Mpasi: From abandoned goalkeeper to hero who captivated the world
Democratic Republic of the Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made a name for himself at the 2026 World Cup. From the lower leagues, he reached a career-defining performance against England and a moment of solidarity with Bellingham.

Lionel Mpasi went from being an abandoned goalkeeper for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to a heroic performance at the 2026 World Cup. After years of struggle in the lower leagues and without a contract, he revived his career at Rodez AF, where he became a key player. In the lineup of Rodez AF, he consistently played in Ligue 2 and helped the team stay in the second French league.



















