89e7e58\u002F1359_188_1322_1322\u002F500.jpg","He never scores, never assists, and yet few players are more essential to DR Congo than Moutoussamy. The most-used outfield player under Sébastien Desabre, the 29-year-old is the foundation of the Leopards’ midfield. Tireless and disciplined, he presses, harasses, intercepts and recycles possession for 90 minutes – or longer if needed. Not always spectacular, but consistently reliable, Moutoussamy’s work rate and fighting spirit set the tone for the entire team. Born to a Caribbean father and a Congolese mother, he has become one of the symbols of a generation that experienced repeated heartbreak before finally reaching the World Cup. “We’ll leave our souls on the pitch to get the win,” he told Leopardsfoot before the playoff against Jamaica. “We can’t play with fear. We have to attack, take risks and give everything we have.” That warrior mentality is exactly what DR Congo hope to carry into the World Cup.",{"physical":327,"crawlInfomation":331,"attributes":335},{"skillMoves":51,"weight":328,"weakFoot":51,"preferredFoot":180,"altPositions":329,"height":330},"",[],"176cm",{"sourceTitle":332,"crawledAt":333,"source":334},"Samuel Moutoussamy EA FC 24 - 73 - Rating and Price","2026-06-21T23:59:51.582Z","futbin",{"dribbling":336,"pace":337,"shooting":338,"defending":339,"overall":168,"passing":340,"physicality":342},{"ballControl":145,"dribbling":155,"balance":151,"composure":145,"overall":145,"reactions":147,"agility":160},{"overall":166,"acceleration":147,"sprintSpeed":163},{"finishing":161,"shotPower":161,"penalties":153,"positioning":131,"overall":164,"longShots":192,"volleys":317},{"slidingTackle":155,"overall":155,"standingTackle":145,"defAwareness":168,"interceptions":165,"headingAccuracy":226},{"vision":147,"freeKickAccuracy":341,"longPassing":168,"curve":226,"shortPassing":165,"overall":166,"crossing":130},47,{"overall":165,"aggression":169,"jumping":166,"strength":169,"stamina":343},86,{"playerId":106,"number":345,"name":107,"position":77,"positionLabel":78,"age":69,"dateOfBirth":346,"caps":11,"club":347,"avatar":348,"bio":349,"goals":38,"assists":11,"playedMatches":51,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":350},9,"1998-03-11","Castellón","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002Fdcc02209fdc99724905528b6c6c9508769bd57d9\u002F525_25_970_971\u002F500.jpg","A year ago, very few Congolese supporters even knew who Cipenga was. Some openly complained when Sébastien Desabre surprisingly called up the little-known winger from Spain’s second tier for the World Cup playoffs. Without him, however, DR Congo might never have qualified. Introduced against Cameroon, Cipenga immediately changed the game, exhausting defenders with his quick feet before delivering the corner that led to Chancel Mbemba’s decisive goal. He repeated the same trick against Jamaica, this time assisting Axel Tuanzebe’s historic winner. “My country also has a right to happiness,” he posted on Instagram after qualification. “After 52 years, God has blessed us to go to the World Cup.” Born and raised in Kinshasa to a family originally from Kisangani in the north of the country, he now looks set to become DR Congo’s luxury supersub.",{"physical":351,"crawlInfomation":356,"attributes":358},{"skillMoves":206,"weight":352,"weakFoot":51,"preferredFoot":122,"altPositions":353,"height":355},"67kg",[139,354],"LW","172cm",{"crawledAt":357},"2026-06-13T15:07:03.157Z",{"dribbling":359,"pace":360,"shooting":361,"defending":362,"overall":129,"passing":363,"physicality":364},{"ballControl":233,"dribbling":130,"balance":223,"composure":314,"overall":129,"reactions":129,"agility":146},{"overall":160,"acceleration":151,"sprintSpeed":160},{"finishing":317,"shotPower":164,"penalties":198,"positioning":164,"overall":164,"longShots":161,"volleys":161},{"slidingTackle":229,"overall":195,"standingTackle":195,"defAwareness":241,"interceptions":195,"headingAccuracy":9},{"vision":255,"freeKickAccuracy":190,"longPassing":164,"curve":317,"shortPassing":317,"overall":255,"crossing":317},{"overall":192,"aggression":189,"jumping":129,"strength":192,"stamina":147},{"playerId":366,"number":367,"name":368,"position":95,"positionLabel":96,"age":241,"dateOfBirth":369,"caps":11,"club":370,"avatar":371,"bio":372,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":373},"cod_10",10,"Théo