Who leads the pack among DR Congo’s finest athletes?
From the local leagues to the global stage, which Congolese stars shine the brightest?
Explore the most popular soccer players from DR Congo and learn how they have left their mark on the beautiful game.
Also, check out this article for a broader look at the most popular athletes from DR Congo.
Most popular soccer players from DR Congo:
- Yannick Bolasie
- Dieumerci Mbokani
- Chancel Mbemba
- Cedric Bakambu
- Youssouf Mulumbu
- Gael Kakuta
- Neeskens Kebano
- Marcel Tisserand
- Trésor Mputu
- Paul-José Mpoku
- Fabrice N’Sakala
Table of Contents
#1 Yannick Bolasie
- Born in: 1989
- Biggest Achievement: Premier League appearances with Crystal Palace and Everton
Yannick Bolasie, a skillful winger, is highly regarded for his dribbling and creativity on the field. Born in France, he chose to represent DR Congo internationally, making a significant impact on their national team.
Bolasie’s flair and exciting style of play have made him a fan favorite wherever he goes.
#2 Dieumerci Mbokani
- Born in: 1985
- Biggest Achievement: Belgian Pro League top scorer in 2013 and 2019
Dieumerci Mbokani, a powerful striker, has enjoyed a successful career both domestically and internationally. He is known for his goal-scoring exploits, particularly in the Belgian Pro League and for the DR Congo national team.
Mbokani’s strength, aerial ability, and finishing make him a key player for any team he represents.
#3 Chancel Mbemba
- Born in: 1994
- Biggest Achievement: Winning the Primeira Liga with FC Porto in 2020
Chancel Mbemba, a versatile defender, has made a name for himself with his solid performances both at club level and for the DR Congo national team. His ability to play as a center-back and right-back has made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Mbemba’s strong defensive skills and leadership qualities have earned him a well-deserved place among DR Congo’s most popular soccer players.
#4 Cedric Bakambu
- Born in: 1991
- Biggest Achievement: Chinese Super League top scorer in 2018
Cedric Bakambu, a prolific forward, burst onto the scene with his goal-scoring record in the Chinese Super League. Born in France, Bakambu chose to represent DR Congo on the international stage, where he has become a key player for the national team.
His pace, shooting ability, and consistency in front of goal are just some of the attributes that make Bakambu one of DR Congo’s most popular soccer players.
#5 Youssouf Mulumbu
- Born in: 1987
- Biggest Achievement: West Bromwich Albion Player of the Year in 2011
Youssouf Mulumbu, a tenacious defensive midfielder, has made a name for himself with his tireless work rate and intelligent positioning. He has been a key player for clubs such as West Bromwich Albion and Kilmarnock, as well as for the DR Congo national team.
Mulumbu’s leadership and commitment on the field have endeared him to fans and teammates alike, making him one of the country’s most popular soccer players.
#6 Gael Kakuta
- Born in: 1991
- Biggest Achievement: Coupe de France with RC Lens in 2021
Gael Kakuta, an attacking midfielder, has showcased his creativity and dribbling skills with clubs in various European leagues. Born in France, Kakuta chose to represent DR Congo internationally, becoming an influential player for their national team.
Kakuta’s vision, technical ability, and flair make him an exciting talent to watch and a popular figure among DR Congo’s soccer fans.
#7 Neeskens Kebano
- Born in: 1992
- Biggest Achievement: Promotion to the Premier League with Fulham in 2020
Neeskens Kebano, a talented winger with a knack for scoring crucial goals, has played a key role in his clubs’ successes. Born in France, he made the choice to represent DR Congo internationally, adding depth to their attacking options.
Kebano’s speed, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring instincts have earned him a place among DR Congo’s most popular soccer players.
#8 Marcel Tisserand
- Born in: 1993
- Biggest Achievement: Regular appearances in the Turkish Super Lig with Fenerbahce
Marcel Tisserand, a versatile defender capable of playing center-back and right-back positions, has built a strong reputation for his defensive qualities. Born in France, Tisserand chose to represent DR Congo, solidifying the national team’s backline.
His determination, reading of the game, and tackling ability make Tisserand an asset to his teams and a popular figure among DR Congo’s soccer fans.
#9 Trésor Mputu
- Born in: 1985
- Biggest Achievement: African Footballer of the Year runner-up in 2009
Trésor Mputu, a highly skilled attacking midfielder, is widely regarded as one of DR Congo’s finest talents. He has spent the majority of his career with TP Mazembe, where he has enjoyed domestic and continental success.
Mputu’s vision and creative abilities have made him a standout performer for both club and country, becoming one of DR Congo’s most popular soccer players.
#10 Paul-José Mpoku
- Born in: 1992
- Biggest Achievement: Regular appearances in the Belgian Pro League with Standard Liège
Paul-José Mpoku, a skillful winger and attacking midfielder, is known for his technical ability and goalscoring prowess. Having come through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, he went on to make a name for himself in Belgium.
Mpoku has represented DR Congo with distinction, becoming an important player for the national team and one of the country’s most popular soccer stars.
#11 Fabrice N’Sakala
- Born in: 1990
- Biggest Achievement: Turkish Super Lig champion with Beşiktaş in 2021
Fabrice N’Sakala, a reliable left-back known for his defensive prudence and energetic playing style, has enjoyed success in various European leagues. Born in France, he chose to represent DR Congo internationally, strengthening their defensive ranks.
N’Sakala’s determination and consistent performances have made him an appreciated figure among DR Congo’s soccer fans and a key player for the national team.
FAQ
Who is the greatest soccer player in the history of DR Congo?
Mulamba Ndaye is widely recognized as the greatest soccer player in DR Congo’s history.
Who is the most famous female soccer player from DR Congo?
Luvabu Nzinga is the most renowned female soccer player from DR Congo.
Which soccer player from DR Congo is the most recognized internationally?
Yannick Bolasie, mainly because of his performances in the English Premier League, is the most internationally recognized soccer player from DR Congo.
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