5 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Yoane Wissa
He scored the goal that gave DR Congo their first World Cup point in 52 years, against a Portugal side led by Cristiano Ronaldo. For a player who started his career a continent away from the international spotlight, Yoane Wissa's journey to that moment in Houston has been quietly remarkable. Here are five facts about him worth knowing.
He Started His Career as a Goalkeeper
Long before he became one of the most reliable Premier League goalscorers of his generation, Wissa began playing football as a goalkeeper at the age of seven for his hometown club, Épinay-sous-Sénart. He later moved into midfield before eventually settling into the forward line — a journey through almost every position on the pitch before he found the role that would define his career.
He Represents DR Congo Despite Being Born in France
Wissa was born in Épinay-sous-Sénart, France, of Congolese descent, and chose to represent DR Congo at international level rather than France. That decision has paid off in the most dramatic way possible — helping guide DR Congo to their first World Cup appearance since 1974, and then scoring the equaliser against Portugal in their opening match of the tournament.
He Spent Nine Years at the Same Academy Before Turning Professional
Wissa spent nine years in the academy at Épinay-sous-Sénart, along with a one-year spell at Linas-Montlhéry, before beginning his senior career at LB Châteauroux in the French third tier. He scored nine times in 20 matches for the reserve side before earning seven goals in 23 first-team appearances — numbers that eventually opened the door to a move to Ligue 1 side Angers in 2016.
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He Built His Premier League Reputation Through a Striker's Ban, Not His Own Form Alone
Wissa's breakthrough as Brentford's starting centre-forward came partly by circumstance — he stepped into the role after Ivan Toney's eight-month ban from all footballing activity. He made the most of the opportunity, finishing that season with 12 Premier League goals, and went on to record a personal-best 19 league goals in the 2024-25 campaign while developing a productive partnership with fellow attacker Bryan Mbeumo.
His Move to Newcastle Was Driven by a Managerial Change, Not Money
Wissa has been candid about why he left Brentford for Newcastle after four productive years in west London. He revealed that the move had been informally agreed even before he departed Brentford, but explained that the situation changed when long-serving manager Thomas Frank left the club. Despite holding respectful, lengthy conversations with Brentford's ownership — including a two-hour meeting with the club's owner — Wissa made clear he felt he had earned the right to pursue a new challenge after a season in which he scored 20 goals without a single penalty. He left Brentford with 49 goals in 149 appearances across all competitions, and within a year of arriving at Newcastle, he had already delivered one of DR Congo's most significant moments on the international stage.
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