Noah Sadiki: The new heart of a Congolese renaissance 

Always smiling, talkative and with a lively sparkle in his eyes, Noah Sadiki captivates as much with his personality as he does with his football. Born in the outskirts of Brussels, the 21-year-old has quickly become a central figure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) midfield.

From the Under-21 level, Sadiki committed to represent DR Congo, the homeland of his parents, a decision driven by identity and pride.“It was a personal choice,” Sadiki explains, speaking to CAFOnline.

“I don’t force anyone to follow the same path. I made the decision with a clear conscience. Today, many young players want to help their countries, like Ibrahim Mbaye with Senegal or Brahim Díaz with Morocco. Being here is both a pride and a pleasure. When I was a child, I watched almost every DR Congo match,” he adds.

A journey shaped by values

Sadiki’s path has not been without challenges. He was raised in an environment where football played a central role. His father Francis runs an academy near Brussels, while his mother provided constant support and stability. 

A combination of this two – a football mad dad, and a massively supportive mum – enabled Sadiki to learn the importance of striking a balance between passion and discipline. Beyond talent, his choice to drape in the Congolese jersey was one made from the heart.

“Family has always been at the centre of my journey,” he says. “My father guides me, my mother encourages me. When I play, I think about them and about everyone who didn’t get the opportunities I had. I want to give them the chance to dream.”

For Francis, watching his son turn out for DR Congo and give the performances he has shown so far is a source of both pride and responsibility.

“He is the product of a strict upbringing combined with the freedom Western society offers young people,” his father reflects. 

“Every time he steps onto the pitch, I remind him: represent those who didn’t get your chance. Noah comes from nowhere. I want him to become a role model,” a proud dad states.

Rising through European football

Before establishing himself with DR Congo, Sadiki had already shown exceptional qualities at club level. Developed at his father’s academy, he progressed rapidly through Belgium’s youth teams, where his technique and vision stood out.

His move to the English Premier League with Sunderland, where he has earned a regular starting role, confirmed his potential. Quick, composed and capable of building play under pressure, Sadiki embodies a rare blend of creativity and defensive discipline.

“Noah brings the freshness and boldness we look for in midfield,” head coach Sébastien Desabre says. 

“He never hides, takes responsibility and can play out even under pressure. His decision-making is fast in thought and execution. At 21, he already has the calmness of a veteran,” the coach adds.

Praise also flows from his teammates.

His rise is not only felt by his parents, coaches and fans, but teammates as well.

“Noah gives us energy and joy on the pitch. He’s very serious in his work, but he knows how to lift the atmosphere. When he’s there, you know the ball is in safe feet,” says Gaël Kakuta, one of the most experienced players in the squad.

Striker Cédric Bakambu adds; “He always finds the right pass, even in tight spaces. He’s a real asset for us.”

This ability to handle pressure and connect defence to attack has made Sadiki a key figure for the Leopards. His tactical intelligence and maturity belie his age, underlining why Desabre values his versatility and his ability to dictate the tempo.

Under the Rabat spotlight

On Tuesday, at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Sadiki will step into the spotlight once again as DR Congo face Algeria in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash.

The once-shy youngster, now a pillar of the Congolese midfield, is ready for centre stage.

“You have to manage pressure, but Noah has that maturity despite his age. He will be ready for this match,” his coach Desabre confidently states.

Balancing audacity and responsibility, Sadiki embodies the ambition of DR Congo’s youth and the future of the Leopards. For him, every touch of the ball is a chance to prove he made the right choice, and that he is ready to carry his nation to greater heights.

At just 21, Sadiki is no longer merely a prospect. He is already a leader, a reference point and a symbol, ready to write a new chapter in the history of Les Leopards.