Bongonda","1995-11-20","Spartak Moscow","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F7c1e053cc805997094eda5d0736c69026170b3a7\u002F799_431_981_981\u002F500.jpg","Once considered a future Belgian international, Bongonda finally became a Leopard in 2022 – and Congolese fans embraced him immediately. “I came through the Belgian system, but when I saw that Congo was more concrete than Belgium, and showed more love and desire to have me, I told myself you should always go where people truly want you,” he said. Technically gifted, explosive in one-on-one situations and capable of slicing through defences with his left foot, Bongonda quickly became one of the most exciting players in the squad. His dribbling ability and low centre of gravity have earned him an inevitable comparison among Congolese supporters: “Théo Messi.” It is a nickname likely to echo loudly again this summer if he produces moments of magic on the World Cup stage.",{"physical":374,"crawlInfomation":377,"attributes":380},{"skillMoves":206,"weight":328,"weakFoot":51,"preferredFoot":180,"altPositions":375,"height":376},[],"175cm",{"sourceTitle":378,"crawledAt":379,"source":334},"Bongonda EA FC 26 - 74 - Rating and Price","2026-06-21T23:59:54.376Z",{"dribbling":381,"pace":382,"shooting":383,"defending":384,"overall":145,"passing":386,"physicality":387},{"ballControl":223,"dribbling":151,"balance":146,"composure":146,"overall":148,"reactions":131,"agility":202},{"overall":148,"acceleration":343,"sprintSpeed":155},{"finishing":169,"shotPower":166,"penalties":233,"positioning":168,"overall":169,"longShots":223,"volleys":129},{"slidingTackle":259,"overall":195,"standingTackle":225,"defAwareness":199,"interceptions":187,"headingAccuracy":385},49,{"vision":169,"freeKickAccuracy":147,"longPassing":129,"curve":155,"shortPassing":155,"overall":147,"crossing":163},{"overall":164,"aggression":198,"jumping":131,"strength":314,"stamina":233},{"playerId":389,"number":390,"name":391,"position":77,"positionLabel":78,"age":229,"dateOfBirth":392,"caps":11,"club":243,"avatar":393,"bio":394,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":395},"cod_11",11,"Gaël Kakuta","1991-06-21","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F9cf9ec8860ddacc836a07b811862b89369e40892\u002F1269_21_1149_1149\u002F500.jpg","Some Chelsea supporters may remember Kakuta as one of the club’s lost wonderkids. Kakuta, who made his Chelsea debut under Carlo Ancelotti in 2009, was viewed as one of the brightest talents of his generation – a gifted playmaker whose career never quite reached the heights many predicted. “Hatem Ben Arfa and Gaël Kakuta are the two greatest dribblers I’ve seen play, apart from Messi and Neymar,” Eden Hazard once said. “Maybe they didn’t always make the right career choices, maybe there are regrets somewhere, but they are players who made me dream.” Now at the 15th club of his career, Kakuta never truly found stability. The explosive legs of his early 20s are gone, but his left foot still carries magic. Not a guaranteed starter anymore, he remains capable of producing moments nobody else in the squad can see.",{"physical":396,"crawlInfomation":398,"attributes":402},{"skillMoves":11,"weight":328,"weakFoot":11,"preferredFoot":328,"altPositions":397,"height":328},[],{"sourceTitle":399,"crawledAt":400,"source":401},"Gaël Kakuta — manually copied stat page; category overalls and card OVR approximated as averages of the listed sub-stats (no source overall numbers given)","2026-06-22T00:01:27.418Z","manual-paste",{"dribbling":403,"pace":404,"shooting":405,"defending":406,"overall":129,"passing":407,"physicality":408},{"ballControl":155,"dribbling":165,"balance":236,"composure":168,"overall":223,"reactions":131,"agility":343},{"overall":169,"acceleration":145,"sprintSpeed":163},{"finishing":147,"shotPower":168,"penalties":155,"positioning":147,"overall":169,"longShots":147,"volleys":147},{"slidingTackle":94,"overall":230,"standingTackle":228,"defAwareness":87,"interceptions":153,"headingAccuracy":131},{"vision":149,"freeKickAccuracy":169,"longPassing":147,"curve":169,"shortPassing":169,"overall":155,"crossing":147},{"overall":263,"aggression":156,"jumping":145,"strength":233,"stamina":161},{"playerId":410,"number":411,"name":412,"position":67,"positionLabel":68,"age":87,"dateOfBirth":413,"caps":11,"club":414,"avatar":415,"bio":416,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":417},"cod_12",12,"Joris