Yoane Wissa is a forward or left winger . He plays for Newcastle United in the Premier League. He was born in France but represents the DR Congo at international level. He was born on September 3, 1996.
Wissa came through the Châteauroux academy in France and started his senior career there in 2015. After a spell at Angers, he moved to Lorient in 2018. He was part of the Lorient team that won the Ligue 2 title in the 2019-20 season. After one season in Ligue 1, he joined Brentford in 2021. He spent four seasons at Brentford before moving to Newcastle United in 2025.
Wissa got his first call-up to the DR Congo national team in October 2020 for a pair of friendly matches. He scored his first two international goals in his second and third caps, one in a friendly and one in a World Cup qualifier against Morocco.
He was part of the DR Congo squad that qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and was named in the squad for the tournament finals. He played in every match and scored two goals as the team reached the third-place play-off, where they lost on penalties to South Africa. His performances earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
On May 19, 2026, he was named in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the opening group match against Portugal, he scored DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal in a 1-1 draw, earning the country its first-ever point in the tournament.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Yoane Wissa
DR Congo’s First-Ever World Cup Goalscorer
Wissa etched his name into his nation’s history books. In DR Congo’s World Cup opener against Portugal, he scored a delicate header in first-half stoppage time. It was the first time the country had ever scored at a World Cup, ending a 52-year drought dating back to 1974 when they appeared as Zaire. Pure historical significance.
Survived a Terrifying Acid Attack in 2021
In July 2021, just before his move to Brentford, Wissa’s life took a harrowing turn. A woman posing as a fan came to his home asking for an autograph. Later that night, she returned and threw acid in his face. The motive? To kidnap his newborn daughter. He suffered severe burns to his eyes and needed emergency surgery. A nightmare.
Talented Rugby Player Who Had to Choose
Before focusing on football, Wissa was a very promising rugby player from age 11 to 15, even competing in the French school championship. His teachers said he could reach a high level in rugby. But his father insisted: “For him, it was just football.” So he chose football. A decision that changed his life forever.
Thought He’d Be a Policeman, Not a Footballer
Growing up, Wissa never imagined himself as a professional footballer. He thought he’d be an “ordinary guy,” maybe a policeman. He didn’t even believe football was a realistic dream. He only began to think he could be good at age 16, considered late, when he entered an academy. A humble mindset.
Started His Career as a Goalkeeper
Despite being a prolific goalscorer now, Wissa began his football journey as a goalkeeper. He played in that position for his hometown club in Épinay-sous-Sénart, France. He later moved to midfield and then finally to the forward line. Patience paid off.
FAQs
Q. Which clubs has Yoane Wissa played for?
A. Yoane Wissa played for Châteauroux, Angers, Lorient, Brentford, and Newcastle United.
Q. Which country does Yoane Wissa represent?
A. Yoane Wissa represents DR Congo at international level.
Q. What did Yoane Wissa achieve at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations?
A. Wissa helped DR Congo reach the third-place play-off. He was also named in the Team of the Tournament.
Q. What trophy did Yoane Wissa win with Lorient?
A. Wissa helped Lorient win the Ligue 2 title in the 2019-20 season.
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