Yoane Wissa #20

Profile

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.

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