Kayembe","1994-08-08","Genk","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002Fdf3736a60eef360ab0646ecef5e03a35fb8c3467\u002F1161_373_805_804\u002F500.jpg","An attack-minded left-back, Kayembe plays with flair, risk and a clear taste for dribbling. His adventurous style can sometimes leave space behind him, but Congolese fans appreciate the excitement he brings. Called up relatively late at international level at 29, he has mostly operated as Masuaku’s understudy. Yet thanks to the latter’s recurring physical issues, Kayembe has accumulated more than 20 caps in just two years. “I chose Congo with my heart, not for sporting reasons,” he said after joining the Leopards setup. “The coach called me at the right moment. Congolese football is restructuring, the working environment is good and competition for places is strong.” A deeply religious Christian, Kayembe often speaks about putting God at the centre of his life – something he says helped him overcome the serious injuries that slowed parts of his career.",{"physical":418,"crawlInfomation":423,"attributes":425},{"skillMoves":51,"weight":419,"weakFoot":206,"preferredFoot":180,"altPositions":420,"height":422},"73kg",[216,421],"LM","180cm",{"crawledAt":424},"2026-06-13T15:07:06.590Z",{"dribbling":426,"pace":427,"shooting":429,"defending":430,"overall":145,"passing":431,"physicality":432},{"ballControl":165,"dribbling":145,"balance":166,"composure":155,"overall":145,"reactions":169,"agility":155},{"overall":146,"acceleration":223,"sprintSpeed":428},82,{"finishing":164,"shotPower":129,"penalties":230,"positioning":131,"overall":317,"longShots":192,"volleys":227},{"slidingTackle":163,"overall":129,"standingTackle":166,"defAwareness":233,"interceptions":131,"headingAccuracy":263},{"vision":168,"freeKickAccuracy":154,"longPassing":163,"curve":263,"shortPassing":165,"overall":169,"crossing":165},{"overall":145,"aggression":163,"jumping":148,"strength":168,"stamina":151},{"playerId":434,"number":435,"name":436,"position":77,"positionLabel":78,"age":69,"dateOfBirth":437,"caps":11,"club":438,"avatar":439,"bio":440,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":441},"cod_13",13,"Meschak Elia","1997-08-06","Alanyaspor","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F7643dbdd93159f1e41bdd13b81c290209c7e3f3a\u002F1088_120_982_982\u002F500.jpg","Elia developed the explosive pace that now terrifies defenders on the dusty pitches of Nsele, a semi-rural commune located nearly 90 minutes from central Kinshasa. His rise began during the 2016 African Nations Championship, which DR Congo won, before spells with TP Mazembe and eventually a move to Switzerland in 2020. At Young Boys, Elia won four league titles and was named the best player in the Swiss league in 2023. Despite his achievements, he has often been unfairly criticised by sections of the Congolese public – something that still fuels him. “I was too emotional,” he admitted after qualification. “We were insulted too much after failing to qualify in 2022. But I always said that before retiring, I had to play in a World Cup.” His story took a tragic turn a year and a half ago following the death of his four-year-old son, news that deeply affected the entire country.",{"physical":442,"crawlInfomation":445,"attributes":448},{"skillMoves":51,"weight":328,"weakFoot":206,"preferredFoot":122,"altPositions":443,"height":444},[],"173cm",{"sourceTitle":446,"crawledAt":447,"source":334},"Meschack Elia Team of the Week EA FC 26 - 83 - Rating and Price","2026-06-21T23:59:57.624Z",{"dribbling":449,"pace":453,"shooting":455,"defending":456,"overall":202,"passing":457,"physicality":458},{"ballControl":159,"dribbling":236,"balance":450,"composure":309,"overall":451,"reactions":428,"agility":452},95,87,94,{"overall":454,"acceleration":450,"sprintSpeed":159},92,{"finishing":343,"shotPower":428,"penalties":145,"positioning":309,"overall":428,"longShots":148,"volleys":223},{"slidingTackle":229,"overall":200,"standingTackle":287,"defAwareness":229,"interceptions":195,"headingAccuracy":145},{"vision":309,"freeKickAccuracy":129,"longPassing":148,"curve":147,"shortPassing":309,"overall":160,"crossing":160},{"overall":202,"aggression":168,"jumping":308,"strength":202,"stamina":203},{"playerId":460,"number":461,"name":462,"position":95,"positionLabel":96,"age":258,"dateOfBirth":463,"caps":11,"club":464,"avatar":465,"bio":466,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":467},"cod_14",14,"Noah