Now everyone wants to play for DR Congo: Ex-EPL star fond of Leopards
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 25.11.25. | 19:09
After initially turning down DR Congo's offer to join them, Leicester City's Stephy Mavididi allegedly changed his mind once the Leopards came one step from reaching the World Cup
When were you when we were nobody? - wonder the officials from the Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA) after the news from England reached them a couple of days ago.
Leicester City midfielder Stephy Mavididi reportedly wants to switch his national team allegiance and join the Leopards in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
At first glance, it's not so odd. Although the 27-year-old was born in Derby, England, his parents are of Congolese origin. Furthermore, he moved through the Three Lions youth categories, but never got a chance to debut for either the U-21 or the senior squad.
Hence, he meets the requirements to become a member of the Leopards. After all, West Ham and Burnley defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe had done the same and played vital roles in the African national team's recent successes.
🚨 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗗𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗢, 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗛𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗜 𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗛𝗔𝗗 𝗔 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧. 🥶🐆🇨🇩
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 21, 2025
The Leicester winger now says he is ready to represent the Leopards and change his international allegiance from England. 🫣
According to… pic.twitter.com/oKXCYO26Dx
However, Mavididi's case wouldn't have drawn so much attention if he hadn't previously rejected the Congolese offer to join their crew. And now, when Sebastien Desabre's lads are only one step away from the unbelievable achievement and their first World Cup after 52 years, the midfielder suddenly experienced a change of heart.
Coincidence?
