Cedric Bakambu: Rediscovering home as DR Congo chase World Cup dream
For Cedric Bakambu, football is no longer just about goals and glory. It’s about identity, belonging, and the deep pull of home.
As the DR Congo striker eyes one last push to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026, he stands not only as the Leopards’ talisman, but also as the bridge between generations — a player rediscovering his roots while carrying the dreams of millions.
“I’ve got to admit, I think about it all the time. It really matters, because it could be historic,” Bakambu said, his voice heavy with emotion as he reflected on DR Congo’s pursuit of their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
A nation’s hope, a striker’s mission
The Leopards have often flirted with qualification, but few times have they come this close. Sitting second in Group B, Sebastien Desabre’s side trail Senegal by just two points heading into the final rounds. Bakambu remains undeterred.
“We’re still on track even though we lost against Senegal. Where there’s life, there’s hope,” he insisted. “It makes no difference if we qualify for the World Cup directly or through the play-offs. The target is still the same. It won’t be easy, but we’ll do everything in our power.”
The 34-year-old Real Betis forward has been central to DR Congo’s campaign, scoring three goals and setting up two more in their recent fixtures. Against Senegal, his early strike electrified a sold-out Stade des Martyrs, even as the Leopards eventually fell 3-2.
“For me, Senegal are the best team in Africa. You could sense it on the pitch,” Bakambu admitted. “They know all about playing on the biggest stage in the world. Nobody can say that Senegal didn’t deserve to win. Hats off to them.”
Finding home through football
For Bakambu, wearing the Congolese shirt has always meant more than just representing a team — it’s been a personal journey of rediscovery. Born in France to Congolese parents, he had never set foot in the country before his first call-up. What he found in Kinshasa changed him forever.
“I’d never set foot in Congo DR before my first call-up,” he recalled. “When I arrived for my first national-team camp, I was blown away. I’d seen the buzz on social media, but that was nothing compared to what I actually experienced.”
That homecoming became the foundation of a deeper connection. “Football has helped me to get back to my roots,” he said. “I’ve also had the opportunity to go to Kongo Central and reconnect with the village where my ancestors came from. It’s something really powerful.”
More than goals, a legacy
Now chasing Dieumerci Mbokani’s all-time scoring record for DR Congo, Bakambu says his motivation comes not from numbers but from meaning. “Whenever I score for my country, it genuinely feels like the first time,” he said. “It’s always special to score for your country, but right now, the focus is on the team and on putting together a run of wins to secure our place at the World Cup.”
He knows qualification would transcend sport — it would unite a nation that has long sought joy through football. “You know, I really love my country and I’m very well liked by people there too,” he said. “I see myself in them and I try to do my bit by helping them, with as much humility as possible.”
A dream for a nation
As DR Congo prepares for their crucial fixtures against Togo and Sudan, Bakambu remains the face of quiet belief and unwavering pride. “What’s my wildest dream? Honestly, it’s playing in the World Cup with Congo DR,” he said with a smile.
And if that dream comes true, it will not just belong to him — but to every Congolese who has ever dared to believe.