Sadiki","2004-12-17","Sunderland","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F861f1a97b4cf70a7986dda77f05ac6fb46879186\u002F1902_177_902_902\u002F500.jpg","By choosing DR Congo before the age of 20, Sadiki sent a strong message to a generation of dual nationals still hesitating. Had he opted differently, the midfielder – who grew up in Belgium – would likely have been part of the World Cup with the Red Devils anyway. But his early commitment to Congo has made him a fan favourite. Nicknamed the “national cadet” by supporters, he is already seen as a future captain, admired for his maturity and leadership despite his young age. A versatile midfielder, Sadiki operates as a dynamic box-to-box presence for club and country. After a promising breakthrough season in the Premier League with Sunderland, the World Cup offers him the perfect stage to further elevate his profile.",{"physical":468,"crawlInfomation":473,"attributes":475},{"skillMoves":59,"weight":469,"weakFoot":51,"preferredFoot":122,"altPositions":470,"height":444},"77kg",[471,472],"CDM","CAM",{"crawledAt":474},"2026-06-13T15:07:10.235Z",{"dribbling":476,"pace":477,"shooting":478,"defending":479,"overall":145,"passing":480,"physicality":481},{"ballControl":165,"dribbling":223,"balance":428,"composure":168,"overall":223,"reactions":165,"agility":428},{"overall":149,"acceleration":160,"sprintSpeed":145},{"finishing":129,"shotPower":163,"penalties":198,"positioning":317,"overall":130,"longShots":166,"volleys":287},{"slidingTackle":163,"overall":163,"standingTackle":147,"defAwareness":163,"interceptions":169,"headingAccuracy":226},{"vision":155,"freeKickAccuracy":385,"longPassing":145,"curve":157,"shortPassing":149,"overall":163,"crossing":161},{"overall":223,"aggression":145,"jumping":165,"strength":155,"stamina":236},{"playerId":483,"number":484,"name":485,"position":95,"positionLabel":96,"age":87,"dateOfBirth":486,"caps":11,"club":487,"avatar":488,"bio":489,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":490},"cod_15",15,"Aaron Tshibola","1995-01-02","Kilmarnock","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F02cff9dc6e70644f86d8672e812adb64954e74c3\u002F1073_195_623_623\u002F500.jpg","Persistence defines Tshibola’s international career. Four years passed between his decision to represent DR Congo in 2018 and his first cap, largely because of administrative chaos at a time. Never the most glamorous name in the squad, the Reading academy graduate has rarely disappointed in 16 caps. His most important contribution came with the goal against Gabon in 2023 that secured DR Congo’s qualification for Afcon. Now further down the pecking order, Tshibola remained part of Sébastien Desabre’s plans and, following Rocky Bushiri’s injury, the door to the World Cup opened. A true journeyman who has played in eight different countries, Tshibola is also part of the growing contingent of British-Congolese players within the squad. Raised in Newham, east London, he once described football as his escape from the violence surrounding him growing up. “Football was my getaway,” he said. “I could easily have been another victim to a killing.”",{"physical":491,"crawlInfomation":493,"attributes":495},{"skillMoves":11,"weight":328,"weakFoot":11,"preferredFoot":328,"altPositions":492,"height":328},[],{"sourceTitle":494,"crawledAt":400,"source":401},"Aaron Tshibola — manually copied stat page; category overalls and card OVR approximated as averages of the listed sub-stats (no source overall numbers