'It's Time to Shine a Light on African Football': Axel Tuanzebe on Inspiring the Next Generation

Axel Tuanzebe of Congo DR controls the ball during the AFCON Group C match between Algeria and DR Congo at Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco on January 6, 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images Today, the Democratic Republic of Congo's men's soccer team, Les Léopards , makes its first appearance in the World Cup's knockout round, taking on traditional powerhouse England. The significance is obvious to everyone in the team and the country's orbit, including defender Axel Tuanzebe . "For too long, African football has been in the shadows and been disregarded," Tuanzebe said. "It's time to shine a light on it". Today's contest may represent a symbol of achievement for many, but for Axel Tuanzebe, it's an act of purpose — a declaration of identity and an embrace of his Congolese heritage. Tuanzebe was born in the DR Congo and moved to England as a kid before rising through the ranks of Manchester United's academy to compete in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League for the Red Devils. He later helped Aston Villa and Ipswich Town earn promotion to the Premier League, before most recently featuring for Burnley this past season. After playing for England up to the U21 level, Tuanzebe made the decision to represent his country of birth, making his international debut for the DR Congo in 2024. In the conversation below, part of the By Way of Africa series, Tuanzebe discusses the sacrifices his parents made in moving to the UK, his decision to represent the DR Congo, and his hopes for Africa's next generation. *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The conversation took place in November 2025. Mary Omatiga: Axel, you were born in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I know you grew up surrounded by family. What are some of your earliest memories of life in the Congo? Axel Tuanzebe: Just playful. I remember always having friends over, playing with my siblings. I was really young, so there's not much to remember, unfortunately, but I'm always reminded through photos my parents kept, and just seeing that life there was good. It's something that I always carry with me — to always remember my heritage and where I'm from. You and your family moved to the UK when you were four. What do you remember most about that transition, especially not speaking English yet? Tuanzebe: The transition was quite smooth. I think that the friendly nature of where we were positioned — we ended up living in Rochdale, which is a couple of miles north of Manchester — really helped. The school I went to, St. John's, had incredible people and teachers. I'm still in contact with them today. They made that transition for my family and me very smooth. I love trying to give back and going to see them. I've heard you say that football felt like an “international language.” How did the game help you adapt to a new culture and environment? Tuanzebe: It definitely helped me to integrate. Being able to play good football at a young age, you just meet new people, make new friends, and people are always welcoming. I ended up joining a local club, and through football, I was able to express myself, and I've made lifetime friends through that club. These early relationships are still with me to this day, and I still cherish them because I think they're really important. They helped me become the person that I am today. Moving countries is never easy. What sacrifices did you watch your parents make, and how did that shape your mentality as an athlete, especially regarding hard work? Tuanzebe: The sacrifice is leaving their entire world behind — what they knew — and having to learn something new and be strong for us children to have better opportunities in life, and ultimately, it's paid off. I'm so grateful for my parents, because without them, I wouldn't be in the position I am today. I'll be forever grateful for the amount of support they've given us to have better opportunities in life. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool battles for the ball with Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) Getty Images With that being said, what does it mean for you to be in the position that you are in today, playing English football at the top level? Tuanzebe: I think my dad is the most proud. When he talks about it, he's always got a smile on his face because he sacrificed a lot — all of the trips to training, the amount of vehicles we went through because of the mileage we stacked up going to training — he was there every step of the way. He was hypercritical when I was younger, but he's eased up now, and he's always pushed my brother and me in football to make it as far as we could. It's paid off, and he's reaping the rewards now. He's a very happy man. Why did you choose to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo at the national level, and what does it mean to you personally to represent the nation? Tuanzebe: It's where I'm from first and foremost. I also wanted to [inspire] more players to play for their original heritage. My mannerisms and way of life are still Congolese. My culture is still Congolese, and I want to represent where I'm from. I think a lot of players can be sort of afraid to step into something different — something that they're not used to. But when they see someone they've known or grown up with doing it, it encourages them a little bit more to go ahead and do it. My decision was about wanting to lift African football, because there are a lot of talented players who choose to play for European teams. I've had the opportunity to play for European teams, so I can understand the incentives, but ultimately, we want to level the playing field and really showcase what Africa can do . I think for too long, it's been in the shadows and been disregarded, and it's time to shine a light on it. ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - MARCH 31: Axel Tuanzebe of Congo DR heads the ball against Renaldo Cephas of Jamaica during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off tournament final match between Congo DR and Jamaica at Estadio Guadalajara on March 31, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) FIFA via Getty Images What do you want young athletes in Africa to take away from your journey? Tuanzebe: Just to be brave, knowing who you are and going for what you desire. I think where there's a will, there's a way, and for sure, a bit of luck in there, but opportunities come from what you make of it. So step out into the world and do what you can. African players have continued to make an impact in the Premier League. What does it mean to you to get to be part of that legacy? Tuanzebe: I always hear [former] players talking about it. I understand that there can be a little bit of frustration as well. I remember seeing Mikel John Obi frustrated about players when they don't have the opportunity to play for, let's say, England, for example, and then choosing their African heritage after that. I can understand the frustration, but I still think the growth of what it could mean for the nation — having those players come in to represent, encourage others, and shine a light on African football — is so important. It helps improve facilities and can improve opportunities for young Africans to get into football and play at the top level. HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 17: Axel Tuanzebe #4 of DR Congo advances the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Congo DR at Houston Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Joe Buvid/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) ISI Photos via Getty Images Editor’s Note: By Way of Africa is a series committed to highlighting the talent and stories from the African continent and its diaspora. African stories are worth telling, and the culture—all of the languages, tribes, and traditions—is worth celebrating. Embedded in these narratives is a profound testament to the diligence, discipline, and work ethic deeply ingrained in African heritage. Whether born on the continent or dispersed across the globe, the contributions of these stories to society resound uniquely, by way of Africa.