Cédric Bakambu: Galatasaray Striker Tackles Poor Living Conditions in Homeland of DR Congo

• Cédric Bakambu has formed a foundation in DR Congo to tackle poverty
• The 32-year-old was 'morally devastated' on his recent trip back home
• The Galatasaray striker also recently received an award from FIFPRO

Galatasaray striker, Cédric Bakambu has taken profound steps to address the poor living conditions in his homeland.

The French-born Democratic Republic of Congo national has established the Cedric Bakambu Foundation, an organisation dedicated to advancing education in literacy, health, new technology, sports, and the country's history.

On November 23, Bakambu received the prestigious 'Player Impact Award' from the Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) for his outstanding humanitarian efforts.

The organisation's jury commented on Bakumbu's award, as reported by North Africa Post:

“When doing something for society, it should benefit the community rather than the individual. Cedric is using sport and his foundation to support education, regardless of who these people are or what they do. It is all about making people inclusive in society."

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The jury praised the foundation’s commitment to community-focused initiatives, stressing the inclusive nature of its work which goes beyond individual gain.

Founded in 2019, the Cedric Bakambu Foundation has undertaken various initiatives, including funding a visceral cancer and endocrine surgery research project in France that benefited a hospital in Kinshasa.

Bakambu's motivation stems from a deep reflection on his opportunities and the realisation that countless children in DR Congo face dire circumstances.

"I was 23 and I was shocked by the appalling living conditions of countless children. I was stunned, physically and morally devastated, by so much misery, by that inescapable begging I remember my thoughts then turned to my parents,” the 32-year-old told FIFPRO.

During the award ceremony at FIFPRO's annual general assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, the striker declared his devotion to providing opportunities for deprived children in DR Congo.

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Sports Brief previously reported on Bakambu ranking among the most expensive African footballers ever to make a transfer after joining Chinese outfit, Beijing Guoan.

He switched from Villarreal on the final day of the Chinese transfer window in February 2018, with the club reportedly paying a release clause of around €40 million.