given)",{"dribbling":496,"pace":497,"shooting":498,"defending":499,"overall":233,"passing":500,"physicality":501},{"ballControl":131,"dribbling":129,"balance":163,"composure":131,"overall":129,"reactions":161,"agility":147},{"overall":129,"acceleration":233,"sprintSpeed":163},{"finishing":198,"shotPower":163,"penalties":156,"positioning":161,"overall":314,"longShots":233,"volleys":188},{"slidingTackle":317,"overall":192,"standingTackle":263,"defAwareness":161,"interceptions":233,"headingAccuracy":147},{"vision":192,"freeKickAccuracy":156,"longPassing":233,"curve":189,"shortPassing":130,"overall":255,"crossing":255},{"overall":145,"aggression":148,"jumping":223,"strength":165,"stamina":163},{"playerId":503,"number":504,"name":505,"position":112,"positionLabel":113,"age":225,"dateOfBirth":506,"caps":11,"club":507,"avatar":508,"bio":509,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":510},"cod_16",16,"Timothy Fayulu","1999-07-24","FC Noah","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002Ff6e6a7ae404ab89a645384357760c06deadbb7de\u002F560_127_769_769\u002F500.jpg","First called up in 2019 while emerging as one of the most promising goalkeepers in Switzerland, Fayulu was initially seen as the future of DR Congo. But he suddenly turned his back on the Leopards after accepting a Switzerland Under-20 call-up instead. He even went live on Instagram to defend his decision. Humiliated, DR Congo fans branded him a traitor. As his international prospects with Switzerland faded, Sébastien Desabre surprisingly recalled him four years later as a third-choice goalkeeper despite lingering hostility from supporters. Then came November’s Caf playoff against Nigeria. Thrown on specifically for the penalty shootout, he produced two decisive saves to send DR Congo to the intercontinental playoffs. Carried by his teammates after the match, the goalkeeper — who spent last season on loan in Armenia — completed one of the most unexpected redemption arcs. “Whether I play or not, when my country calls me, I’m always ready,” he said during Afcon.",{"physical":511,"crawlInfomation":513,"attributes":515},{"skillMoves":11,"weight":328,"weakFoot":11,"preferredFoot":328,"altPositions":512,"height":328},[],{"sourceTitle":514,"crawledAt":400,"source":401},"Timothy Fayulu — manually copied stat page; category overalls and card OVR approximated as averages of the listed sub-stats (no source overall numbers given)",{"gkAttributes":516,"overall":163},{"kicking":130,"reflexes":147,"diving":169,"handling":129,"speed":225,"positioning":129},{"playerId":518,"number":519,"name":520,"position":77,"positionLabel":78,"age":187,"dateOfBirth":521,"caps":11,"club":522,"avatar":523,"bio":524,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":525},"cod_17",17,"Cédric Bakambu","1991-04-11","Real Betis","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002F34158cc504ba991d369e8b799055d4388a4499c3\u002F1614_110_1488_1488\u002F500.jpg","Few players looked more emotional than Bakambu after the final whistle against Jamaica. When he chose to represent DR Congo in 2015 – during his peak years at Villarreal – he instantly became one of the country’s biggest stars. “Through football, I was able to reconnect with my roots,” he said. “When I arrived for my first call-up, I already knew there was excitement around the national team on social media. But the emotions I experienced in Kinshasa were on another level.” Since then, Bakambu has become far more than just the leader of the attack. He evolved into one of the main faces and ambassadors of the Leopards project. Behind the scenes, he also played a key role in convincing dual-national players to join DR Congo. After a decade marked by goals, heartbreak and near misses, Bakambu will finally play in his first World Cup at the age of 35 – and likely as a starter.",{"physical":526,"crawlInfomation":528,"attributes":530},{"skillMoves":51,"weight":419,"weakFoot":51,"preferredFoot":122,"altPositions":527,"height":124},[],{"crawledAt":529},"2026-06-13T15:07:14.055Z",{"dribbling":531,"pace":532,"shooting":533,"defending":534,"overall":149,"passing":535,"physicality":536},{"ballControl":155,"dribbling":155,"balance":163,"composure":166,"overall":155,"reactions":147,"agility":165},{"overall":148,"acceleration":149,"sprintSpeed":148},{"finishing":148,"shotPower":428,"penalties":148,"positioning":236,"overall":148,"longShots":168,"volleys":149},{"slidingTackle":79,"overall":284,"standingTackle":229,"defAwareness":228,"interceptions":157,"headingAccuracy":148},{"vision":131,"freeKickAccuracy":161,"longPassing":263,"curve":131,"shortPassing":155,"overall":163,"crossing":147},{"overall":163,"aggression":263,"jumping":236,"strength":147,"stamina":130},{"playerId":538,"number":539,"name":540,"position":95,"positionLabel":96,"age":79,"dateOfBirth":541,"caps":11,"club":542,"avatar":543,"bio":544,"goals":11,"assists":11,"playedMatches":11,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":545},"cod_18",18,"Charles