Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the proficient right-back currently playing for West Ham United, has officially declared his allegiance to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) on the international football stage. This decision marks a significant turning point in his career, shifting his international focus from England, where he represented the youth teams, to his ancestral homeland. The DR Congo national team, known as the Leopards, has wasted no time in integrating Wan-Bissaka into their ranks, including him in the 27-man squad for upcoming international friendly matches against Mali and Madagascar. These matches, scheduled for June 5th and 8th, 2025, at the Stade de la Source in Orléans, France, offer Wan-Bissaka his first opportunity to don the Congolese jersey at the senior level.
Wan-Bissaka’s decision adds a significant boost to the Leopards’ defensive line. His experience in the highly competitive English Premier League, first with Manchester United and now West Ham, brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and defensive prowess to the squad. His inclusion underscores the DR Congo’s commitment to building a formidable team capable of competing at the highest level of international football. The right-back position, now fortified by Wan-Bissaka’s presence, adds depth and strengthens the team’s overall defensive structure.
The DR Congo squad announced by head coach Sébastien Desabre is a blend of experience and emerging talent, primarily drawn from European leagues. Alongside Wan-Bissaka, the defensive line features established names like Arthur Masuaku of Beşiktaş, Axel Tuanzebe, currently playing for Ipswich Town, Chancel Mbemba from Olympique de Marseille, and Joris Kayembe of Genk. This assembly of defensive talent signifies the team’s ambition to create a solid and reliable backline, capable of thwarting opposing attacks.
The squad also boasts an impressive attacking contingent, including players like Yoane Wissa from Brentford, Cédric Bakambu of Real Betis, and Charles Pickel, who plays for Cremonese. Their inclusion adds attacking firepower to the Leopards, promising an exciting and dynamic approach in the upcoming friendlies. This blend of defensive solidity and attacking prowess sets the stage for a compelling display of football as the DR Congo prepare for future competitive fixtures.
These friendly matches serve a crucial purpose in the DR Congo’s preparations for upcoming tournaments. They provide an invaluable opportunity for Coach Desabre to assess the team’s dynamics, experiment with tactical formations, and solidify the squad’s cohesion. The games against Mali and Madagascar offer ideal platforms to fine-tune strategies and integrate new players like Wan-Bissaka seamlessly into the team’s structure. The experience gained from these matches will be instrumental in shaping the team’s approach for future competitive fixtures.
The addition of Aaron Wan-Bissaka signifies a notable strengthening of the DR Congo national team. His experience, defensive abilities, and commitment to representing his ancestral homeland inject renewed energy and ambition into the squad. The upcoming friendly matches offer a glimpse into the team’s potential and mark a crucial step in their preparations for future challenges on the international stage. Under the guidance of Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards appear poised to make their mark in African football, with Wan-Bissaka playing a key role in their pursuit of success.
