The fall of a Cameroonian-born star with questionable age

Three days ago it was just a rumor — today it’s official: Youssoufa Moukoko, once hailed as one of Europe’s brightest attacking prospects, has signed for FC Copenhagen.

The Danish club confirmed that the 5-year contract was finalized with Borussia Dortmund, who will receive 5 million euros upfront. An additional 2 millions could be paid in easily attainable performance bonuses.

Moukoko, once considered a generational talent, rose to fame between 2017 and 2020 when he smashed records in Dortmund’s youth ranks. Playing for the U17s, he scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 matches; for the U19s, he netted 47 times in just 25 games.

Back then, the Cameroonian-born striker was surrounded by media hype. Dortmund promoted him to the senior squad, and he scored his first professional goal before turning 17. But instead of a steady rise, his development stalled.

Then came controversy. Reports emerged claiming that his father Joseph was in fact his stepfather, and that Moukoko may have been born not in 2004, but in 2000. While that matter was never fully resolved, the damage was done.

Doubts cast a long shadow over his reputation. Clubs that once chased him — Chelsea, Barcelona, Tottenham — backed off. His market value plummeted from 30 million euros to just 10 millions. After a lackluster loan spell at Nice, Dortmund ultimately accepted a much lower transfer fee. The silver lining? They cleared 6 millions in wages from their books.

What can Copenhagen expect from Moukoko? That remains to be seen. For Danish football, he’s an eye-catching addition — in fact, if the bonuses kick in, he’ll become the most expensive signing in league history, surpassing Liverpool goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. But hopes of making a future profit on the player may be unrealistic.

Especially since one question still lingers in the background — is he 20, or actually 24?