Pickel","1997-05-15","Espanyol","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002Fcfaf9c3f71c113ef69a5d752132093a56ba4ba91\u002F1803_331_1082_1082\u002F500.jpg","Born and raised in Switzerland’s highly structured environment, Pickel was initially shocked by the organisational chaos during his first DR Congo call-up in 2021. For a while, it genuinely made him reconsider his international future. Two years later, however, he returned – and established himself as one of the most important figures in the Leopards midfield. “I almost never came back,” he joked upon his return. An energetic box-to-box midfielder with relentless stamina, Pickel lives with two very different personalities. Off the pitch, he is calm, friendly and constantly smiling. On it, he transforms into an aggressive, confrontational competitor who never backs down from a duel – the type of player who will happily go forehead-to-forehead with an opponent if needed.",{"physical":546,"crawlInfomation":550,"attributes":552},{"skillMoves":51,"weight":547,"weakFoot":51,"preferredFoot":122,"altPositions":548,"height":549},"76kg",[472],"187cm",{"crawledAt":551},"2026-06-13T15:07:18.123Z",{"dribbling":553,"pace":554,"shooting":555,"defending":556,"overall":169,"passing":557,"physicality":558},{"ballControl":147,"dribbling":163,"balance":131,"composure":147,"overall":166,"reactions":169,"agility":131},{"overall":192,"acceleration":130,"sprintSpeed":263},{"finishing":234,"shotPower":130,"penalties":255,"positioning":130,"overall":192,"longShots":130,"volleys":234},{"slidingTackle":129,"overall":131,"standingTackle":163,"defAwareness":129,"interceptions":163,"headingAccuracy":147},{"vision":155,"freeKickAccuracy":190,"longPassing":147,"curve":255,"shortPassing":145,"overall":163,"crossing":317},{"overall":151,"aggression":169,"jumping":146,"strength":160,"stamina":343},{"playerId":103,"number":560,"name":104,"position":77,"positionLabel":78,"age":87,"dateOfBirth":561,"caps":11,"club":562,"avatar":563,"bio":564,"goals":38,"assists":11,"playedMatches":51,"avgRating":11,"isKeyMember":118,"playerAttributes":565},19,"1994-06-24","Pyramids","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.guim.co.uk\u002Fdc848cb6112ca6111dd6f0657704fc39de9a6daf\u002F1251_751_959_960\u002F500.jpg","Born in Mbuji-Mayi, the diamond-rich city in south-central Congo, Mayele is one of the rare representatives of what Congolese people often call the “deep Congo” within the national team – players who were developed locally rather than abroad. Aggressive and blessed with a striker’s instinct, Mayele combines precise finishing with strong ball control and relentless intensity. After breaking through in DR Congo, he dominated the Tanzanian league to such an extent that he still enjoys cult status there. His move to Egypt with Pyramids elevated him further, culminating in the club’s historic Caf Champions League triumph in 2025, when he was named player of the year in African club football. Despite the growing recognition, Mayele remains known for his humility and work ethic. “When you start rising, people naturally talk about you,” he says. “What matters is staying focused, continuing to improve, and showing more every time. 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Being captain at that age says even more. Epolo’s rise at Standard Liège has been remarkably fast. Blessed with sharp reflexes, strong anticipation and unusual maturity for his age, Epolo represents a new generation of Belgian-Congolese dual nationals who chose DR Congo early rather than waiting for Belgium. “From the beginning, I knew I would choose Congo,” he told Le Soir. “I just had questions because, unlike the rest of my family, I had never been there.” One of the people who helped convince him was his childhood friend Noah Sadiki. If he fulfills his potential, Epolo is expected to become DR Congo’s long-term No 1. 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