Théo Bongonda #10

Profile

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.

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