AFCON 2023: 11 Players in Europe Who Could’ve Played for DR Congo in Ivory Coast

• The Democratic Republic of Congo have a deep pool of football talent
• Most of them opted to play for European teams like Belgium and France
• The Leopards reached the quarter-final of AFCON 2023 by defeating Egypt

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has been a spectacle.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, and Mauritania have been the stories of the tournament so far.

These nations have relied on their diaspora players, who've become floor raisers in Ivory Coast.

DR Congo sealed their place in the quarter-final after beating seven-time champions, Egypt in the Round of 16 on penalties. Their diaspora players have made their mark in the tournament.

However, the Leopards, just like Nigeria and Ghana, have a long list of elite talent that opted to play for another country despite having strong roots in these African countries.

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Romelu Lukaku is a perfect example. His father, Roger Lukaku, was born in DR Congo's capital, Kinshasa but his son decided to play for Belgium, per FIFA.

Sports Brief looks at other players with DR Congo roots who could have played in Ivory Coast.

DR Congo's diaspora XI

Goalkeeper: Steve Mandanda

Mandanda was born in Kinshasa but opted to play for France. He has made 35 appearances for the European giants and was part of the team that won the 2018 World Cup. The 38-year-old has made over 600 appearances for Olympique Marseille. He would still make the team in Ivory Coast.

RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The Manchester United right-back is arguably the best one-on-one defender in football. In November last year, he was reportedly offered a chance to represent DR Congo. He is yet to make an appearance for England.

CB: Presnel Kimbembe

The central defender has established himself at PSG and in the French national team. He wore DR Congo colours in the junior teams before playing for France. He won the 2018 World Cup with Les Bleus.

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CB: Axel Disasi

The 25-year-old Chelsea star has made five appearances for France. With stiff competition in the French team, it won't be surprising to see Disasi switch his allegiance to DR Congo.

LB: Pierre Kalulu

The AC Milan centre-back can also play at left-back. The 23-year-old has made three appearances for France but will have to compete with several top-class players who all want a starting spot.

MF: Youri Tielemans

The Aston Villa midfielder has established himself in the Premier League and the Belgian national team. The former Leicester City star has made 65 appearances for the Red Devils.

MF: Denis Zakaria

The Monaco star has established himself in the Swiss national team. He has represented them in the European Championship and the World Cup.

LW: Randal Kolo Muani

The forward has established himself at Paris Saint-Germain and in the France national team. He played in the World Cup final alongside Kylian Mbappe in Qatar last year.

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RW: Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku was reportedly close to playing for DR Congo but opted to suit up for France. He has since made 10 appearances for the two-time World Cup winners. Injuries have plagued the Chelsea star's career.

ST: Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku is arguably the best player with Congolese roots. He is Belgium's all-time top scorer and has played for some of Europe's biggest clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Inter Milan.

ST: Christian Benteke

Benteke played several seasons in the Premier League for Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace. He played 45 times for the Belgian Red Devils and currently plays for DC United in the MLS.

Substitutes: Abel Tamata, Christian Kabasele, Jason Denayer, Terence Kongolo, Benik Afobe, Neeskens Kebano, Jordan Lukaku, Britt Assombalonga

All stats courtesy of Transfermarkt.

Lukaku lauds DR Congo

Sports Brief also reported on Romelu Lukaku celebrating DR Congo's win over Egypt in the AFCON 2023 knockouts.

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The AS Roma star shared his message through Instagram shortly after the Leopards' spot in the last 8 was confirmed.

DR Congo will face Guinea in the quarter-final later this week, with a place in the semi-final of the tourney at stake.