DR Congo: Mavididi, Makengo… who are the 12 newcomers with the Léopards?

Jorthy Mokio – Midfielder (Ajax)

DR Congo has just made a fine move with Jorthy Mokio, securing him from Belgium — his country of birth — at only 18 years old. A defensive midfielder by training, he has a solid grounding that allows him to keep the ball as long as he wants without losing it, all combined with excellent vision of the game to guide and vary phases of possession. A left-footer, he is also capable of playing as a left-back.

Kevin Pedro – Right-back (Saint-Etienne)

While Aaron Wan-Bissaka has often performed well since joining the Leopards, the 28-year-old defender now faces pressure from a youngster who will push him to excel. That is Kevin Pedro, trained at Saint-Etienne, who is making an interesting start with the A team of the Stéphanois this season in Ligue 2 (5 matches). A top sprinter (clocked at 32 km/h this season), he possesses quite impressive technical quality for a defender, with 84% pass accuracy per match, 76% of which are in the opponent's half — a testament to his contribution beyond his main role. With 4.4 balls recovered per match on average, 1.2 interceptions, and 3.4 tackles, Kevin Pedro is just as solid defensively.

Stanis Idumbo – Midfielder / Winger (Monaco)

He is one of the pleasant surprises at the start of the season for AS Monaco. At 21 years old, Stanis Idumbo has the confidence of Filipe Luis, and he repays his coach with strong on-field performances. A midfielder by training, he is also an effective winger thanks to his speed and ability to make a difference in one-on-one situations. Against PSG last week, Idumbo scored his first goal of the season during AS Monaco's victory (2-1) at the Parc des Princes, and that clearly did not escape Sebastien Desabre’s notice.

Read also: World Cup 2026: Arthur Masuaku recalls the epic of DR Congo

Anthony Musaba – Winger (Norwich)

Born in Beunigen, Netherlands, Anthony Musaba will represent DR Congo internationally. A natural left winger, he's already a mature attacker (25 years old), capable of playing as a center forward or right winger given he is comfortable with both feet. Thanks to his running ability, he can carry the ball over long distances, resist defenders, play in tight spaces, and shoot from long range. This variety will be a real asset for the Leopards. Musaba has 1 goal and 1 assist in 6 matches with Norwich (Championship), where he is on loan from Fenerbahçe.

Ezechiel Banzuzi – Midfielder (Leipzig)

At 21, Ezechiel Banzuzi has also chosen to represent DR Congo rather than the Netherlands, his country of birth. A midfielder, he is comfortable on the ball in transition phases and is very generous in his effort. His physique makes him unstoppable in duels while his burst of speed allows him to outpace opponents and cross during offensive plays.

Jordy Makengo – Left-back (Freiburg)

A left-back, Jordy Makengo, who is a starter in Freiburg’s defense, has chosen DR Congo. At 25 years old, the Saint-Denis native — strong in duels (72% won) — will be a huge asset for the Leopards’ defense. Trained at Auxerre, he has the ability to repeat his efforts without exposing himself and is indispensable in aerial play thanks to his imposing size (1.91m).

Stephy Mavididi – Left winger (Watford)

There have been missed opportunities between him and DR Congo, but this time, Stephy Mavididi (28 years old) will finally play for the Leopards. Strong on the ball with good technical qualities, the Watford attacker (Championship), who previously played for Leicester City, will bring his experience to reinforce the Leopards’ offensive line.

Willy Kambwala – Central defender (Como)

On loan at Como from Villarreal this season, Willy Kambwala (22 years old) is a choice for the future of DR Congo. This is the reason behind his selection, even though he has not played a single minute this season. But Desabre must have followed the player, trained at Sochaux and who went through the youth teams at Manchester United, during his spell with the Yellow Submarine (Villarreal), where he had an impressive 2024/25 season (19 matches).

Junior Kadile – Left winger (Lens)

Loaned to RC Lens by Servette FC this summer, Junior Kadile (23 years old) is discovering Ligue 1 with the Sang et Or. Bewildering thanks to his dribbling and dazzling with his runs, Kadile is a dynamic profile for the Leopards’ attack, especially since he can play in any attacking position, making him even more unpredictable.

Paris Maghoma – Midfielder (Norwich)

Born in London, England, Paris Maghoma will wear the DR Congo colors, the country of his parents’ origin. Right-footed, he is just as comfortable with his left, boasting enticing technical quality, an impressive ability to change direction, and a powerful shot. Intelligent in his movement, he always ventures into the right areas, offering the best options for his teammates, and will be a much-needed addition to the Leopards’ midfield.

Brandon Ndezi – Midfielder (Dijon)

At 26, Brandon Ndezi is an effective defensive midfielder at Dijon. He is the conduit through which all the defensive transitions of his team operate. A left-footer, he has the technical ease to keep the ball under pressure — though sometimes he can get carried away while dribbling — to find the best passing angle. Thanks to his proactive attitude after losing the ball, he recovers many balls (4.0 on average this season).

Noah Mbamba – Defensive midfielder (Lorient)

On loan from Bayer Leverkusen to Lorient this season, Noah Mbamba is discovering Ligue 1 with Les Merlus and already has 2 appearances in the French championship, including a very strong performance in the (1-0) win over RC Lens. Also ambidextrous, the 21-year-old boasts sensational running ability and a fine vision of the game. His passes between the lines are proof, with major room for growth. With DR Congo, he has the chance to develop and improve while playing international matches to gain experience.