Arthur Masuaku #26

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Congolese fans have a very particular relationship with Masuaku, nicknamed “Le Têtu National” – roughly, “the nation’s stubborn man.” The former West Ham defender rarely smiles and his strong personality has long divided opinion. But behind the stern expression lies one of the most technically gifted players in the squad. Tricks, composure, unexpected passes and occasionally moments of brilliance, like the outrageous free-kick he scored at Afcon 2023. In 2018, Masuaku famously walked out of a DR Congo camp alongside Gaël Kakuta, frustrated by poor organisation around the team. “I have a problem with people who justify these issues by saying: ‘That’s just how Congo is.’ Are we forced to stay mediocre?” he later said. Years later, he acknowledged the progress made around the Leopards setup: “Today, it feels good that people finally see us as a serious nation.”

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