Aaron Wan-Bissaka plays for DR Congo
West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has said that pride in his roots influenced his decision to play for the Democratic Republic of Congo national team.
According to him, his parents hail from the African country, and despite his ties with England, he grew up in a Congolese community, so he felt it was right to represent Congo.
The former Manchester United defender disclosed that the delay in playing for Congo was because he wanted to wait for the right time to make such a crucial decision, one that has paid off in his career.
2025 AFCON: Late Appollis penalty fires South Africa into knockout stages
“Because it is my country, where my parents come from, I grew up in a Congolese household. I am proud to represent it. I wanted to join the national team when I was ready. Only I know when I am ready and not when others decide. And at that moment, I thought it was the right time,” he told BBC Africa.
Wan-Bissaka has been an integral part of the Congolese team that beat Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs and now awaits the final match to determine their fate.
He has also been a pivotal member of the squad that reached the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they will face Algeria on January 5, 2025.
It is worth noting that the defender represented England at the youth levels; U20, but decided to switch his nationality allegiance to DR Congo.
Read his comment below:
Aaron Wan Bissaka opens up on why he chose to represent DR Congo.
Very interesting admission.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/CowAnB3orJ
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) January 4, 2026
SB/AE
Meanwhile, watch as Rev. Owusu-Bempah drops major prophecies for 2026
